It's a good idea to carry at least basic spares with you on a bike ride. Usually to repair a puncture or perhaps fix a mechanical issue. There are a few different ways to carry your spares. You can keep them all in a saddle bag behind your saddle, in a frame bag, in your jersey pockets or in a storage bottle in one of your bottle cages.
I think a saddle bag is the best option though. I've tested a range of saddle bags and have come up with a solid selection which should feature something for every rider, whether you're looking for a smaller, neat unit or a large bag to carry the works in.
The right saddle bag will allow you to carry everything you need without worry, looks good and is always attached to your bike. Take some time to get your setup sorted and you can't go wrong. It's a comforting feeling knowing you are carrying exactly what you need to fix the usual roadside mechanicals and get yourself out of trouble.
The Blackburn Grid saddlebag takes the top spot for me as my best overall option. I've used it for the Paris-Roubaix Challenge and my 311km epic in the Swiss mountains this summer. It's deceptively roomy which is why I rate it, but it still looks neat and tidy on the bike; another key concern for me.
Head down to the bottom of the page for more advice and pictures on what to carry and how to choose the right saddlebag.
The Blackburn Grid gets the nod as as best overall because it looks neat and tidy on the bike, but can crucially hold just that bit more than its rivals, which I've found valuable this year. The Velcro loop also fits aero seatposts which is handy these days.
The Silca Mattone seat pack is a premium saddle bag that uses a BOA dial for retention. It's well-made and is deceptively roomy. The BOA dial and pack strap itself can be used separately.
The Elementa saddleback from Topeak is a compact, stylish saddlebag. It uses the Topeal Rail wing system which means it can stay mounted in place whilst you open it up and get your spares out.
The Topeak Aero Wedge Pack is something of a classic and you see it on plenty of bikes. The saddle bag itself is extendable meaning it's useful if you like to do longer trips or find what you carry changes from ride to ride.
The Lezyne M Caddy is a fully loaded saddlebag that comes with multi-tool, tyre levers, pre-glued patches, two CO2 cartridges and a CO2 inflator. If you are buying your first saddle bag this will take care of a lot of the tool requirements you may have at first.
The Burrito Pack from Topeak takes the form of a fold-out tool roll. It would be at home on road, gravel or MTB and offers an alternate way to store and access your tools.
You can trust Cyclingnews
Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Recent updates
This guide was last updated in September 2024 We added a new entry in the Bontrager Pro Quick Cleat saddle bag and removed one option we thought was beaten by others. We also added additional pictures to help the buying decision and added 'buy if' and 'don't buy if' boxes to help you narrow things down even further.
Written by
Written by
Tom Wieckowski
I started riding at my local cycling club over twenty years ago and have been riding and racing ever since. I've used countless saddle bags out on the road and have the experience to know what works, and what won't.
I'm also a qualified bike mechanic and know what needs to be included in terms of spares to get you out of trouble out on the road.
All the saddle bags in this guide attach safely to a bike and stay put. They all have enough space to carry at least the essential spares. The rest is down to what's right for you.
Best Overall
Image 1 of 2
The Blackburn grid looks neat but has a large capacity in a size M(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
Just make sure you don't mislay the velcro straps (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
1. Blackburn Grid Seatbag
Best saddlebag overall
Specifications
Weight: 69g
Listed Volume: 0.8L - size M
Size options: S/M/L
Reasons to buy
+
Reflective side panels
+
Rear light clip
+
Deceptively roomy
Reasons to avoid
-
Velcro straps not attached to the bag, risk of losing them
Buy it if
✅ You still want a neat saddle bag, but like to carry just that little bit more
✅ You do some longer events where the ability to stow some extras in a saddlebag will be useful
Don't buy it if
❌ You want the smallest possible bag
The Grid takes my best overall spot this year, primarily for its neat yet surprisingly roomy capacity.
I tested the size Medium and could fit everything I needed in well. There's also a small internal pocket for emergency money or patches which is useful. The Velcro straps aren't attached in any way to the bag, so you will need to make sure they don't come off at the side of the road etc. This does mean the straps are replaceable should the Velcro ever wear out. The seatpost strap crucially still fits lots of aero seatposts which feature on lots of newer road bikes.
