Which is the Best Bicycle Saddle Bag?

One of the key safety points in bike riding is to always be sure that you have all the materials you need. Even for sports riders, it’s important to be able to carry all your essentials to make sure you have yourself covered in the case of an accident or even just for your basic health. Saddle bags for bicycles are super handy because they are essentially bags for your bike. They come in all kinds of different sizes and styles that it could be hard to choose the specific one for your needs.

If you’re confused at which type of bicycle saddle bag you’ll need or are not sure what specifications to look for, don’t fret! We have some of the best bicycle saddle bag reviews available to you complete with specifications and links to see for yourself. There are some really great benefits to owning a bicycle saddle bag in general, but it always helps to read reviews from other riders to help you with your decision.

Top 7 Best Bicycle Saddle Bags Comparisons

Brand

Details

saddle bag, bicycle saddle bag

Topeak MTX Trunk Bag Ex

  • Size: 13.8 by 8.3 by 7.5 inches (L x W x H)
  • Capacity: 480 cubic inches 
  • Color: Black
hard box, bicycle hard box, bike box

M-Wave Amsterdam Hard Box

  • Size: 16.5 x 10.2 x 8.3 inches
  • Weight: 4 pounds
  • Capacity: 17 liters
bike saddle roll-up bag, roll-up bag, bicycle saddle bag

Brooks Brick Lane Roll-Up Bicycle Panniers

  • Size: 13.4 x 14.2 x 3.9 inches
  • Weight: 2.18 pounds
  • Colors: Comes in three different colors
saddle bag, bike saddle bag, bicycle bag

Blackburn Local Saddle Bags

  • Size: 15.5 x 15 x 2 inches
  • Weight: 2.75 pounds
  • Colors: Assorted
Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers

Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Yellow/Black Saddle Bags 2016

  • Size: 14.2 x 14.2 x 3.9 inches
  • Weight: 4.19 pounds
  • Colors: Assorted
saddle bag, bicycle bag, bicycle saddle bag

Jandd Saddle Bag Pannier

  • Size: 11" x 14.5" x 3"
  • Weight: 2.3 pounds
  • Color: Black
saddle bag, bicycle saddle bag

Diamondback Dbs 50Ci Bicycle Saddle Bag, Small

  • Size: 11.2 x 5 x 1.9 inches
  • Weight: 0.32 ounces 
  • Color: Black

What is a Bicycle Saddle Bag?

bicycle saddle bag, bike bag, saddle bag

A bicycle saddle bag is one of many awesome bike accessories you can get and can vary from that standard iconic basket you see in the front of old bicycles from the movies, to a high-tech sports bag that can easily attach and drape over the bicycle. It’s kind of like a fanny pack for your bike – if you could imagine that. Although they sound cumbersome and bulky, you can really get a lot of use out of saddle bags and they come in all kinds of styles. There’s smooth and sleek for the bicyclist that prefers some rougher terrain or enjoys speed racing, and then there are the bulkier bags such as those iconic bicycle baskets you see in the front.

Whatever your preference is, these packs can come in handy, especially when you want to carry gear such as cameras, recorders or other techy stuff so you can catch the scenic view off the mountain. This could also be awesome if you are planning a picnic out in the woods with friends. It just depends on what kind of bag you want and the expectations you have from it.

What Should You Look for in Bicycle Saddle Bag?

