Saddle Bag - MTB

[BarHugger]

I told hubby that until my watts per kilo equals or exceeds his, all I carry is tyre levers and sweeties!!

 

Sweeties can also qualify as a trade/remuneration currency........

[Brian Fantana]

We don't use saddle bags because the pros don't. As soon as they start, it'll be the coolest thing to have on your bike.

 

At Attakwas this year, Manuel Fumic had an Evoc saddle bag and there were a few of the Bulls Team riders with saddle bags as well. The plus for them is that they get new stuff every year, so durability is not an issue for them.

 

I don't like to have stuff attached to my bike and therefore, I prefer to use one of my hydration packs. They are always packed with all the tools and gear I require, it is just a matter of filling up with water and off I go.

[Squier]

 

 

Where the weight is located plays a huge role. Ask anyone who has done long distance touring. That 25 kg you lug around, do you want to carry it in a back pack or in panniers on the bike? Where do you pack your heavy stuff? In the lowest pannier of course.

 

See for yourself. Next time you do a night ride, cable tie the battery of your helmet light to your helmet, in stead of putting it in your back pocket. It only weighs about 250 grams, but your neck will feel like a piece of soggy spaghetty after a 4 hour ride.

 

Where you put the weight MATTERS! The heavier it is and the longer you ride, the MORE it matters!

So what is the rule of thumb? Better on the bike or on your back?

 

I ride with a hydration pack, especially for stage races. I'd rather be over prepared than spoil 3 days of riding. For short fast races I leave the hydration pack and stuff some stuff in my back pocket.

 

When summer comes the extra water is a big plus on those long hot rides. My only concern with the hydration pack is the weight.

 

[BarHugger]

So what is the rule of thumb? Better on the bike or on your back?

 

I ride with a hydration pack, especially for stage races. I'd rather be over prepared than spoil 3 days of riding. For short fast races I leave the hydration pack and stuff some stuff in my back pocket.

 

When summer comes the extra water is a big plus on those long hot rides. My only concern with the hydration pack is the weight.

 

And four extra considerations:

1. With summer there is dust, rain and mud. Chances are good you will first need to thoroughly clean a water bottle before taking a sip. Hydration pack is a little bit easier and mouthpiece stays cleaner for longer.

2. No risk of losing your "special brew" on a speedy, bumpy and rocky section......definitely beats that feeling of looking down with a big thirst and all you see is an empty bottle cage.

3. Easier to get hydrated while still having both hands on the bar......maybe during a technical rocky section with climbing involved, or doing switchbacks. No need to wait for a long smooth straight or to slow down.

4. If you do however do an OTB and land on your back, at least it will be a relative soft landing.

Edited July 29, 2014 by BarHugger

[Sharkcatcher01]

We don't use saddle bags because the pros don't. As soon as they start, it'll be the coolest thing to have on your bike.

 

This guy speaks the truth.