I rode the Paris-Roubaix challenge using this saddlebag and the Chasing Cancellara sportive and chose it because it's tough and a bit roomier but still looks compact and neat on a road bike. I fitted all my usual spares plus extras in and it didn't move an inch over 146km of rough cobblestones. You won't be disappointed if you go for one of these. During my 311km Swiss adventure, I was able to stash some neoprene toe covers in the bag as extra security for when it rained.
The bag is really sleek and has a quality construction. There's a lifetime guarantee, and it's constructed from 210T nylon ripstop material and uses nylon zipper pull loops which are easy to pull.
Premium option
Image 1 of 2
The Silca Mattone is super sleek, but it costs (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
The shape suits a rolled up tube well and there's a divider inside (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
2. Silca Mattone Seat Pack
A premium option with a BOA closure
Specifications
Weight: 86g
Listed Volume: 0.41L
Size options : One Size
Reasons to buy
+
Premium feel
+
Compact, neat shape
+
Deceptively roomy
Reasons to avoid
-
Top end of the price range
-
BOA can be tricky to thread through some saddle rails
Buy it if
✅ You want a luxury saddle bag, with a unique closure system
✅ You like a smaller, neater saddle bag, this is a tidy one
Don't buy it if
❌ You don't want or need to spend top dollar on a saddle bag
If you don't know already, Silca is renowned for making some pretty high-end tools and accessories and the Mattone seat pack is in line with its other offerings. It's a stylish saddlebag and features a Silca logo on top and the side of the strap.
The Mattone is available in one single size which is listed as having a 0.4-litre capacity, Silca says it can hold a tube, tyre levers, CO2 regulator and canisters. I've found I can get more in than this though and carry everything I need. It's a little roomier than the smallest saddlebags you can see and its size is well-executed. The official dimensions are 120mm x 85mm x 40mm. It still looks compact and stylish but you can comfortably fit in pretty much everything without needing to cull anything.
I have to be honest, before testing the saddlebag I thought the BOA closure system was a little silly. What's wrong with a strong velcro strap? However the BOA seems to work well in use and cinches the tough Hypalon strap of the bag down tight, It also brings a premium, techy look to the table and if you want to pay top dollar for a saddlebag and treat yourself, why not?
The Mattone has a quality feel and as mentioned is stylish to boot, You can also use the strap with BOA on its own to maybe carry just a tube, pump and levers, giving you a bit more versatility.
The smallest
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
The material does require a brushing though if it gets really muddy (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
3. Topeak Elementa
A compact, stylish seatbag that you can still fit a lot into
Specifications
Weight: 43g
Listed Volume: XS:0.2L / S:0.3L / M:0.5L
Size options: XS/S/M
Reasons to buy
+
Stylish
+
Choice of two colours
+
Rail wing system makes life easier
Reasons to avoid
-
Slightly flappy zip
-
Setup is a bit little fiddly
Buy it if
✅ You don't tend to carry too many spares
✅ You want a small, stylish bag
Don't buy it if
❌ You want to carry loads of spares and like having extra space
If you are looking for a small saddlebag to carry the essentials but that doesn't size up too big, the Elementa is a solid choice. It comes in three size options but all are compact, neat and small.
I tested the green version of the bag which looks smart in a size small and it was still big enough for a butyl tube, comprehensive multi-tool, patches, CO2 inflator etc - everything I would normally carry essentially.
The bag also uses what Topeak calls the 'wing rail' system, which is just extra velcro straps to go over the seat rails meaning the bag can stay in place whilst you open it and doesn't need to come off the bike, saving time and effort. There are also two external velcro loops for CO2 canisters or whatever extra spares you fancy.
The biggest
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
The bag really opens up and you can get a lot of spares stowed inside (Image credit: Future)
✅ You want a large saddle bag to carry plenty of spares
✅ You don't mind carrying a larger bag
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a smaller bag
❌ You don't have too much seatpost showing on your bike
The Aero Wedge from Topeak is something of a classic and you often see them in bike shops or mounted underneath riders' saddles. It's one of the largest bags in the guide and is worth looking at if you want to pack more in.
It comes in four different size options and unique to the saddlebags in this guide, can extend its overall length by a few centimetres with an additional built-in zippered section. A trump card if you're doing longer rides or events or just like to carry that little bit more in your bag.
I tested the regular velcro-mounted option, but Topeak also makes another version that mounts using a plastic clip that the brand calls the QuickClick system to the saddle rails. There is also a light clip on the front to mount a rear light and reflective band, as well as an internal mesh pocket for small items.
