A bicycle bag is an indispensable accessory for those who are going on a long trip or just for a walk. The bicycle bags created by designers are practical, roomy and not without a fashionable design. They are indispensable on the trip, making it comfortable and convenient. A bicycle bag is a great solution for long trips.
Features
Being hand luggage, it contains various cargoes or objects, thereby making life easier for the cyclist. There are currently many bicycle baskets on the market, various backpacks and shoulder bags. However, the bike bag has several advantages:
- capacious volume for transportation of various items;
- made of durable, waterproof fabric, so it is safe;
- effective form and ability to transform;
- allows you to conveniently place the load and facilitate access to it.
Thus, a bicycle bag can solve many problems associated with the transportation of necessary items.
Kinds
Bicycle bags vary in volume, mounting mounts. Installation is made on the frame, on the luggage compartment, on the steering wheel, saddle and on the pin, which is located under the saddle. Choosing different models of bags, you need to consider their scope. If this is a long journey, then a volume of 60 liters or more is suitable. If for trips to the supermarket - 40. And if you take a pleasure trip - 20 liters will be enough.
It is also necessary to take into account the weight and height of the cyclist himself in order to properly distribute the load on the bicycle. If the cyclist is a thin, short person, then you can carry up to 50 kg or more. If a person weighs, for example, 120 kg, then the optimal weight of luggage is about 25 kg.
There are many varieties of bike bags. Basically, they differ in the method of attachment.
Consider the most common models.
Trunk bag
A small luggage chest is a nice accessory. They have comfortable straps, straps for fastening. Their capacity is not very large, but there are many compartments and is convenient in that the owner can carry such a trunk chest, both on his shoulder and in his hands. In it you can put not only documents, keys and other accessories, but also transport expensive equipment.
Trousers
Pants bike bags are designed by designers, both on the rear luggage compartment and on the front. They are roomy with many departments. In them, the load is distributed evenly along the edges of the trunk. Trouser bags have a capacity of up to 120 liters and they are mounted on the rear trunk. It is undesirable to place such a voluminous model on the front trunk. We must not forget that the load on the front wheel will reduce the movement and handling of the bike. When driving, it can catch on objects or interfere with pedal rotation, so it is important to choose the right model.
Bag under / on the frame
There are two types of such bags: triangular and on the frame. Triangular (subframe) are mounted under the frame. They come in different sizes, allowing you to transport both small items and long ones, such as skewers. There are small dimensions on the frame of the handbag. They are fastened with Velcro or straps.
The model is designed so that when moving the bag does not swing and does not interfere with the cyclist when turning the pedals. Small items are placed in it, at the discretion of the owner. Elegant bags for attaching a smartphone were designed for the front of the frame. This is very convenient when the smartphone acts as a navigator. Compartments for trifles are located on each side. With heavy workload, it can upset the balance of the bike.
Steering wheel bag
They come in several varieties: soft, hard, single-layer and consisting of several layers. May have several departments or a single volume. The bag is comfortable, small. Small things are placed in it. It is fixed with Velcro. The bag on the steering wheel serves as an addition to the main bag, which is mounted on the frame. In such a bag you can put: phone, documents, keys or water. The bag on the steering wheel is practical, it allows you to quickly get the necessary thing, and when dropped, helps to secure objects in it. Some bicycles may make driving difficult.
Saddle Bag (Seatpost)
Small items can also be placed in it. The bag is fixed on the frame under the saddle with special fasteners and Velcro to the pin under the saddle. For evening walks, you can attach a flashlight to the bag. This model does not upset the balance of the bike, so heavy items can be transported. The bag has some disadvantages. Firstly, it often gets very dirty, as it is located next to the rear wheel. Secondly, access to luggage is limited, you have to stop. In the event of a fall, safety is reduced to zero. Thirdly, the saddle bag is not suitable for every bike model.
No matter what the volume or type of fastening of the bag, it must meet certain requirements. For example, it should be free from defects, skew. The fasteners must be durable, with reliable fasteners, thereby creating security for the contents of the bag.
Bag material - durable and high quality, protecting from moisture and pollution. The material should be non-marking and easy to clean. The bag should be easily transported using straps or handles, and also have various pockets, sections. The presence of reflective strips that provide safety in the dark is desirable. The interior should have easy access.
Materials
Bicycle bags are designed to carry things, respectively, the fabric of the products must be strong, strong and reliable. Caring for such a fabric should be simple, since bags are used outdoors in different weather conditions. The fabric should be dense and waterproof.