bike saddle bag, saddle bag, bicycle bag
  • First, determine your specifications. If you need a bag that can withstand sports terrain, speed racing or even harsher terrain, you’re going to need a saddle bag that can keep up with you. This means you should look for a sleeker, more compact model.
  • Look for brands that prompt a more durable bag and look for details such as stitching and attachments. You need to make sure you’re buying a high-quality bag since it’s meant to keep up with you and your lifestyle.
  • Look at the shape, style and take extra care to inspect the way the bag is meant to fasten on to your bicycle. These are important because, as the rider, you’re going to need a bag that will work for your style or riding.
  • Prices are also a factor. There can be really expensive bags out there, but that doesn’t mean that they are better. If you have questions about a bag, always look for reviews or star ratings to get a better idea as to how the product works.
  • The size of the bag is also important. What exactly are you doing to use the bag for? Do you just need a few essentials here or there or do you want a bag that you can pack a lunch in? The bigger the bag, the more stuff you can pack in there, naturally.
  • Durability is important because you don’t want to spend money on something that isn’t going to last – no matter how much you may or may not use it. The more durable the product the better since it will be sure to keep up with you.
  • Once you assess these things, you are more than likely going to be more comfortable making a better educated decision when it comes to picking out your bicycle saddle bag. If you’re still not so sure, make sure to pay attention to the reviews, as there will be people who have used or have experience with this particular model and can better assess your concerns. With that being said, here are some of the top reviews for bicycle saddle bags.

    Top 7 Best Bicycle Saddle Bags Reviews

    Topeak MTX Trunk Bag Ex

    • Size: 13.8 by 8.3 by 7.5 inches (L x W x H)
    • Capacity: 480 cubic inches
    • Color: Black
    saddle bag, bicycle saddle bag

    The Topeak MTX Trunk Bag Ex has so many interesting features, it’d be hard to find anything really wrong with this saddle satchel. This is the type of bag that conveniently fastens on the back of the bike, which is why it’s called a trunk bag. This bag can be used by both professional and amateur bike riders and is also pretty easy to use. This product also boasts to have been used and tested for quality and durability. If you need a bag to carry a lot of stuff without wearing out, this is the bag for you.

    Pros

    • Highly durable and made of high quality
    • Quick Track system makes attaching this bag up to a bike a breeze
    • Is coated for water resistance  
    • Divided compartments make finding stuff super simple

    Cons

    • May be too large or cumbersome for some riders
    • May weigh a biker down depending on contents of bag
    • Will slip if not properly fastened

    M-Wave Amsterdam Hard Box

    • Size: 16.5 x 10.2 x 8.3 inches
    • Weight: 4 pounds
    • Capacity: 17 liters
    hard box, bicycle hard box, bike box

    The M-Wave Amsterdam Hard Box features all the greatness of a standard bicycle saddle bag, but with extra protection from a harder box. This is a sort of shell that will prevent anything from getting damaged within the bike, even in the event of a spill out or fall. This is particularly convenient for bikers who carry important gear with them such as cell phones, cameras or recorders. If you are the type that likes to ride up hard terrain and then photograph or take video, this could very well be the case for you.

    Pros

    • Reinforced with plastic
    • Locks with two keys
    • Fits on rear carrier rack of bicycles  
    • 17-liter volume

    Cons

    • May be too bulky or big for some riders
    • Items in box would need to be secured to prevent movement or sliding
    • Only comes in black

    Brooks Brick Lane Roll-Up Bicycle Panniers

    • Size: 13.4 x 14.2 x 3.9 inches
    • Weight: 2.18 pounds
    • Colors: Comes in three different colors
    bike saddle roll-up bag, roll-up bag, bicycle saddle bag

    The Brooks Brick Lane Roll-Up Bicycle Pannier is an interesting concept to a standard bicycle saddle bag because, just as the name states, it rolls up. This self-closing bag conveniently keeps all of your stuff rolled up together without taking up too much space or being too difficult to maneuver or close. This is the ideal bicycle saddle bag for those who do a lot of city riding and don’t need a bigger box since you’re not carrying as much stuff.

    Pros

    • Easy to use
    • Conveniently rolls up on its own – securing all of your belongings
    • Is lightweight  
    • Is a bit more fashionable than most bicycle saddle bags

    Cons

    • Won’t carry as much stuff as a standard bicycle saddle bag or box
    • May be too light
    • May not be what a rider needs to carry gear

    Blackburn Local Saddle Bags

    • Size: 15.5 x 15 x 2 inches
    • Weight: 2.75 pounds
    • Colors: Assorted
    saddle bag, bike saddle bag, bicycle bag

    The Blackburn Local Saddle Bags are more of your standard bicycle saddle bag situation. They are pretty roomy, so you have a lot of space to carry extra gear and this certain bag comes with a super nifty shoulder strap that is also removable. This way, instead of having to unpack your bag everywhere you go, you can simply throw it over your shoulder and take all your stuff with you. How much more convenient can you get?