Mounting is done via a velcro seatpost strap and two buckled straps on either saddle rail. I found the velcro strap to come up a little short on a 27.2mm seatpost, trimming it or shimming it out would probably improve the fit.
Best value
Image 1 of 2
The Lezyne M-Caddy comes loaded with spares and ready to go (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
If your looking for your first saddle bag this could be a nice buy (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
5. Lezyne M - Caddy Co2 kit
Spares are included as standard
Specifications
Weight: 69g / 245g with included tools
Listed Volume: N/A
Size options: One size
Reasons to buy
+
Ready to ride off the bat
+
External tool pouch saves space
+
Great for first-time buyers
Reasons to avoid
-
Not the snuggest fit on round seatposts
-
Internal organisers a tight fit
Buy it if
✅ You need some spares too
✅ Your buying your first saddle bag
Don't buy it if
❌ You already have all the spares and tools you need
The Lezyne M Caddy C02 kit is a great option if you're looking to buy your first saddlebag and need some tools and spares too. A pre-filled saddlebag is a really good idea for me and does some of the legwork for you when it comes to buying the right spares.
The M Caddy CO2 comes with; a Twin Speed Drive CO2 Head, 2x 16g CO2 Cartridges, RAP II-6 Multi-Tool, Smart Kit pre-glued patches and double-ended Tire Levers. Aside from a spare inner tube which you can pick up easily this kit will give you a great base to start with or freshen up your kit nicely if you want a new saddlebag. Lezyne also makes some other pre-filled seat bag options.
I did find it wasn't the tightest fit on my 27.2mm round seatpost, the Velcro straps could be better at securing the bag, but for aero or d-shaped seat posts that are a little larger, it will fit nicely.
Fold out tool roll
The Topeak Burrito suits MTB or gravel riding well and folds out nicely (Image credit: Future / Tom Wieckowski)
6. Topeak Burrito
A roll up tool wrap that still looks tidy under the saddle
Specifications
Weight: 89g
Listed Volume: Inner tube sizes -26” x 1.75 - 29” x 19/2.35 and 700c. Topeak CO2 inflater, CO2 cartridges, Tire levers
Size options: One size
Reasons to buy
+
Nice to work out of when folded out
+
Quality construction
+
Really sturdy, quality velcro strap
Reasons to avoid
-
Looks slightly bulkier
Buy it if
✅ You like the aesthetic and idea and want something a bit different
✅ Working out of the bag or travelling with it suits you
Don't buy it if
❌ You want your saddle bag to be less bulky or even aero
If you are interested in something a bit different from a regular zippered bag, the Burrito roll from Topeak is another saddlebag worth a look at.
When unfolded there are three compartments to stow spares in one of which has internal elastic holders. It's also nice to work out of at home or roadside should you need it. It also has two elastic straps at either end to keep everything neat.
It looks a little bit bulkier on the bike (depending on what you put in it) but a well-considered setup will result in a really tidy, neat fold-up and a cool-looking bag.
Construction feels quality and the material which Topeak says has a durable water-repellent and stain-resistant coating. Water does just run off the surface which is nice as this bag will suit gravel and MTB's too.
More options
Image 1 of 2
The Pro performance bag is tidy and well made (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
There's a useful mesh pocket in the front (Image credit: Future)
7. Pro Performance saddle bag
A wide range of sizes and quality velcro straps for a snug fit
Specifications
Weight: 64 grams
Listed Volume: 0.6L
Size options: S,M,L,XL
Reasons to buy
+
Soft protector tab for your seatpost
+
Quality feel and velcro closure
+
Snug fit when mounted
Reasons to avoid
-
Gets quite narrow at the rear
Buy it if
✅ You prioritise a small, stylish saddle bag
✅ You don't need to carry too many spares
Don't buy it if
❌ You have a wider, aero seatpost, the velcro strap may struggle
The Pro Performance saddle bag is a quality bag that does a lot of things really well. It uses strong, sturdy velcro straps that aren't too long to affix to the seatpost and saddle rails. There are some nice touches like an extra rubber flap to protect your carbon seatpost from the strap buckle.
You can also leave the bag in place and easily open it to access spares which is always useful thanks to its design. Like some of the other bags here, there's a mesh internal pocket and reflective panel on the rear.
