10 Best Saddle Bags For Road Bikes 2021

Have you ever gone out on your road bike, on a bicycle trip but you needed to pack a few things? Sure, a backpack is okay but it adds a lot of weight to your back especially on a long-distance trip.

Well, there is a solution! How about a bag that can be attached to your saddle allowing you to cycle effortlessly while still carrying your items?

In today’s post, we’re going to talk about the best saddle bags for road bikes.

Best Road Bike Saddle Bag – Budget

LifeLine Stash Saddle Bag

Thanks to the PVC leather and polyester material, this saddle bag is waterproof. What’s more, it comes with 3M reflective strips and a clip to attach a rear light to help with visibility.

In case you’re wondering, this cycle saddle bag is available in 4 different sizes; extra small, small, medium, and large stash. The best part is, this bag is budget-friendly and it can last for years.

The only downside is the Velcro straps can easily wear out if they’re not handled with care.

Manufacturers Specs

• Size: 400 ml, 500 ml, 700 ml, 1200 ml 
• Weight: 68 g, 88 g, 102 g, 129 g 
• Waterproof: Yes

What We Like

• Waterproof
• Durable material
• Budget-friendly
• Available in 4 different sizes
• 3M reflective strips
• Clip for rear light

What We Don’t Like

• The straps can wear out

Summary

If you’re looking for a waterproof saddle bag, this is an ideal option.

Topeak Aero Bike Saddle Bag

The extra small size of this Topeak saddle bag has a capacity of 400 millilitres and the large one comes with a 1.97L capacity. In other words, the small bag can fit just the essentials and the large saddle bag size can accommodate your gadgets such as cameras and smartphones. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about any of your items getting wet since it’s a waterproof bag. Besides that, it features a 3M reflective strip and it’s compatible with the backlight; it’s much easier for other people to see you when it gets dark.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with mounts and hooks for a tighter grip. However, it will work just fine with the hook and loop strap with a buckle.

Manufacturers Specs

• Size: 400 ml, 660 ml,1.31 L, 1.97 L
• Weight: 85 g, 100 g, 130 g, 165 g 
• Waterproof: Yes

What We Like

• It’s compatible with rear light
• It’s water-resistant
• Available in 4 different sizes
• Hook and loop strap with buckle
• 3M reflective strap

What We Don’t Like

• No mounts or hooks

Summary

This one of the most complete budget-friendly saddle bags on the market.

BV Bicycle Y-Series Road Bike Saddle Bag

Quite impressive, this bike seat pack features a hanger at the back that you can attach a tail light for easier visibility at night. Of course, you can choose different sizes from extra small to large.

On the inside, it’s fitted with a mesh pocket and an elastic strap to secure smaller items. It also comes with a zipper mouth at the top to allow easier access.

Its biggest shortcoming is that the material can leak water into the bag when it rains. Then again, you could use a plastic cover to protect your smartphone or a waterproof phone mount.

Manufacturers Specs

• Size: 300 ml, 400 ml, 900 ml, 1.2 L
• Weight: 79 g, 85 g, 108 g, 136 g 
• Waterproof: No

What We Like

• 4 different sizes
• Easy access
• Elastic strap and inside mesh pocket
• Tail light compatible
• Aerodynamic design

What We Don’t Like

• Not waterproof

Summary

This is one of the best bike saddle bags to fix a tail light onto.

Best Small Road Bike Saddle Bag 

Scicon Elan 210 Carbonium Saddle Bag

This road bike saddle bag is made of carbonium which is a very durable carbon material. It only weighs 44 grams with a 210 cc capacity but enough to fit in your essential cycling kits.

Since it’s small and attached under the seat, it will unlikely to get wet when it rains; the saddle acts as a shade. Not to mention, it’s aerodynamic design is intentional so that it doesn’t slow you down on a road bike.

Suffice to say, this is not the ideal saddle bag if you want to carry more items than the essentials.

Manufacturers Specs

• Size: 210 ml
• Weight: 44 g
• Waterproof: Yes

What We Like

• Extra small size and weight
• Aerodynamic design
• Ideal for road bikes
• Durable material
• Waterproof
• Easy to install

What We Don’t Like

• It doesn’t fit a lot of items

Summary

If you’re into racing using a road bike, this is the most best saddle bag for a road bike, in our opinion. 

Best Premium Road Bike Saddle Bags 

Blackburn Outpost Seat Pack

What makes this Blackburn seat pack unique is the roll-top design which allows you to minimize or expand the size of the bag depending on the contents inside. It’s also made using PVC waterproof material.

