What Is a Saddle Bag – and Who Needs One?
If you want to transport tools, accessories or luggage when cycling, a saddle bag for your bike is a great solution. It makes no difference whether you're on an electric bike, mountain bike, gravel bike or trekking bike. Unlike other bike bags, a saddle bag almost always fits on the bike, is positioned inconspicuously and doesn't get in the way. And you don't have to carry everything you put in it on your body – strong arguments in favor of the saddle bag.
But the saddle bag is not only incredibly practical, it is just as versatile. Because there are many different bike saddlebags that differ in size and area of use. We explain which one is right for your bike based on the areas of use and functions.
Bicycle Saddle Bags – These Designs Are Available
In principle, saddle bags differ according to their intended use and the bikes on which they are mounted. There are the following main categories:
- Trekking saddle bags: Saddle bags for electric bikes and touring bikes can be slightly larger, as weight is not a decisive factor. They offer space for everything you might need on the road: tools, pump, spare tube, keys, money and food – and in the best case even a small compact weather protection.
- Gravel bike saddle bags: Saddle bags are particularly useful on gravel bikes. They offer space for everything you need on a day tour or real storage space when bikepacking. They should be waterproof and are often equipped with reflective materials. The size depends on the intended use: for everyday use, the saddle bag should be large enough for tools and a pump, spare inner tube and possibly a compact rain jacket.
- Bikepacking saddle bag: Very large saddle bags with a really large capacity are popular for bikepacking. In the scene, these are also known as "ass rockets" due to their shape. They often hold up to 30 liters
- Mountain bike saddle bags: Saddle bags for MTBs hold tools, cartridge pumps, spare parts and food. MTB saddle bags are also robust and waterproof. Going bikepacking, the same applies to mountain bike saddle bags as for gravel bikes
- Road bike saddle bag: Saddle bags for road bikes are small and light to minimize air resistance and weight. They offer space for the inner tube and, if necessary, for money and keys. If you are planning a day-long tour, the bag can be slightly larger to provide space for a few energy bars and a wind vest
Buying Advice – the Most Important Features
The most important property of a saddle bag is certainly its capacity. But there are also a few other features that you should look out for when buying one. You can use the filter function in the menu on the left to search specifically for these features.
- Capacity: The decisive criterion for a saddle bag is its size. Bags with a capacity of less than two liters are recommended for sporty bikes and offer space for tools, inner tubes and essentials. If you are riding an electric bike or trekking, a bag with a capacity of up to five liters is fine, with extra space for a jacket and food. If you're going bikepacking for several days, a really large bag with a capacity of at least ten liters is the way to go. Depending on the length of your trip, there are bags with up to 30 liters.
- Mount: Saddle bags are available with a mount in the scope of delivery and with fastening options such as hook-and-loop fasteners. So think about what suits your bike best
- Ease of use: Depending on the intended use, how you reach the contents of the saddle bag can play a role. various designs here – for example with access to the main compartment from the side or from behind.
- Moisture protection: For bikes without fenders and for bikepacking, the saddle bag must be waterproof. This applies all the more if you are transporting sensitive items such as electronics.
- Reflectors/lights: Reflectors are a practical feature. If you have days of touring on your agenda, then you should definitely look out for them. Some saddle bags also offer an attachment option for a rear light – practical for the commute to work and for night rides when bikepacking.
- Compression: With larger saddle bags, especially for bikepacking, it is practical if the bag can be compressed when not fully loaded. This means that nothing moves when cornering or pedaling, as this can be dangerous depending on the weight
Buy Saddle Bags at BIKE24 – Summary
Saddle bags are extremely practical on any bike for everything you always need to have with you but don't want to carry directly on your body. If you want to buy a saddle bag, first think about: What do you always want to have with you? This will tell you the right size to look for. Also decide whether you need features such as reflectors and whether the saddle bag should be waterproof. With large bags for bikepacking, you should make sure that the saddle bag is compressible.
By the way: If you are looking for even more packing options such as handlebar bags, frame bags or hydration belts, you will also find a large selection in our range.