Death to the saddle bag...long live the saddle bag!

[RocknRolla]

Strokes and folks I get it. But just remind me again why some people don't like a backpack?

 

aerodynamics.

 

unless you #enduro.

 

backpack = more space = more unnecessary crap that gets carted along.

[T-Bob]

So how often do people actually 'break down' vs the mileage they ride and does maintenance come into it?

Actually... best not think about this. In the last 12 months I've only had 1 issue and that was finding out my dropper had failed about 30 mins into a ride and obviously nothing I was carrying could save the low riding position back to the car park. Luckily it was mostly DH so I looked super core!

 

Most of the times I've had to pull out the tools / repair kit has been to help others out who are in strife. Haven't punctured, broken, bent or mangled anything (not for lack of trying) but have given away a fair few bombs, tubes, links and even a couple of giant hangers on the trails. 

[2 X 2]

Strokes and folks I get it. But just remind me again why some people don't like a backpack?

 

Weight/doesn't look cool

[Wannabe]

I find the backpack causes excessive sweating / heat build up on my back.

Used to ride exclusively with backpack (did not even have bottle cages on my bike) but now I do not use it anymore. Cannot remember when last I did use my backpack. 

 

Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

[Headshot]

My back pack has saved me from injury a few times I recon. They make pretty good back protectors and if you like to push the limits as I always try to, its a bit of health insurance.

 

Also good for sarmies, rain jackets and such like on longer rides. Mine even has a spare gear cable in it and until recently a spare spoke too. Nothing like spending a fortune on entering and travelling to a race to have your bike fail due to a minor issue like a cable. 

[AlanD]

Weight/doesn't look cool

Looks cooler than a saddle bag????

[popcorn_skollie]

aerodynamics.

 

unless you #enduro.

 

backpack = more space = more unnecessary crap that gets carted along.

 

I guess I get that. There are some well designed minimalist backpacks too. I was reading about the redesigned USWE bladders that keep the water flatter on your back instead of having a bulging bell of water hanging on your lower back. 

[RocknRolla]

I'm all for the minimalist look. no pack, no saddle bag.

 

The other day, forgot my riding shirt (witht he pockets at the back) and ended up stuffing bombs plugs with plug skewer into my short's pockets...trying to find anything is a bit of a search... looked like I was doing the macarena a couple off times while helping others...

[RockCoach]

I only ride with a pack. The main reason is that I don't like drinking from dusty or muddy bottle nozzles. Then it's also easier to carry everything you need safely without having to go through a checklist or worry about depositing spares all over the trails.

 

Good hydration packs are much better than cheap ones in terms of ventilation, spreading the load and sitting comfortably. I don't even feel the weight with my Dakine/Evoc. My old Camelbak Mule wasn't nearly as comfortable.

[eddy]

I only ride with a pack. The main reason is that I don't like drinking from dusty or muddy bottle nozzles.

 

 

I don't want to disillusion you, but in your valley, that wet brown stuff is not mud...... 

[eddy]

Specialized has this Bandit saddle thingie, but it requires one of their SWAT compatible saddles because it screws into the underside.

 

http://14761-presscdn-0-15.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Aneeke-Beerten-06381-810x540.jpg

 

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.imdserve.com/images/bikes-and-gear/components/saddles/1443417561093-1sav0pkgfyecz-960-540.jpg

 

 

 

 

I don't want to be funny, but I fail to see why having your stuff exposed to the elements is a better option than this :

 

 

 

 

 

I need to ALWAYS have a syringe and adrenaline ampule with me, so keeping it on my bike is a sure way of not forgetting it.

 

In addition, the saddlebag contains a tube, bomb, small multi tool and some cash. Food and phone go in my pocket and liquids in bottles.

[RocknRolla]

I don't want to disillusion you, but in your valley, that wet brown stuff is not mud......

Teee hee hee..

[TIB]

Strokes and folks I get it. But just remind me again why some people don't like a backpack?

 

it makes you look like Quasimodo 

 

If that rings a bell.....

[RockCoach]

I don't want to disillusion you, but in your valley, that wet brown stuff is not mud...... 

 

I'm under no illusions about the Spruit. Was just trying to be polite on a Friday .

 

Hence why I will never use a bottle here.

[V12man]

I only ride with a pack. The main reason is that I don't like drinking from dusty or muddy bottle nozzles.

Beer bottles are clean under the cap.... and beer goes flat in a pack....

[eddy]

Beer bottles are clean under the cap.... and beer goes flat in a pack....

That reminds me, I fitted a Y.A.W.Y.D. top cap I found in my cupboard and it needs an appropriate adornment.