I tested the Medium bag and found it to be big enough to fit my spares in whilst still looking stylish and fitting in visually on the bike. It's become one of my go-to bags and is one of the sleekest looking here.
Image 1 of 3
After the Topeak Aero, the Zefal is the next largest bag in the guide (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
The Zefal has a boxy, square profile (Image credit: Future)
The shape tapers towards the back so bear this in mind (Image credit: Future)
8. Zefal Z Light Pack
An internal insert provides shape and structure to this bag
Specifications
Weight: 79 grams
Listed Volume: M: 0.9L
Size options: XS,S,M,L
Reasons to buy
+
Good shape and structure thanks to the internal insert
+
Tonnes of space
+
Velcro straps fixed to the bag
Reasons to avoid
-
Access not as easy as some other bags
Buy it if
✅ You want a large saddle bag that has a bit more shape than the Topeak Aero wedge
✅ You like to carry lots of spares
Don't buy it if
❌ You prioritise aesthetics, this is a boxier bag
The Zefal Z light bag takes a slightly different approach in its design than most of the bags here. The main difference is that fact it uses a large, thin plastic insert inside to give shape to the bag. This makes it sturdier gives it shape when mounted on the bike, and probably maximises space a bit too.
The bag also uses one long velcro strap to go around both rails and under the bag. Unlike the Blackburn bag, the straps are sewn on so you don't have to worry about losing them.
I tested a size Medium again and it's on the larger size for a Medium for me and looks quite neat and boxy when mounted it also sits a little higher than some bags just behind the back of my saddle which makes access easy.
Speaking of access, the plastic insert extends to the rear flap which means when the bag is unzipped you do have to hold it open a bit to access spares, no big deal but just something to note. It might make life a bit trickier on a cold winter day with gloves on for instance.
If you carry a lot regularly and want a bigger bag then the Zefal along with the Topeak Aero Wedge are probably the bags to look at.
Image 1 of 2
The Pro Quick Cleat pack makes swapping between bikes really easy (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
The sturdy plastic clip on the bag clips into the saddle rail mounted clamp (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
9. Bontrager Pro Quick Cleat seat pack
Best saddle bag for swapping between bikes
Specifications
Weight: 88 grams - 0.65 L / 41 grams - mount
Listed Volume: 0.65 / 0.93 L
Size options: Two
Reasons to buy
+
Makes swapping between bikes effortless
+
Mounts can be purchased separately
+
Good-looking, quality construction
Reasons to avoid
-
Sticks out slightly from the seatpost
Buy it if
✅ You want to swap saddle bags between bikes regularly
✅Your happy to invest in a few other clamps
Don't buy it if
❌ You want your bag to sit a bit closer to the seatpost and look more compact
The Bontrager Pro Quick Cleat seat pack provides a useful solution if you often swap saddle bags between different bikes, which can be a bit of a faff at times, and always seems to catch me out when I'm heading out of the door.
I tend to use the same saddle bag and swap between bikes, mainly because I have one packed exactly how I want it. The Bontrager system uses a saddle-mounted clamp that clips to the top of the saddle bag. If you purchase a few clamps and fit them to your bikes you can then effortlessly swap the saddle bag to the bike you need it on in seconds. I've found this to be a great timesaver when going from road to gravel bike for example.
There are two sizes of bags available 0.65 and 0.93 litres. I've tested the smaller of the two and can fit all my usual spares in easily. The bag itself is nicely made with a sealed zipper, grippy PU rubber centre section and nylon main body. There is also a small pocket inside and a loop at the rear to mount a light if you want to do that.
Bontrager states the saddle bag is compatible with carbon saddle rails, no tightening torque is given but use some common sense here, don't overtighten the clamp bolts or check with your saddle manufacturer if you aren't sure. I tightened my bag up until it wouldn't move on the rails and checked it after the first few rides.
How to choose
Choosing a saddle bag to buy is pretty simple really. My advice would be to first work out what you think you want to carry in your saddle bag, choose a bag that looks to be the right size in a style you like and go from there.
If you don't have any spares or tools yet and want to get set up straight away then I'd recommend going for the Lezyne Caddy, it's a good starting point and you can go from there.