    Pros

    • Convenient shoulder strap
    • Roomy enough for some gear
    • Comes in a few different colors  
    • Is a bit more lightweight than most

    Cons

    • May be too compact for some
    • Is not as durable as the hard plastic models
    • May be too flimsy or susceptible to damage

    Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Yellow/Black Saddle Bags 2016

    • Size: 14.2 x 14.2 x 3.9 inches
    • Weight: 4.19 pounds
    • Colors: Assorted
    Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers

    The Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Yellow/Black Saddle Bags are a modern spin on the traditional saddle bag. These bags feature unique roll and snap fastening systems that will easily and effectively attach to most bicycles. These have an integrated inner pocket that is also super convenient to use when you have multiple things you need to store and don’t want to waste time fishing around for particulars. The roll and snap closure make fastening a breeze, and hey, the colors are pretty great, too.

    Pros

    • A more modern bicycle saddle bag model
    • Comes in vibrant colors
    • Easy to attach roll and snap features  
    • Integrated inner pocket for organization.

    Cons

    • May be a bit too big for specific needs
    • May be a bit too bulky for some riders
    • Not a sleek design

    Jandd Saddle Bag Pannier

    • Size: 11" x 14.5" x 3"
    • Weight: 2.3 pounds
    • Color: Black
    saddle bag, bicycle bag, bicycle saddle bag

    The Jandd Saddle Bag Pannier is a super interesting and sturdy design. Made with thick fabric, this vinyl bag is pretty much indestructible. This is the type of bag that simply drapes over a bike rod and can be fastened with securing belts. This is a more traditional style of saddle bag that is capable of carrying all your gear and then some. Perfect for mountain biking or taking the scenic route to test out your new camera.

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Simple draping design
    • Fastens in place  
    • Extra high quality materials used

    Cons

    • Only comes in black
    • Price can be a bit steep for some
    • May be too bulky for what you need

    Diamondback Dbs 50Ci Bicycle Saddle Bag, Small

    • Size: 11.2 x 5 x 1.9 inches
    • Weight: 0.32 ounces
    • Color: Black
    saddle bag, bicycle saddle bag

    Smaller is better when it comes to the Diamondback Dbs 50Ci Saddle Bag. This nifty little bag is small in size but can definitely pack a lot of stuff. This is the ideal pack for bike riding up in the mountains or even for a speed racer who just needs a few essentials to talk along the marathon. This can easily hold a bottle for water and even some snacks and a camera. This is perfect for the minimalist who just needs to go out and ride without all the hassles.

    Pros

    • Super sleek, smaller design
    • Can still carry a lot of stuff
    • Ideal for someone who doesn’t like bulkier bags  
    • Will help you be more streamlined due to the sleek design

    Cons

    • May be too small for some
    • Only comes in black
    • Has Velcro

    In the Rearview


    So, there you have it. Some of the best, highly reviewed bicycle saddle bags you can find on the market. If you still aren’t so sure which of these nifty bags you’d prefer, most of these should come with warranties so you can simply test them out for yourself. If not, there are plenty of reviews within these links to help get you on your way.

    Overall using a bicycle saddle bag is supposed to be beneficial for the rider and an enjoyable experience altogether. Once you find the right bag for you, you’ll be surprised just how nifty these bags really are and how much they can hold. Who knows, maybe after you purchase one of these bags, you’ll wonder how you ever functioned without one. Just weigh the pros and cons of each bag and take it from there. Also consider what you use your bike for and decide accordingly – you wouldn’t want to get a bag that is too bulky for your tastes or a bag that is too small to fit in all your sweet gear. Have fun with it and check some of these great styles out!