Saddle Bag

Thule waterproof saddle bag

As a cyclist who always seems to not have enough pockets, I am always in the need of a good saddle bag. This is another deceptively simple object, on the one hand it is just a bag but as a cycling bag it must fit several criteria in order to function effectively as a saddle bag. It needs to be a particular shape to fit under the saddle without hitting the wheel or generally interfering with the workings of the bike, yet it also needs to be big enough to store enough things to be useful. It also needs to fit objects which can be an awkward shape like spare tyre inner tubes.This saddle bag fits these criteria by being long and a mix of a rectangular and triangular shape. It has a wider point at its opening and then gets narrower as you move further down the bag to where it attaches to the bike. This shape allows the bag to have plenty of storage without being too large for the space it needs to occupy. A bonus of the bag being this shape is also that it is more aerodynamic than a square shape would be, with bike accessories in most cases needing to be as aerodynamic as possible.

A saddle bag also must have a simple way of attaching itself to the saddle but also be secure, so it does not fall off when you are riding around. The design of this bag solves this by using clips at the front opening so it is secure and nothing falls out and Velcro hoops, one to attach round the saddle post and two more which wrap around the saddle rails. The straps ensure the bag is secure whilst also, fitting the criteria of being easy to take off. The final two design features are not necessarily essential but are very useful. The first is that it is made using a waterproof material, which in Britain you could argue is an essential feature. The second is that the material used in the bag is very light, which is convenient because it means, particularly when cycling uphill it is not too heavy on the back of the bike. Also, in general you want everything on a bike to be as light as possible.