As an example, I used to like to get away with the smallest possible saddle bag I could because I liked the look. I'd fit a tube, instant patches, a small tyre lever and perhaps a little multi-tool and that would be it. These days I like to go for a slightly bigger that holds a few more spares and gives a bit more security.
Do I need a saddlebag?
A saddle bag certainly isn't necessary for cycling. It is however one of the most useful and popular accessories you can fit to your bike.
As mentioned in the introduction there are other ways to carry your spares. But it will only take one experience of being stranded on the side of the road with no way of riding your bike home or fixing it to make you wish you were carrying the relevant spares. A saddle bag is an easy way to ensure you have what you need to get you home.
How much do you need to carry?
It's good to be prepared and self-sufficient. You won't make many friends on rides if you never turn up with any spares and expect other people to lend or give you theirs.
If you make sure you carry what you need to at the very least be able to resolve a puncture and make adjustments to your bike with some sort of multi-tool, then that's a good place to start. You can add to your kit from there as you collect spares or work out what works best for you.
If you're going long, check out our guide to the best bikepacking bags for some high-volume options.
What do I carry in my saddlebag?
A well-maintained bike should behave out on the road. However, I always want to know that I have the right spares with me. I also don't want to carry a huge saddlebag as I'm not keen on the aesthetics so cap my spares at a certain point.
I choose to carry a small mini pump in my jersey pocket and keep everything else in my bag. In my own, I have:
- Inner tube, CO2 canisters, CO2 inflator, instant tube patches, multi-tool with a chain breaker, valve core tool, tyre levers, tyre boot in case my tyre rips badly, chain quick link.
I can carry everything you see here bar the mini pump (jersey pocket) in my saddle bag (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)
Extra tips and tricks on what to carry
There are some handy, everyday items that are sometimes a good idea to put in your saddlebag if you have space that can help get you out of trouble.
- Spare cash, just in case.
- Contact lenses case filled with grease
- A few zip / cable ties
- Chain lubricant
- Latex gloves
- Electrical tape - wrap around pump or tyre levers
- Use sections of cut up old tyre as tyre boots to fit in your tyre in case you slash it.
Can you cut down on stuff?
Plenty of riders want to carry the smallest, lightweight bag and range of spares they can get away with and like lots of things, there are smaller, lighter-weight options you can go for.
There are options to reduce the size and weight of items you're carrying. Superlight and small inner tubes, referred to most commonly as TPU tubes these days are one of the biggest space savers in a saddle bag. They're a bit more expensive, but you're probably only ever going to need one or two and if you do have to use them, you can swap them back when you get home, particularly if you're running tubeless tyres.
Likewise, you can shed some weight by opting for a more compact multitool. The best bike multitools can pack a lot of tools into a compact device. It's worth doing an inventory of the bolts on your bike; there's no point in carrying a tool with Torx heads if you don't have any Torx bolts on your bike. Don't go too small though or you might not have enough leverage for some bolts.
Do you need a chain breaker on your tool? Chain problems are rare, so you might be prepared to risk not having one or if you usually ride with mates, you may only need one between you. Some seat packs have tyre levers built into them, so you may not need to carry separate items.
How do you want to attach your saddle bag to your bike?
Many saddlebags use basic velcro straps attached to your saddle. This is the lightest weight and arguably the most secure option - just make sure to watch where the loop goes around your seatpost and where the rough side of the hook and loop ends. If it's in a bad spot or peels up a bit you may wear a hole through your shorts, or an expensive carbon seatpost.
Of course, every brand in the bike industry is continually searching for a point of difference, and thus seat packs that use a bracket on the seat post or saddle rails also exist. These are often a bit heavier, and we have seen a few hit the eject button over rough sections of the road.
Often, they'll have a quick-release system though, making it easy to take your bag and its (often pricey) contents with you when you leave your bike. Get a second clip and you can quickly swap your bag between bikes.
Regardless of how they attach to your bike, most bags will utilise a zip to keep everything inside, while strap-on tool rolls may use buckles or even Boa dials.
How weather-proof do you want your bag to be?
With the best will in the world, sometimes water will just get into saddlebags over time. If you've been riding off-road or in the rain without full-length mudguards I'd recommend opening up your bag once you get home and checking things and or drying them iff.
Put key essentials in a plastic bag if you prefer and it never hurts to give metal tools a light spray with WD-40 or similar to keep rust at bay.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.
He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.
