Beginner's Guide to Bike Bags: Types, Features, & More

A bike bag is a type of carrying case designed to attach to a bicycle and is used to transport personal items, food, and equipment.

They are usually made of durable, water-resistant materials and can be attached to the bike's frame, handlebars, or saddle.

Bike bags are essential for anyone who rides their bike regularly, be it for commuting, leisure, or competition.

Types of bike racks

There are several types of bike racks that are used to transport bikes on vehicles, including:

Hitch-mounted rack: A hitch-mounted rack attaches to the trailer hitch on a vehicle and can carry multiple bikes.

Roof-mounted rack: A roof-mounted rack attaches to the roof of a vehicle and can carry one or more bikes.

Trunk-mounted rack: A trunk-mounted rack attaches to the trunk of a vehicle and can carry one or more bikes.

Spare tire-mounted rack: A spare tire-mounted rack attaches to the spare tire on the rear of a vehicle and can carry one or two bikes.

Platform-style rack: A platform-style rack is a hitch-mounted or roof-mounted rack that provides a stable platform for the bike to rest on.

Strap-on rack: A strap-on rack uses straps and hooks to secure the bikes to the vehicle and can be used on a trunk, roof, or hitch-mounted rack.

Each type of bike rack has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as weight capacity, ease of use, and compatibility with different vehicles.

It is important to choose a bike rack that is compatible with your vehicle and meets your specific needs, such as the number of bikes you need to carry and the types of bikes you own.

Types and installation of bike bags

Look at the bike bag position structure diagram:

There are several types of bike bags, each with a specific purpose and design, including:

Panniers: Large bags that attach to the bike rack and are typically used for carrying groceries, books, or other larger items.

Handlebar bags: Bags that attach to the handlebars and provide quick access to items while riding.

Top tube bags: Small bags that attach to the top tube of the bike frame, typically used for carrying snacks, phones, and other small items.

Frame bags: Bags that attach to the bike frame, typically used for carrying heavier items such as food, clothing, and camping gear.

Saddle bags(Seat bags): Small bags that attach to the back of the bike seat, typically used for carrying tools, tubes, and snacks.

Other types:

Backpack panniers: Bags that combine the features of a backpack and a pannier, allowing for easy carrying of gear when off the bike.

Bikepacking bags: A combination of several different types of bags, typically used for longer bike trips where carrying a large amount of gear is necessary.

Additionally:
If you have a lot of items to transport, it might be worth investing in a bicycle trailer. These trailers offer a great amount of storage capacity, making them ideal for shorter trips around the city or longer excursions.

Fabric types of bike bags

PVC: Waterproof but unhealthy

Nylon: Water-resistant not completely waterproof.

Polyester: Water-resistant but cheap

TPU: Fully waterproof but high costs.

PET: Recycled and More environmentally friendly.

How to choose a bike bag?

When deciding on a bike bag, it is essential to factor in its durability in addition to its purpose, cost, personal preferences, and economic means.

Let's take a brief look at the features of a high-quality bicycle bag.

Storage space: The amount and volume of items you carry determine the size of your bike bag storage space.

Weight: In order to ride safely, you need to consider the load to balance the stability of the bike.

Side pockets: For a secure ride, you must take into account the weight of the bike to ensure its stability.

Shoulder Strap: It is recommended that when selecting a bike rack, one should opt for a model with a quick-release mounting bracket(for example for road bikes) as opposed to buckles or rip-and-stick shoulder straps, as these are simpler to disconnect.

Time and distance: Depending on the distance and time of your commuting, consider whether to carry it for short or long distances.

Zippers: The quality of the zipper used to make the bike bag will determine the bag's longevity. A common sign of wear and tear is a broken zipper.

Waterproof levels: If you go cycling outdoors, chances are you'll come across rain at some stage. The dryness of your bike bag will be determined by how weatherproof it is - either resistant to water or totally impermeable.

Supplementary Note:

Roll-top Closure for bike bags: Roll top allows users to reduce backpack volume by compressing the load when closed, making it more compact and less bulky.

Using for a mountain bike:

While you ride a mountain bike, a bike bag should have the following features:

1. Durability: Mountain biking often involves rough terrain, so the bag should be made from sturdy materials that can withstand wear and tear.

2. Water resistance: A bag for mountain biking should be able to protect your belongings from rain, mud, and other elements.

3. Secure attachment: The bag should securely attach to the bike frame, handlebars, or saddle to prevent it from bouncing around while riding.

4. Easy access: You should be able to easily access the contents of the bag without having to stop and take it off.

5. Capacity: The size of the bag should be appropriate for the amount of gear you need to carry.

6. Reflective elements: For safety, the bag should have reflective elements that make it visible to other trail users in low-light conditions.

