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review
£19.99
VERDICT:
A strong performing saddle bag that justifies breaking rule #29
Weight:
93g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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Seat packs like the Cannondale Speedster 2 have become a staple piece of kit for many cyclists, especially during winter months they're just so darn useful especially when they are as good as the Speedster 2. And yes, I know what you're thinking it is indeed very…green.
The colour itself is less garish on the bike than I thought it would be, so it doesn't look terrible on my matt grey and black frame. That said, it certainly won't be to everyone's taste, but there are white and black versions also available.
> Find your nearest dealer here
At this time of year it's important that saddle bags are easy to clean – neon green can quickly turn into murky brown. I'm happy to report that mud wipes off the Speedster 2's tarpaulin-like PVC fabric easily and even the tougher patches came off with nothing more than a wet cloth. As well as being easy to clean, the fabric also makes sure whatever's in the bag stays clean and dry. I used the Speedster 2 in some of the terrible pre-Christmas conditions and nothing came through.
In terms of practicality, this bag is one of the best designs I have used, with several pockets throughout to keep everything in its place. Inside, there is a pocket on each side of the compartment, and another one underneath. These help to keep your 0.5 litre of cargo (it is also available in a large version) well organised, making it quick and easy to find what you need as well as to check everything is there before you set off.
I found the pocket on the bottom of the bag especially useful for carrying a multi-tool, keeping it easily available for quick adjustments. The only downside is that it doesn't fit some of the larger sized tools.
Fitting the Speedster 2 to the bike is simple, with two Velcro straps on the sides to fit underneath the saddle rails and another strap that fits around the seatpost. It's a quick and easy job and, given the quality of the straps, I am confident enough to simply leave it on the bike. It even sits underneath the Ass Saver mini mudguard I have on my saddle, something that many other saddle bags I've used don't.
It also doesn't break the bank at £19.99 – an entirely reasonable RRP, I think, especially as it seems like it'll last a long time and function well throughout.
> Check out our guide to carrying stuff on your bike, from quick commutes to epic trips
Overall, I really like this saddle bag. The pockets keep everything well sorted and the tarpaulin material keeps it well protected. The 0.5 litre capacity is a useful size, too – I could fit everything in that I needed for a regular ride, and attaching it to the bike was also a breeze, even under my Ass Saver. The only thing I would change on this would be the size of the pocket on the bottom, to allow for larger multi-tools. And I'd probably go for one of the other colour options; this green won't be everybody's cup of tea.
Verdict
A strong performing saddle bag that justifies breaking rule #29
road.cc test report
Make and model: Cannondale Speedster 2 Seat Bag
Size tested: Medium, Green
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
It is a saddle bag aimed at those who want to carry a fair amount without relying solely on their jersey pockets.
I think it serves its purpose well and the 0.5 litre capacity is more than enough for all the essentials for a long ride.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Water-resistant PVC material
Waterproof zipper
Equipped with rear light loop to attach safety-light (sold separately) for added visibility
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Extremely well made, keeps out the rain and easy to clean thanks to good material choice.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
It does exactly what it needs to, providing a decent level of well-segmented space and a waterproof outer layer.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Well made and thanks to the tough material used, likely to last a long time.
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
8/10
93g isn't too heavy, what will matter more is what you put inside it.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
£19.99 seems like a fair price to pay.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well, the segmentation within the bag means it is simple to get to everything when you need it.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The pockets used throughout the bag to keep everything separate.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing in particular, apart from perhaps the colour tested.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
A very well-thought-out saddle bag that usefully keeps everything well separated and simple to find.
About the tester
Age: 27
I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Evo 6 My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking
George is the host of the road.cc podcast and has been writing for road.cc since 2014. He has reviewed everything from a saddle with a shark fin through to a set of glasses with a HUD and everything in between.
Although, ironically, spending more time writing and talking about cycling than on the bike nowadays, he still manages to do a couple of decent rides every week on his ever changing number of bikes.
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10 comments
Topeak's bags that strap on to the rails are easy to quick release.
Have to agree with all the anti-rules comments above. In respect of saddle bags (and many other things) the rules are a pile of tosh. A good small saddle bag is far more aerodynamic than bulging full pockets. When you are heading out on an early Saturday morning to do some serious mileage - it just makes life easier knowing you've already got the essentials in the bag already attached
I would add that if you want to avoid the Velcro on the tube then in my opinion the best saddle bag on the market is this one - http://www.lezyne.com/product-orgnzrs-cadyqr-mcaddyqr.php#.VsEzmv5f3Gg
Just an awesome design with its own tool pouch underneath and the plastic QR mechanism doesn't snap (unlike the Fizik ones which do)
Those who follow the rules don't get the joke, leave the poor souls alone and just ride your bike.
Personally I was glad I use a saddle bag when I came off over the bars and landed flat on my back with only a few gels, flapjacks , fig rolls and a flat mobile phone to land on. Rather than a pump, multi-tool, inhaler, levers, keys and similar hard items.
There is a reason for the rules and the perfect example is Chris Froome himself, who despite finishing in the yellow jersey in Paris had to endure a McDonald's bag stuck on his quick release since he did not have it in compliance with the rules.
http://www.itv.com/tourdefrance/2015-tour-stage-21-reaction-stannard-say...
Saddlebags are the cycling equivalent of fanny packs or man purses, and if people insist on using them, then either they do not care about the image they project or they are fine with that. All within the Magna Carta, but certainly not for me.
It's odd isn't it. It's seemingly a better image getting a race fit jersey, all nicely sized, cut well, then ramming it full of kit.
Or, you can fit stuff in a discreet little bag, transfer it easily between bikes, and just chuck your phone and some money in your nicely tailored jersey.
Stuff the rules.
Will people stop claiming there are 'rules' to cycling? People who come up with these rules are more obsessed with their own image and cycling as another way to consume. Just get on your bike and ride it how you wish.
Doesn't it wear holes in the legs of your shorts or tights?
Er, what?
yeah i have that problem with the velcro on seat post ones. the fizik clip on bags get the bag further back and out of the way.
I've had a couple models of saddlebag that have Velcro straps wrapping around the seat post. So far, no shorts wear due to them.