I had used a topeak aero wedge saddlebag for a few years but when I began loading my bike for touring I found that the wedge would not sit under the saddle when I had luggage (usually my tent) on the rear pannier. I started looking around for an alternative to carry my on-bike tools. For the touring bike I worked out that the best alternative would be a frame bag and bought a Evoc multiframe pack.
Previously I had always swapped my tool bag from one bike to the other but the frame bag wouldn’t fit easily on to my mountain bike so I needed another bag for that. As I wouldn’t have the option of being able to fit a pannier I thought about using a handlebar bag and tried the Ortlieb accessory bag but it wouldn’t sit right with my narrow (60cm) bars. A saddlebag would be the best option so I had a look at Ortlieb’s saddlebag two. I wanted something which was larger that the topeak which had a capacity of 0.6 – 0.8 litres.
The Ortlieb bag comes in two sizes, 1.2 litre and 4.1 litre capacities. I decided on the larger as I would not be using any other bags and this would give me some additional space for carrying other spares like waterproofs and food. My tools fit in it with enough room for almost anything I am probably going to want on a ride of a few hours. Any more than that I am likely to use the touring bike.
The bag, unlike the topeak which fits with straps onto the seat rails, uses a bracket which clamps onto the seat rails and is held in place with a clip. It is fairly easy to remove and fit.
The bag has a roll closure which is good for compacting it when carry less gear. The only gripe I have is that it takes a certain technique to close and not trap air inside the bag. Some sort of valve, which I believe Ortlieb have on their larger bags, would have been a good idea.
The bag is completely waterproof and any mud thrown up from the rear wheel is washed off easily. I find this helps as the bag also acts like an additional mudguard.
Just Me - On my bike 