7. Compression straps: Compression straps help keep the contents of the bag secure and prevent it from bouncing around while riding.

8. Comfort: If you plan to carry a heavy load, look for a bag with padded straps to help distribute the weight evenly and prevent discomfort while riding.

Using for a road bike:

A bike bag for road bikes should have the following features:

1. Lightweight: Road bikes are designed for speed, so a bike bag should be lightweight to minimize any added weight to the bike.

2. Aerodynamics: The shape of the bag should be aerodynamic to minimize wind resistance and allow for a smooth ride.

3. Secure attachment: The bag should securely attach to the bike frame, handlebars, or saddle to prevent it from bouncing around while riding.

4. Easy access: You should be able to easily access the contents of the bag without having to stop and take it off.

4. Capacity: The size of the bag should be appropriate for the amount of gear you need to carry.

5. Reflective elements: For safety, the bag should have reflective elements that make it visible to other road users in low-light conditions.

6. Water resistance: A bag for road biking should be able to protect your belongings from rain, splashes, and other elements.

7. Quick release: Look for a bag with a quick-release mechanism that makes it easy to remove and reattach the bag from the bike.

10. Durability: Road bikes often cover long distances, so the bag should be made from sturdy materials that can withstand wear and tear.

Popular brands of bike bags

Topo Designs: Topo Designs is a backpack, bag, apparel, and accessories company based in Denver, Colorado.

Oveja Negra: Since 2012, Oveja Negra (Black Sheep) has been creating high-quality bikepacking bags in Salida, Colorado, becoming an established leader in the industry.

Evoc: EVOC Sports GmbH(German brand), established in 2008, specializes in creating backpacks, bags, luggage, and other accessories suitable for use with mountain bikes, bicycles, skis, snowboards, photography gear, and travel.

Revelate Designs: Revelate is an Alaskan company that specializes in creating top-of-the-line equipment for cycling enthusiasts.

Blue Lug: BLUE LUG, a bicycle retailer in Tokyo, offers a wide variety of two-wheeled transportation options, from city bikes to mountain bikes to touring models, along with a selection of cycling-related bags and accessories.

Apidura: Apidura, an organization based in London, was created in 2013 and manufactures sports equipment in Asia. Their products, for on-road and off-road cycling, are specially designed for bikepacking and endurance cycling.

Road Runner Bags: Road Runner Bags, established in 2010, creates handmade bike bags and backpacks in Los Angeles that are designed to protect your belongings from any type of weather.

Arkel: Since 1988, Arkel, a company based in Canada, has been creating innovative bike bags with recycled materials from the US that are environmentally friendly. These products are handmade with exceptional craftsmanship.

Bags by Bird: BXB, a company founded and managed by Jay Ritchey, creates and distributes its handmade bike bags in limited quantities in the city of Atlanta, Georgia.

Topeak - A leading brand that offers a range of bike bags for different purposes such as frame bags, handlebar bags, saddle bags, and more.

Ortlieb - A German brand is known for its high-quality and waterproof bike bags, including panniers, handlebar bags, and backpacks.

Bontrager - A subsidiary of Trek Bikes, they offer a variety of bike bags including saddle bags, handlebar bags, and frame bags.

Blackburn - An outdoor gear company that offers a range of bike bags including handlebar bags, frame bags, and saddle bags.

Thule - A Swedish brand that offers a wide range of bike bags, including panniers, handlebar bags, and backpacks.

Timbuk2 - A San Francisco-based company known for its versatile bike bags, including panniers, messenger bags, and backpacks.

Osprey - A leading outdoor gear company that offers a variety of bike bags including panniers, handlebar bags, and backpacks.

CamelBak - A hydration company known for their hydration packs, but also offer a range of bike bags including frame bags, handlebar bags, and saddle bags.

Deuter - A German brand that offers a variety of bike bags, including panniers, handlebar bags, and backpacks.

Sahoo bike bags: Sahoo is a Chinese company that offers a well-designed, high-quality line of bicycle accessories at competitive prices.

What to put in a bike pack?

Here are items for you to select and carry in your bike bag:

#1. Water bottle or hydration bladder reservoir

#2. Some food or Snacks

#3. Patch kit (e.g., inner tube, pump, multi-tool, tire levers)

#4. First-aid kit

#5. Mobile phone and charger

#6. Map and compass or GPS device

#7. A Headlamp or flashlight

#8. Rain gear or extra layers for changing weather conditions

#9. Sunscreen and sunglasses

#10. Cash and ID

#11. Emergency whistle

#12. Dog boots and pad(If you cycling with your dog)

Note that the specific items you carry will depend on the length and difficulty of the ride, as well as the weather conditions and personal preferences.