The harness makes it possible to remove the bag without detaching the support system; it’s very flexible and easy to fit. Did I mention, it features daisy chain loops to attach more items?

Well, it’s a little heavy if you think about it, but that is expected from a bike seat bag with a capacity of 11 litres.

Manufacturers Specs

• Size: 11 L
• Weight: 1.04 pounds 
• Waterproof: Yes

What We Like

• Waterproof
• Convenient harness system
• Roll-top design
• Hook and loop attachment
• Large size
• Tight fit

What We Don’t Like

• It’s heavy

Summary

If you love camping with a mountain bike, this saddle bag could be what you’re looking for. 

Evoc Seat Pack Boa

This Evoc saddle bag has a 2 L capacity, but surprisingly, it doesn’t take much space under the seat. Even better, it’s made of heavy-duty straps that are not easy to wear out and the material is waterproof.

If you want, you can even unhook it, strap it around your waist and take it with you. Despite its large size, it’s lightweight and you probably won’t notice it on your bike.

However, it’s a little bit expensive compared to other products on our guide.

Manufacturers Specs

• Size: 2 L
• Weight: 198 g
• Waterproof: Yes

What We Like

• Waterproof and durable
• Easy to fix
• Large with aerodynamic design
• Lightweight
• Portable

What We Don’t Like

• It’s expensive

Summary

This is a large road bike saddle bag but with an aerodynamic design.

Restrap Saddle Bag Holster and Dry Bag

This cycle saddle bag is made by military-grade Cordura material with a nylon layer. That means, it can endure harsh weather conditions without tearing or wearing out. 

As for the attachment technique, it uses hook and loop strap fasteners reinforced with a magnetic buckle. The best part is, the inside dry bag can shapeshift (become smaller or bigger) depending on the items that you’ve added. 

There is just one thing though; it’s expensive but then again, that’s why we call it a premium product.

Manufacturers Specs

• Size: 14 L
• Weight: 464 g
• Waterproof: Yes

What We Like

• Military-grade material
• Magnetic buckle for extra security
• Reflective at night
• Stable fit
• Waterproof

What We Don’t Like

• It’s expensive

Summary

A waterproof military-grade bike saddle bag built for endurance.

Best Large Saddle Bags for a Road Bike

Topeak BackLoader Saddle Bag

This saddle bag is available in 3 different weight levels; 6, 10, and 15 litres. Regardless of whichever size you pick, it will be capable of carrying a load of up to 5 kg.

But that’s not all; the polyethylene/nylon material used on this saddle bag is both waterproof and stain-resistant. Not to forget, the roll-top closure makes it convenient to shrink the size if you’re fitting smaller items.

On the flip side, it’s not very aerodynamic but it compensates that by reducing the pendulum effect to keep it when riding.

Manufacturers Specs

• Size: 6 L, 10 L, 15 L
• Weight: 445 g, 480 g, 565 g
• Waterproof: Yes

What We Like

• Waterproof inner bag
• Roll-top closure
• Air release button
• Easy to mount
• Stain-resistant material

What We Don’t Like

• Not aerodynamic

Summary

It sustains a tight grip on the saddle even with a heavy load. 

Evoc Seat Bag Tour

If you want a seat bag that is large but not too big, this Evoc seat bag tour fits the description. In fact, it doesn’t interfere with the aerodynamics, and the nylon material is waterproof.

Despite its 1 L size, you can easily remove it from the saddle and carry it along with you. To top it off, it’s designed with a pocket mesh inside to hold your smartphone or wallet.

Even though the material is durable, you have to be extra careful when dealing with the velco straps since they’re fragile.

Manufacturers Specs

• Size: 1 L
• Weight: 97 g
• Waterproof: Yes

What We Like

• Budget-friendly
• Aerodynamic design
• Water repellant
• Very durable
• Portable
• Reflective backlight clip

What We Don’t Like

• The velco straps are fragile

Summary

This is a large saddle bag that is lightweight and portable.  

Alston Bicycle Saddle Bag

How about a 10L bicycle saddle bag that can fit almost everything from your cycling jersey, repair tool kit, smartphone, tail light to your wallet? Not only is it made of waterproof PVC material, it also features non-skid leather on contact position to prevent it from slipping off the seat post.

Beyond that, it’s designed with reflective tape and a smart tail light hanger to enhance safety during night time. Surprisingly, it weighs about 1.2 pounds despite its large capacity.

