SP Connect Saddle Case Set

SP Connect's Saddle Case Set is a solid and sturdy storage option for your bike, and it makes a nice little package in tandem with the All-Round Safety Light (review to come) which can be fitted to the rear.

• Pros: Water-resistant, sturdy, good fitting system, built-in bracket for light
• Cons: Not big enough for (some) mini-pumps, quite pricey

Let's start with the basics – as I said, this is a solid and sturdy saddle case that can carry most of your essentials. There's enough capacity inside for a spare tube, tools, puncture repair kit and CO2 canisters, and it protects all that inside its very water resistant semi-hardshell outer. If you're a mini-pump carrier like me, you'll likely need to store it in a pocket as the harder nature of the case itself isn't that stretchy like my own Topeak one, but it's the only downside in this respect.

> Beginner's guide to luggage: How to carry stuff on your bike

It attaches not through straps but by using SP's patented click-and-twist system, which works through a rail mount. It's very sturdy, and once in place is solid as a rock.

Because you really need to work a bit to twist it into place, it's practically impossible for it to shake itself loose, while it holds it tight enough to limit rattling from careless packaging on the rider's part.

I've heard stories of some click systems snapping from time to time, but that's not going to happen here – there's nothing to snap off, with the quality fitment system nicely integrated into the bag.

The water-resistant zips protect the contents further from the outside, while the round-the-side access allows the bag to open up fully like a jaw for easy access. Careful with that, though, because stuff can fall out, but there is netting on the sides of the bag to help curb that a bit, as well as hold it partly in place.

At £34.99, it's not the cheapest saddle bag in the world – Fabric's Contain Small Saddle Bag is £21.99, the Large £29.99, while the Blackburn Grid Small is £19.99, the Large £24.99.

Still, put it together with the also-£34.99 All-Round rear light and you have a very well-made, reliable, sturdy and visible package. Yes, £70 is a lot to spend on a bag and a light, but it's a neat and integrated package.

Verdict

It's quite expensive, but it's a quality saddlebag