Bike Bags & Mounts: specifications, types

- Phone bag. Bags for the safe transportation of a smartphone allow you to keep your mobile phone in sight, answer calls in time, see important notifications on the screen, use the benefits of navigation systems and programs as a bike computer while riding. When choosing a suitable bag for your phone, you should focus on the screen size of your mobile gadget. Similar accessories are attached to the handlebar stem or the upper tube of the bicycle frame. A distinctive feature of phone bags is a transparent window that protects the mobile device from rain, dirt from the front wheel and allows you to use it on the go. In addition to a pocket for a smartphone, such handbags often provide an additional volume for transporting other things. Another convenient option in many models is the presence of holes in the case for connecting wired headphones or a power bank.

- Bicycle bag. Small bags for carrying various items, fixed directly on the bike. The installation location may be different (see "Mounting"), the specific features of such products largely depend on it. However, in any case, bags are extremely handy for various useful little things: repair supplies, food and drink supplies, sun / insect protection sprays, etc. Some models are initially specialized for a specific type of content - for example, tools and a spare camera. Others may provide additional equipment for the convenience and safety of...transporting the contents.

We also note that many bicycle bags allow the possibility of using them while walking; such models are equipped with straps that allow them to be worn on the belt or on the shoulder.

The maximum diagonal of a smartphone that can fit in a phone bag. Note that this figure is quite approximate: mobile phones with the same screen size may have different actual dimensions.

- On the steering wheel. Mounting the bike bag on the handlebars is convenient because the product is constantly in front of your eyes and at hand, so that you can access the contents right in the process of movement. In particular, it is convenient to keep water in such a bag during long non-stop trips over long distances; and some models have a transparent case for a map or even a compartment for a navigator. Another advantage of this mount is that it is suitable even for fairly large items. So it is this option that you should pay attention to if you are looking for a roomy model; separate bags from this category can even be used for sleeping bags and other fairly large luggage. Of course, there is also the opposite option - compact handbags for various small things. And in general, the options for using bags of this type are very diverse.

Fastening on can be made quick-release, so many products from this particular category can also be worn in a more traditional way, on the shoulder or on the belt. In addition, this installation is very versatile, it is suitable for almost any model of bicycle. The main downside to handlebar bags is that the added weight on the handlebars can significantly impair handling.

- On the frame. Bags attached to the bike frame. In addition to the traditional method - hanging from below - there is also the opposite option: the product is installed above...the top tube and additionally attached to the head tube to maintain it in a vertical position. There are also reversible models that mount similar to cycling pants, as well as models with auxiliary attachments to other parts of the frame.

A common feature of all bags on the frame is a small thickness - otherwise the product would simply interfere with pedaling. But their width and height can be different - there are both small sizes and quite large ones. Many models allow you to access content while driving. It's not as convenient as handlebar bags; on the other hand, placement on the frame provides a more optimal distribution of additional weight, such luggage has little to no effect on handling.

The disadvantages of this type of bags include the fact that in the vast majority of cases they are designed for classic "male" frames and are not suitable for women's bicycles. It's also worth considering that many bikes have shifter and/or rear brake links running along the top tube, making hanging the bag difficult or impossible. So before buying, it is advisable to clarify the compatibility of the selected model with a specific bike - especially since some of these bags are available for certain frame sizes.

- To the trunk. Roomy bags, known as bicycle trunks or bicycle pants, are usually attached to the trunk of a bicycle. They are fixed on the front or rear stationary trunk with straps, fastex or Velcro. Such products can be in the form of a mono bag or consist of two or more autonomous sections. Trunk bags come in different sizes with a volume from 8 to 80 liters. There are also smaller luggage bags that replace a backpack or a regular bag in the daily rhythm of cycling.

- Under the saddle. Bags attached under the saddle of a bicycle - usually at the back, behind the seatpost, but there is also a front location.

This option is perfect in terms of weight distribution: the additional load is located close to the center of gravity of the entire system "man plus bike", and even a significant mass does not affect handling. On the other hand, saddle bags are not designed for a significant mass: the installation location greatly limits their size. In addition, getting to the contents of such a bag while driving is very difficult (and highly undesirable from the point of view of traffic safety).

In light of all this, it makes sense to purchase bags with such placement mainly for the transport of small items, the need for which arises exclusively during stops. A classic example of such cargo is a bicycle multitool and a tyre repair kit.

The total volume of the bike bag determines the amount of content that can be placed inside. When choosing according to this parameter, it should be borne in mind that a large capacity affects the dimensions of the bike bag. For use in the city, compact bicycle bags of a small volume are more suitable. They can carry personal items, repair kits and spare clothes. If you take a larger bag, it may well replace a backpack on a trip, which will relieve your back.

— Polyester. Polyester-based synthetic fiber has good strength, moisture resistance, low exposure to ultraviolet radiation and temperature extremes. Moreover, polyester bags are relatively inexpensive. Note that the specific degree of strength and durability depends on the grade of polyester: the more expensive the bag, the more reliable the material, as a rule.

— Nylon. A type of synthetic fiber similar in properties to polyester. The density and overall quality of nylon can vary, but in general this material is characterized by strength, reliability, it also retains moisture well and can be supplemented with water-repellent impregnations. Often the properties of nylon fiber are directly related to the price category of the bike bag.

The presence in the design of the bike bag rear light mount. As a rule, the corresponding mount is found in bags that are placed under the bicycle saddle. It is designed to install a rear bike light.

Reflective elements on the side walls of the accessories increase the level of passive safety while driving at night and in low visibility conditions. This feature makes the cyclist more visible on the road, which has a positive effect on the safety of movement and reduces the risk of an accident.

The presence of a raincoat in the kit - a waterproof cover worn on top of the bike bag. The specific design of raincoats can be different: in some models these are removable covers, in others they are non-removable "hoods" that hide in special compartments after hours. This feature significantly increases the bag's resistance to precipitation and splashes when cycling in rainy weather.