Why do we persist with saddle packs? Now that down-tube storage exists, I’m looking at erasing saddle packs from my cycling life.
I was always sceptical of down-tube storage until I started using it. Now, this brilliant piece of practical design should consign the saddle pack to history.
For me, on a modern carbon bike of any persuasion – race, endurance or gravel – we should see the end of these sagging, soggy, pocket-sized packs that look ugly on any bike. They just don’t do a good enough job.
None of my bikes offers down-tube storage, but it’s the number one requirement for my next bike, without a doubt.
I even want to see this feature on race bikes available to us. The pros can have a stripped-down version and I want practicality blended with speed and light weight.
A case in point
My main, go-to saddle pack is a case in point. It contains a spare inner tube, C02 cartridge and head, a multi-tool, tyre levers and glueless patches.
We had quite a wet year in 2024 and that pack was transferred onto a whole bunch of test bikes. It was exposed to rain, muck and contaminated road spray on an almost daily basis.
The pack is now in a sorry state; it’s no longer grey and black, with reflective details – it’s all a sort of grimy beige and grey, the Velcro straps are curled and crusty, while the zipper sticks and has foamy white spots of corrosion.
I unpacked the pack earlier this week and the contents are pretty much totalled. The inner tube has corrosion on the valve, my multi-tool is rusted shut and the glueless patches have glued themselves together – not to mention the C02 cartridge that’s so corroded I’m scared to use it in case it fails.
So, I’m left with a three-figure bill to replace what’s been ruined inside a pack that, despite the claims, does let water in.
Now, I know you could easily say it’s my own fault – I could have decanted the pack and dried everything after every ride. But is anyone really that disciplined?
I could also use a tool can, but then I lose fluid-carrying space on my bike.
Adult nappy
I could pack my rear pockets with the pack contents. That would be simple, but I hate the look of sagging jersey pockets. I look as if I’ve had an accident with an adult diaper, and the feel of stuffed pockets is never good.
So, it’s the down-tube storage that makes most sense to me.
However, I will concede that on my classic metal bikes, it has to be a frame-fit pump (because all mini-pumps are terrible) and a classy saddle pack, if I must (recommendations most welcome).
I’ll just have to be more disciplined when they get soaked and filthy. Which they will.