However, this saddle bag is better suited for mountain bikes than road bikes.

Manufacturers Specs

• Size: 10 L
• Weight: 1.2 pounds 
• Waterproof: Yes

What We Like

• Waterproof
• Reflective tail
• Large storage space
• Non-skid leather to prevent slip effect
• Budget-friendly

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for road bikes

Summary

If you’re searching for a large and budget-friendly bicycle saddle bag, consider this product.

What is A Road Bike Saddle Bag, and Why Would You Use It?

A saddle bag, otherwise known as a seat bag, is a type of bag that is usually secured under the saddle of a bicycle.

A saddle bag is often used to carry cycling essentials such as spare tubes, CO2 inflators, puncture repair kit, and canisters. If you want, you can even use a saddle bag to carry your phone, wallet, meds, snacks, rain gear, camera, first aid kit, or anything small but important.

3 Things to Consider When Buying a Bike Saddle Bag

Saddle bag Size and Weight

The first thing that you need to consider before buying a saddle bag is size and weight. This is because the size and weight will determine what type of items you will carry in your bike saddle bag.

Most manufacturers specify the size of a saddle bag in milliliter volume, cubic centimeter (CC), or dimensions. On the other hand, weight is usually listed in grams or pounds.

In retrospect, most extra small bike seat bags in the market are available with a volume of not more than 500 ml or cc and a weight not exceeding 90 grams. Medium-sized saddle bags typically come with a size of not more than 700 ml or cc and a weight not exceeding 130 grams.

As for the big boys, any bike seat bag with 1 litre capacity and above is considered a large saddle bag, regardless of the weight.

You would be surprised, some extra-large saddle bags like the Topeak BackLoader Saddle Bag have a capacity of up to 15 litres!

Waterproofing

Sure, the saddle bag is positioned under the bike seat which could give it a shade when it’s raining. Nevertheless, if your bike seat pack is not made of waterproof material, it’s evident the water will somehow find its way in.

The best bike saddle bags in the market are usually covered with a layer of synthetic leather, plastic, or water-resistant nylon materials. Otherwise, if the bag is not waterproof, you would need to wrap your smartphone in plastic cover and pray for the best when it’s raining.

Attachment and Closure

Most small and medium saddle bags that want to emphasize security are usually designed with mounts or hooks that you can attach under the seat frame; this would make it difficult to remove it.

Alternatively, most bicycle saddle bags have hook and loop strap fasteners that make it easy to fit. However, such types of hook and loop straps require to be kept in mint condition to avoid dealing with a loose grip.

For the closure method, almost all bike saddle bags nowadays use zips to open and close. If you want something extra in case the zip fails, choose a bag with buckles, clasps, fold-over flaps, or roll-up cases.

Credit: Lolostock, Canva.

Bike Saddle Bag FAQs

What are the essential items to carry in a saddle bag when out cycling?

A. The most basic items to carry in your bike saddle bag should include an inner tube, multi-tool, patch kit, CO2 cartridge, smartphone, digital pressure gauge, and money or credit card.

What is the best saddle bag for a road bike?

In our opinion, the best saddle bag for a road bike is the Lifeline Stash. See above for the full review. 

How do I decide which size of saddle bag to buy?

A. Before you buy a saddle bag, think about the purpose of your bike and write a list of the items you want to fit into the bag. It could be anything from the basic essential to things like clothes for camping.

If you want a bike seat bag for daily commuting to work or school, a medium-sized bag would be convenient. Of course, if you’re a racer, you should go with a small saddle bag.

Anything else like camping or delivering products would require a large bike saddle bag.

Should I buy a waterproof saddle bag?

A. It depends. If you’re living in an arid area where it rarely rains or whatever items you want to store in your bag won’t spoil if they get in contact with water, it’s okay to buy a saddle bag that is not waterproof.

However, if you will be carrying something like a smartphone or you just don’t want your items to get wet, it would make sense to buy a waterproof saddle bag.

Conclusion

Whether you’re going camping, hiking, or commuting to your school or workplace, a saddle bag will make it easier to pack your items.

Of course, there are all kinds of saddle bags on the market but you should settle for the best quality. In essence, a saddle bag that is waterproof, durable, with a solid attachment and convenient to accommodate the items that you want to carry.

Whichever saddle bag you pick should depend on your preference. However, all the products on this guide are the best saddle bags you will find on the market.