Saddlebag Black Friday: discounts and sizes

Locating the offer: pouch, medium bag or bikepacking

Names often indicate the format. Micro, S or M refer to pouches that hold a spare inner tube, tyre levers and a multi-tool; L, XL or 2XL are bags that add a windbreaker and supplies; over 6 litres, bikepacking bags extend the saddle backwards. The same range often comes in several sizes, with very different volumes: check the litres on the product sheet. The uses of each volume are detailed on the bike saddle bag page.

Clip, straps or harness: the point that differentiates two versions

Many bags come in two fastening types. With a clip, the bag clicks onto a mount screwed to the saddle rails and can be removed in one motion; with straps, it tightens around the rails and post, lighter and without mounting parts. Larger volumes often rest on a harness that stays on the bike and holds a removable waterproof bag. Before ordering, measure the space between the saddle and the rear tyre and check the post: a telescopic or carbon post cannot accommodate all setups.

Assessing a discount: version and contents

A crossed-out price can only be compared if the versions are equal: same volume, same fitting, same generation. Some bags are also sold pre-equipped, with an inner tube and two tyre levers for example: the discount is only useful if the inner tube fits your wheels, diameter, 26 or 29 inches for MTBs, tyre width and type of valve, Presta or Schrader. These three details are found in the name or on the side of the tyre.

The brands of saddle bags in the campaign

Columbus, a Spanish outdoor equipment brand, offers a waterproof bag of 8 litres with welded seams, slipped into a harness fixed with velcro and straps; once removed, it can be worn crossbody. The page also features a model of 18 litres.

Topeak sells its Aero Wedge Pack in QuickClick version, which clicks onto a mount fixed under the saddle, or Straps, using straps, and in several generations, v2 and v3: two mentions to align before comparing two prices.

VAUDE reserves its Proof line for waterproof bags: the Proof saddle bag, made in Germany from recycled Econyl, includes a KLICKfix Contour adapter and two stacked zippered compartments, in several sizes.

Continental, the German tyre manufacturer, sells saddle bags equipped with an inner tube and two tyre levers, in 26 or 29 inch versions with Presta valves.

About the saddle bag

To distribute a bikepacking load, add a frame bag from the campaign for heavy items and a handlebar bag in Black Friday for light volume; for heavy loads, panniers remain more stable. End-of-line bags will then go to the clearance, next to the new arrivals in the catalogue.

Frequently asked questions

How do sizes M, L or XL of a saddle bag compare?

They do not have a common value from one brand to another. Only the volume in litres, or the dimensions, allow you to compare two bags from different brands.

Does a pre-equipped bag fit my bike?

Check the wheel diameter, tyre width and valve of the supplied inner tube. If they don’t match, the bag is still useful, but you will need to buy a suitable inner tube.

Clip bag or strap bag?

Use a clip if you often remove the bag, to keep it with you or switch from one bike to another with a second mount. Use straps if you leave it in place and want the lightest fitting.

Does a saddle bag bought in mid-November benefit from discounts?

Yes. Although Black Friday refers to the Friday after Thanksgiving, Vélo-Store applies its Black Friday discounts on saddle bags all month long. Measure the space under the saddle before choosing a large volume.

Is there a risk of the bag touching the wheel?

This is a real risk when the frame is small or when the rear suspension is engaged, as the space under the saddle decreases. Measure it, with the wheel compressed for a full-suspension bike, and choose a size that leaves a few centimetres of clearance.