To create a bicycle bag, synthetic and natural fabrics are used. Materials for their manufacture are:
- gabardine;
- nylon;
- polyester;
- cordura;
- Canvas
Gabardine is made from merino wool, with the addition of cotton or synthetic fibers. Tightly twisted yarn possesses such qualities as a stable form, density, resistance to moisture and pollution.
Nylon is a polymeric material obtained synthetically. In order to obtain such a fiber, polymers are repeatedly melted and then stretched. After the fiber hardens, it becomes strong, light, elastic, wear-resistant, moisture and form-resistant.
Polyester is a soft and lightweight material. In the manufacture of polyester, polyurethane is applied, which makes the material resistant to moisture and frost. Polyester in the sun does not fade, does not allow dust, but is not durable enough compared to nylon and other materials.
Cordura is a type of nylon. This fabric is characterized by a special fiber structure, which is the main difference from nylon. The fiber is cut and twisted additionally. As a result, the strength of the fabric is very high, the fabric is thick and strong. After coating with polyurethane, the fabric repels moisture and dust. Cordura is four times stronger than nylon. The only drawback in the cold can be brittle.
Canvas is a heavy-duty material that consists of two layers. The top layer is polyester or nylon, and the bottom layer is made of polyester and cotton. Due to the thickness and special production technology, the material is very durable, moisture resistant, does not allow dust to pass, and retains its shape.
Manufacturers
The Cyclotech Taiwan brand is popular in Russia. This brand belongs to the Sportmaster group of companies. Most of the assortment is made in the best factories in Taiwan. The quality of bicycle bags and other bicycle accessories of this brand is the guaranteed quality of the best world standards. The products of this company have a fashionable, thoughtful design.
In Europe, copies from the Dutch designers NewLooxs are very popular.. In the brand you can find not only a collection for men and women, but also highly professional bags for long trips. They have high characteristics, are waterproof, which is not replaceable for long walks.
The joint work of two Czech designers presented the new Lift Off line. A concept was developed when a bag becomes an integral part of a bicycle. Lovers of bicycle bags appreciated the new brand.
Overview of volumetric bicycle bags - in the video.
Thule Shield Bicycle Bags are made of lightweight, waterproof material with a light-shielding effect.
Fashionable, unique design Walnut Studio bicycle bags made of leather will give the bicycle a unique style.
The cylindrical models for the Carl and Rose saddle are known for their color and are based on vinyl with a coating of cotton.
Carradice in its commercial shows how cycling bags are an indispensable accessory for cycling enthusiasts. Thus, it increased the sale of products for export this year by 67% and received the prestigious Quees Award.
How to choose?
There are a huge number of bicycle bag manufacturers in the world. Goods vary in price, quality, material. There are expensive models, and cheap, and water-repellent, and shockproof, small and large and on a children's bike. The main thing is to make the right choice so that the purchased item perfectly fulfills its function.
When choosing a specific model of a bag for a bicycle, its design should be considered. If the bicycle has an understated frame, then there is little space under it, especially if there is a fixed bottle. The mountain bike has enough space under the frame, but there is often a bottle of water fixed there, so a medium-sized bag is suitable.If the bicycle has a classic frame, then there is enough space under it to hang a large and roomy bag.
It must be borne in mind that when traveling long distances, repair tools should be placed in the bag (anything can happen), first-aid kit, equipment, food. Most models are closed with a zipper, so you should pay attention to its quality. For example, if the lightning is thin, the slider is small, then it will quickly become worthless. There are models with Velcro, which is quite practical.
It is desirable to have sections and pockets. In this case, things can be sorted, avoiding breakage and facilitating access to them. Compression belts contribute to the increase or decrease in volume, therefore their presence is desirable. For long trips, it is more likely to get exposed to rain, so the model should be made of waterproof material.
In order to choose the right model, you should decide on its purpose. For example, a bag for every day, may be small, and a bag for the transport of goods or cycling should be roomy.
It is advisable to attach two bags to the bike, one in front and one in the back. So the weight is evenly distributed and the bike will not skid.
The cost of different models is very different. It depends on quality, size, brand, type. The average cost of a small bag varies from 500 r. up to 1000 rub. Large models from well-known brands can cost from 3-4 thousand rubles and more.
Reviews
About bicycle bags, you can hear a lot of positive reviews. Reviews help those who have doubts or lack knowledge to make the right choice. Thanks to reviews from various people, you can form an opinion about a particular model, choose the right model, evaluate its quality, advantages and disadvantages. A correctly selected bike bag will last a long and reliable time.
Such an accessory helps to “have everything at hand” while riding a bicycle. Bicycle bags allow you to go on a long journey to take all the necessary things, tools, food. As a result, the trip brings a maximum of positive emotions.