I'd been using the old style Ortlieb mini handlebar bag. While it's satisfactory for most of my purposes, it had several drawbacks, chiefest of which was that by using the front of the handlebar, you have to find alternative locations for your front light. When you add up the bag, the bag mount, and the additional accoutements to mount the front light, it's actually substantial weight. On the tandem it doesn't matter, but on my single bike I really would prefer as light a setup as possible, while still making it possible to mount a radar tail light.
The only model I could find that fit all those requirements was the Ortlieb Saddlebag 4L. I ordered one and discovered to my dismay that the mount didn't fit the Ritchey WCS saddle! Fortunately, Pamela Bayley had sold/given me a smaller Ortlieb seatbag and that one came with a mount that worked. (I would later replace the screws that came with the newer bag with ones that work) Since all Ortlieb saddlebag mounts are cross compatible it was no issue to use them. My complaint about this design is that it's unnecessary --- I would much rather have had velcro wings which would have been less finicky.
The saddlebag slides onto the mount, and ties to the seatpost using a velcro strap. I was worried that I would feel the saddlebag with my thighs while riding, but to my surprise this turned out to be a non-issue. The drybag style flap clips off to the side and by tightening the straps it becomes narrow enough that thighs clear the saddlebag with no problems. One disturbing thing about the bag is that invariably there's sufficient air in the saddlebag to make it bulge a little, so sometimes it takes a couple of tries to get the air out. A valve would have been useful though that would have increased the weight. As a result of this air, sometimes that bag will rattle especially if it's not completely full.
When I go on a really lightweight ride, I replace this saddlebag with a mini bag that uses the same mount and has much less volume. It's little enough effort to switch that I do it as a matter of course. But for bay area riding the 4L bag is what you want: you can put in a windshell, arm and leg warmers, and snacks and tools for an extended ride while still having room for your radar. If you pack really light it might even suffice for an overnighter, though that's not in the cards for me as I would need to pack a CPAP machine and this bag just doesn't have sufficient volume for that.
For commuting, this bag will NOT fit any laptops. But bikepacking style saddlebags won't fit any laptop anyway. For carrying a laptop you still want the traverse style saddlebag.
The bag is a little expensive but it did everything I wanted it to do. Recommended.
I have both the 4.1L and the 1.6L sizes. There isn't much point to the 1.6L since the 4.1L can fold down to almost the same size.
The 4.1L can hold all the tubes and layers for a multi-day ride/brevet.
The sturdy seat rail clamp stops any swaying of the bag.
The clamp doesn't work well with some seats/seat-rails, especially if the seat is pushed all the way forward on the seatpost. It works fine on my Pro Stealth seat.
I reallly like this saddle bag. It's large enough to be useful but not so big that it seems unweildy. Well made, sturdy, and waterproof. Detaches and reattaches with ease.
This bag was bought to replace a frame bag.
The bag is easy to install.
Right now it holds two tubes, a mini morph pump and some other tools. It still has adequate space to hold a great deal more for a day trip.
My Lezyne light clips on to the back and is highly visible.
The bag is waterproof, made extremely well and acts as a half fender for the rain.
It is a purchase you will not regret.
Ortlieb knows how to make bags. This is roomy. I'm only using half the space. In summer I can add a light rain/wind jacket. I have a small coffee shop lock , pump, multi tool. Sealant and tubeless tools. Room for a couple of bars and gel's. It fits behind my legs when I ride for very little drag. All straps and buckles work perfectly. It's waterproof. It looks good.
I store a spare inner tube and tire changing equipment including a compact pump in the bag and I could fit more stuff in there if needed. My only gripe is the means of attaching a rear blinking light. It's a little tricky but I made it work.
Was recently on a ride and it just poured. Nothing got wet!
Better than all the rest, regardless of price but cheaper too! This is a review of the largest version which is slightly over 4L. Very light, easily to load, watertight. Most critically, it is very adjustable to the load, always positioning the light mount perpendicular. I mount my radar unit there, and it secure and easy to position. This thing is great for carrying extra clothing in winter.
Very happy with the quality of the seat bag. I purchased the 4.1L bag which is large enough to carry a pump, tube, repair kit, water bottle, and additional snacks. Would be nice to have a pressure release valve but I have been able to vent the air manually with no issues.
The volume of this bag is good for a thin jacket a wind breaker, repair tools and a phone. Perfect for a day ride
Seat bag attaches securely to the rails on your seat. Best to remove seat and post from frame for easiest attachment. Bag is the right size for carrying emergency tools, spare tube, possibly a thin jacket. I attached a Lezyne Alert Drive light to the rear of the bag for best visibility.
I've purchased several of these seat bags. They tuck under the seat. They adjust for the distance between the seat post and the attachment point. They are well designed, lightweight and waterproof. Reasonably priced.
Love this bag and the way it secures under the seat. Almost got the size smaller but glad I didn't. Perfect for my trail bike.
Ortlieb makes good stuff. This isn't easy to set up and hold s enough for a long road ride, all the tools I need and an extra tube and even my wind jacket
Used this bag on Ragbrai in 2019. It great because of the way it expands. We love the way it goes on and off.
