A bicycle bag is an indispensable item for those who are going on a long trip or just for a walk. Bicycle bags created by designers are practical, roomy and not without fashionable design. They are indispensable on a trip, making it comfortable and convenient. Bicycle bag - a great solution for long trips.
Features
Being a carry-on baggage, it accommodates various loads or objects, thereby, makes life easier for the cyclist. Currently on the market are many bicycle baskets, various backpacks and shoulder bags. However, the bike bag has several advantages:
- spacious volume for transportation of various items;
- Made from durable, waterproof fabric, so it is safe;
- effective form and possibility of transformation;
- allows you to conveniently place a load and facilitate access to it.
Thus, a bicycle bag allows you to solve many problems associated with the transportation of necessary items.
Kinds
Bicycle bags vary in size, mounting mounting. Installation is made on the frame, on the luggage compartment, on the steering wheel, the 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 fit a volume of 60 liters or more. If for trips to the supermarket - 40. And if you make a pleasure trip - 20 liters will be enough.
It is also necessary to take into account the weight and height of the cyclist in order to properly distribute the load on the bike. If a 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 baggage is about 25 kg.
There are many types of cycling bags. They mainly differ in the method of attachment.
Consider the most common models.
Trunk bag
A small luggage box is a cute accessory. They have comfortable straps, straps for mounting. The capacity of them is not very large, but there are many departments and it is convenient because the owner can wear such a trunk chest, both on the shoulder and in his hands. You can put not only documents, keys and other accessories into it, but also carry expensive equipment.
Bags-Pants
Bicycle bags pants designed by designers, as 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. Bag-pants have a capacity of up to 120 liters and they are mounted on the rear trunk. On the front trunk is not desirable to place such a voluminous model. 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 prevent 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) mounted under the frame. They come in different sizes, allowing you to transport both small items and long ones, such as skewers. On the frame handbags come in small sizes. They are attached with Velcro or belts.
The model is designed so that when moving the bag does not swing and does not interfere with the cyclist during the rotation of the pedals. Small items are put into it, at the discretion of the owner. For the front of the frame were designed elegant handbags for attaching a smartphone. This is very convenient when the smartphone plays the role of the navigator. On the sides are offices for small items. When heavily loaded, it can upset the balance of the bike.
Bag on the steering wheel
They are of several varieties: soft, hard, single-layer and consisting of several layers. It may have several departments or a single volume. The bag is comfortable, small. In it are placed small items. It is fixed with velcro. The bag on the steering wheel serves as a supplement for the main bag, which is attached to 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 falling it helps to secure objects in it. On some bikes it can be difficult to drive.
Bag under the saddle (seatpost)
It is also possible to place small things in it. The bag is fixed on the frame under the saddle with special fasteners and velcro to the pin under the saddle. With evening walks, a lantern can be attached to the bag. This model does not disturb the balance of the bike, so you can carry heavy objects. The bag has some drawbacks. Firstly, it often gets dirty a lot, as it is located near the rear wheel. Secondly, access to baggage is limited, you have to stop. When falling safety comes down to zero. Thirdly, the seat bag does not fit every bike model.
No matter what volume or type of fastening of the bag, it must meet certain requirements. For example, it should be free of defects, skew. Fasteners must be strong, 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 must be non-staining and easy to clean. The bag should be easily transported using straps or handles, and also have different pockets, sections. The presence of reflective strips, which provide safety at night, is desirable. To the internal space should be facilitated access.
Materials
Bags are designed to carry things, respectively, the fabric of products must be durable, strong and reliable. Caring for such a cloth should be simple, as bags are used outside in different weather conditions. The fabric should be thick 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. Densely twisted yarn has such qualities as a stable form, density, resistance to moisture and pollution.
Nylon is a polymeric material obtained by synthetic means. In order to obtain such a fiber, polymers are repeatedly melted and then stretched. After the fiber hardens, it becomes durable, lightweight, resilient, wear-resistant, moisture and shape-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 does not fade in the sun, does not pass dust, but is not strong enough in comparison with nylon and other materials.
Cordura is a type of nylon. This fabric is characterized by a special structure of fibers, which is the main difference from nylon. The fiber is cut and twisted further. As a result, the strength of the fabric is very high, the fabric is thick and durable. After coating with polyurethane, the fabric repels moisture and dust. Cordura strength, exceeds nylon four times. The only drawback in the cold can be brittle.
Kanvas heavy-duty material, which consists of two layers. The top layer is polyester or nylon, and the bottom layer consists of polyester and cotton. Due to the thickness and special production technology, the material is very durable, moisture resistant, does not pass dust, retains its shape.
Manufacturers
In Russia, the popular brand is Cyclotech Taiwan. This brand belongs to the group of companies Sportmaster.Most of the range is manufactured in the best factories in Taiwan. The quality of bicycle bags and other accessories for a bicycle of this brand is guaranteed quality of the best world standards. Products of this company have a fashionable, thoughtful design.
In Europe, examples from 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 journeys. They have high performance, are waterproof, which is not replaceable for long walks.
The joint work of two Czech designers presented the new line Lift Off. A concept was developed when the bag becomes an integral part of the bike. Bike bag lovers have appreciated the new brand.
Thule's Shield Bags are made from lightweight waterproof material with a light-protective effect.
Trendy, with a unique design Walnut Studio bike bags made of leather, will give the bike a unique style.
Cylindrical models under the Carl and Rose saddle are known for their colors and are based on cotton-coated vinyl.
The company Carradice in its promotional video shows - as far as bicycle bags are an indispensable accessory for lovers of cycling. Thus, it increased the sale of products for export in the current year by 67% and received the prestigious Quees Award.
How to choose?
In the world a huge number of manufacturers of bags for bicycles. Goods vary in price, quality, material. There are expensive models, and cheap, and water-repellent, and shock, small and large, and on the children's bike. The main thing is to make the right choice so that the purchased item performs its function perfectly.
When choosing a specific model of a bag for a bicycle, its design should be considered. If the bike has a low frame, then there is not enough space under it, especially if there is a fixed bottle. The mountain bike has enough space under the frame, but there is often a water bottle fixed there, so a medium-sized bag will do. If the bike 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 over long distances, the tools for the repair must be placed in the bag (anything can happen), the first-aid kit, the appliances, the 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 unusable. 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 making it easier to access. Compression straps help to increase or decrease the volume, therefore their presence is desirable. During long trips, there is a high probability of rainfall, so the model should be made of waterproof material.
In order to choose the right model, you should determine its purpose. For example, a bag for every day may be small, and a bag for the carriage of goods or cycling should be roomy.
It is advisable to fasten two bags to the bike, one in front, the other 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 the quality, size, brand, type. The average cost of a small bag ranges from 500 p. up to 1000 rubles Big models from famous brands can cost from 3-4 thousand rubles and above.
Reviews
About cycling bags, you can hear a lot of positive feedback. Reviews help those who doubt or have insufficient 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, assess its quality, advantages and disadvantages. Properly selected bike bag will last long and reliably.
Such an accessory helps to “have everything at hand” when riding a bicycle. Bicycle bags allow, going on a long journey, to take all the necessary things, tools, food. As a result, the trip brings a maximum of positive emotions.