Recommendations for a small rear bag

[vickster]

Cycling's like that! Enjoy your new, not so cheap hobby

 

[andrew_s]

I'd recommend a rack pack. I'd get a Carradice one myself,but there's a fairly wide choice.
Of the velcro attaching types, one with a separate fastening at each corner is generally a bit less sag prone than one with a pair of straps running from side to side beneath the rack.

If you are serious about only wanting to carry keys, wallet etc, there is a very wide range of saddle packs like this Specialized Dirtbag, in sizes from an innertube and CO2 cartridge up to what I'd call proper day ride sizes.

I don't recommend going too small unless your rides out are all fairly short (time-wise). If you are out for a good part of the day, it's good to have space to carry waterproofs rather than wearing them just in case, or to have somewhere to put your longs or jacket when it warms up after a chilly morning start. It gives somewhere to carry a decent lock too. Something about 7-8 litres is right in my opinion.

 

[Big Nick]

I like the Topeak range but there's lots of other brands out there.

Me too

I have the medium sized wedge pack and it fits a small pump, spare tubes, multitool and tyre levers no problem

 

[Boo]

That sounds like the sort of thing I'm after. Do bags tend to have a universal fitting mechanism, or do you need to choose your bag to fit your rack?
I've got a TorTec Tour Ultralite, so not sure how much that'll limit my options.

I'm back to Evans on Sunday as I've booked myself on one of their 'Introduction to basic bike maintenance' hours, so I'll check with the guys in the shop to see what they can suggest, but thanks for all the advice, everyone!

 

[bricksmasher]

I like the Topeak range but there's lots of other brands out there.

Glad I just read that, as I just ordered one of these
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-aero-wedge-buckle-medium-saddle-bag/

 

[vickster]

That sounds like the sort of thing I'm after. Do bags tend to have a universal fitting mechanism, or do you need to choose your bag to fit your rack?
I've got a TorTec Tour Ultralite, so not sure how much that'll limit my options.

I'm back to Evans on Sunday as I've booked myself on one of their 'Introduction to basic bike maintenance' hours, so I'll check with the guys in the shop to see what they can suggest, but thanks for all the advice, everyone!

You won't be able to use the slidy on topeak bags. Normal panniers ok I assume

 

[Boo]

Well I haven't actually taken the packaging off the TorTec yet. Maybe I'll enquire about returning it and getting a Topeak instead.

 

[raleighnut]

Well I haven't actually taken the packaging off the TorTec yet. Maybe I'll enquire about returning it and getting a Topeak instead.

The Topeak is probably a bit more expensive but 10/10 for quality and ease of use. Have a look on Evans website.

 

[vickster]

I can't fault either of my topeak super tourist racks - one disc one non disc version...plus the super duper slidy bag. You'll likely find cheaper than Evans (e.g. Chain Reaction) so ask Evans for a price match as their policy, just print off the details or show on your phone