SKS Tour Bag

The Tour bag from SKS is sturdy and cunningly engineered bag that is just the job for short audaxes and day rides.

We tested the largest in the range, the XL, which has enough space for basic ride kit, pretty much everything you'd need bar a pump. You'll probably struggle to wedge a waterproof in there though, unless it's one of the flash ones that scrunch down into something the size of a tennis ball. SKS claim 1.4l for the main compartment plus an additional 0.6l if you undo a second zip and extend the bag. Fully extended it's a bit too big for my bikes (I'm 5'8" and usually have problems with saddle based luggage systems) but it also comes in a L version which is a couple of quid cheaper and doesn't have the extendable bit.

The real star of the show is the way the bag mounts onto the bike. There is a simple rubberised strap which goes round your seatpost and fastens with a cam-lock that effectively snaps the catch shut on itself. It's a damnably cunning trick and works brilliantly. It's easy to fit and very secure. The strap is adjustable too, so any size of seatpost can be accommodated. The best bit is that you can remove it from your bike in seconds, handy at cafe stops, and fit it to any of your other bikes just as quickly. Another cunning feature is the ratchet button which allows the angle of the bag to be altered according to the angle of your seatpost.

SKS claim this bag is water resistant. With a multi-layer construction, storm shield over the main zip and a plastic underside it should withstand pretty much anything the weather throws at you.

Features wise there's a useful light loop, but reflectives are limited to a single loop of material that extends across the back and round the sides. SKS also claim it has a compartment for a minitool. It does, but it's so badly positioned that even sat here on the sofa with the bag completely empty I struggled to get a tool in and out. It's not a big deal though, it's not as if the bag is so big that you're likely to lose stuff in its depths.

It's a neat bag that represents great value, especially if you have more than one bike.

Verdict

Well made bag with an ingenious mount.