Bags and Baskets
Bicycle bags
Anyone who travels a lot by bicycle or e-bike has probably purchased one or two practical bicycle bags. Whether for your laptop, city map or shopping bags, specialist retailers now offer special bicycle bags for every eventuality. These are usually made of tear-resistant material, can be securely attached to the bike and are also waterproof. There is no upper limit to the price. Above all, bicycle bags must be one thing: adaptable. Bicycle bags such as the models from Vaude have also established themselves as lifestyle products.
What types of bicycle bags are available?
If you are looking for bicycle bags, there are two things you should know: what you need the bicycle bags for and where on the bicycle you want to attach them. When it comes to attachment, there are broadly three types:
- Handlebar bags can hold five to eight litres of luggage. They are the ideal place to store the thousand little everyday items that you usually like to have close at hand: keys, wallet, telephone, but also tools. Models with a compartment for maps on the top are practical.
- Saddle bags are usually very small. On average, these bicycle bags hold half a litre of luggage. But they are also correspondingly light. They are the ideal companion for carrying bicycle repair kits, spare inner tubes or tools.
- Luggage carrier bags are true all-rounders. These bicycle bags are usually attached to the side of the luggage carrier and have a volume of up to 60 litres. They can hold your weekly shopping as well as a change of clothes and camping accessories on long tours. For long trips, bicycle bags can also be attached to the front wheel. Double panniers, which consist of two connected elements that are placed over the luggage rack and fixed on the sides, are now less common.
How are bicycle bags attached?
Handlebar bags are attached directly to the handlebar tube at the front using Velcro straps or a click system. To avoid interference when steering or braking, the bicycle bag on the handlebar should not be overfilled.
Saddle bags can also be easily attached under the seat using a saddle adapter or a simple Velcro fastener.
For pannier bags, side attachment to the right or left of the rear wheel has become the norm. This usually involves the rear frame elements. When attaching them, the rider should ensure that the panniers cannot slide forward while riding. In addition, the luggage should not touch the cyclist's feet or the pedals. Caution: When packing bicycle bags, the permissible total weight of the bicycle should also be taken into account! Care should also be taken to ensure that the bicycle does not tip over to the side when stationary.
What should be considered when purchasing a bicycle bag?
To make it easier to choose from the wide range of bicycle bags available in shops, or to find the right bike bag, the following points are important to consider in advance:
- What will you be transporting in the bicycle bag (volume, size)?
- Does the bicycle bag need to be waterproof?
- Is it sufficient to attach it to the bicycle, or should the bag also be portable on foot, for example as a rucksack?
- Which bag model is suitable for attachment to my bicycle or e-bike?
- How much money do I have available for the purchase?
When making a purchase, you should also pay attention to the type of attachment. This is not just a question of compatibility with existing attachment options. The question of a system consisting of straps, hooks and clips is also a matter of personal preference. Not every bag is suitable for every type of bicycle. For example, there are special bicycle bags for mountain bikes and racing bikes.
Some cyclists also find it important that their bicycle bags are lockable. Please bear this in mind when making your purchase! Last but not least, a good bicycle bag should not only be waterproof, but also washable.
Tips for packing bicycle bags
As a general rule, less is more! Nevertheless, the most important tip for packing bicycle bags is: put the heavy items in first! This not only ensures that fragile luggage is protected, but also keeps the centre of gravity low so that the bike's handling is affected as little as possible. Items that are rarely used should also be placed at the bottom. In addition, when packing bicycle bags, the weight should be distributed evenly on both sides. Otherwise, an imbalance will occur and the bike may tip over. Please always pay attention to the permissible total weight of the bicycle and luggage rack! This is also important for insurance purposes. Always store items that you need together!
Brand name vs. no name?
There is a wide range of prices for bicycle bags. For occasional users, an inexpensive bicycle bag is certainly sufficient. However, if you value quality and use panniers on your bike often, bicycle bags from Vaude, for example, are a very good choice. The company is considered a classic outdoor equipment supplier with many years of expertise and a sustainable sense of responsibility, and is based in Germany.