The bicycle of the past is the racehorse of today. Hardly any other means of transport has enjoyed such popularity in recent years as the bicycle. The boom is unbroken, the bikes are technically getting better and better and even longer distances are no longer a problem.
Therefore, almost every biker after a short time the question arises, how best the utensils such as cell phone, wallet, sweater, jackets or even the daily shopping can be stowed well and safely. Meanwhile, there are of course bicycle bags for almost every purpose. It always depends on what I really need them for. It is with bicycle bags on the one hand about comfortable mobility and on the other hand also about safety for themselves and others. An improperly mounted bag, which is also loaded with too much weight, can lead to serious falls. We would like to give a small overview of the most commonly used bicycle bags and the associated information and tips.
What bike bags for what cyclists
Since everyone has their own ideas about how they and their bike move through the world, we would like to highlight a few "typical" cyclists. There are the hobby cyclists, often on the road with trekking bikes, equipped with complete lighting system and luggage rack. Similarly equipped are the housewives with their city bikes. Then we see the more dedicated mountain bike and fully riders who use the bike several times a week after work for a sporty tour. Just like the road bike or cross bike riders who value high speed and range or who want to ride with the narrow tires over gravel. And of course there are now also e-bike riders in every category, whose numbers have risen dramatically in recent years.
The good news is that there is the right bag for every type of cyclist and bike without exception.
A small list of practical bicycle bags:
- Rear panniers or also luggage carrier panniers
- Front panniers
- Saddlebags
- Cell phone bags
- Triangle bags or also frame bags
A brief summary of each type of bag is provided to help you make the right choice.
Rear panniers or carrier bags
A now very popular and proven way to transport his luggage on both sides of the carrier. Usually these "side bags" have an easy-click system, through which the bags can be attached to the carrier in seconds or removed again. These bags have a total huge volume of more than 40 liters on average when both bags are used. Since these bags are completely separate from each other, they can also be used individually. It is important, especially with these bags, to always pay attention to the weight. Ideal, of course, when using both bags, as the contents can be distributed evenly on both sides accordingly. These bags are suitable not only for the long bike ride, with a lot of luggage, but also for daily shopping. The better quality bags are of course splash-proof and withstand without further ado even times a longer rain. Through straps attached to the side, you can also be worn as a shoulder bag when shopping. Most often they are used by trekking or city bikers. In conjunction with a very good quality luggage carrier, they are an indispensable component of globetrotters or long tour riders.
Front wheel bags
In principle, these bags are similar in style to rear panniers. However, there are a few things to keep in mind about front panniers, which play minor roles in loads on the rack. Front panniers should not be loaded with too much weight, and it is imperative that the load is always balanced. After all, the front of most bicycles is where the steering is located. This means that the bag, including load must always move with the steering. One rule says that the load should always be shifted to a maximum of one-third on the front wheel and two-thirds on the rear wheel to ensure proper balance. Bags for the front wheel are therefore designed only for light weight and small luggage. The number of users of front wheel bags is therefore relatively small in proportion. The ease of steering and maneuverability of the bike must be at all times.
Saddlebags
These, usually quite small bags, have enjoyed great popularity for many years, because they can be attached in principle to any bike. They are hardly visible and yet valuable little helpers when it comes to utensils such as cell phone, wallet, change or even tools and repair kit always with you. They are usually attached with the help of Velcro straps simply under the saddle, are very light and do not interfere in any way or affect the driving. Also mountain bike or road bike riders often resort to this small bag, since for these types of bikes luggage carrier bags are of course out of the question. Often these bags offer unexpectedly much storage space inside, are water protected and also still have an attachment for the rear light.
Mobile Smartphone Cases
Of course, the cell phone must not be missing when biking. As already mentioned, the cell phone, if it does not exceed a certain size, can be stowed in the saddlebag. Better suited, however, is the specially designed cell phone bag for the bike frame. It can be attached to the top tube and stem by means of so-called strips, i.e. Velcro straps, so that it fits very tightly. The cell phone bag is suitable for carrying smaller utensils, such as wallet, patch kit or even a power bar to charge the phone at any time. The good quality bags can accommodate cell phones of almost any size in the designated insertion pocket in the lid, of course protected from splashing water and provided with a transparent plastic protection, which is suitable for directly operating the touch screen of the cell phone without any problems. Thus, the phone can either be used completely through the headset or serve as a navigation device for the tour.
Triangle bags or frame bags
The name is not accidental, because these bags always have a triangular shape. They are suitable for carrying smaller luggage or utensils and are attached directly in the triangle of the frame, below the handlebars, using Velcro straps. They are hardly visible and are almost not noticed even when cycling, because they adapt, almost hidden, to the frame. Usually they have several stowage options. An inner pocket for unimaginable small luggage and outer pockets for other utensils, of course, usually splash-proof.
Conclusion:
In general, you can assume that the bike bags manufactured today are weatherproof. The material can vary. A bike bag should look stylish, be made of durable material and have a good quality zipper so that you can enjoy it for many years. Polyester, plastic, nylon or even truck tarpaulin are often used. The fastening options should also be tear resistant so that you don't lose the bag on tour. How much storage space is needed, everyone should decide for themselves. Often, several bags are used at the same time or exchanged as needed, which is very easy to do through the frequently used Velcro systems.