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Item 825303
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 9 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
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Comments about Novara Expanding Seat Bag:
The verdict after one summer of road bike use is that it is fantastic:
I've probably detached and reattached the thing about 50 times so far, and the quick release is thus far holding up really well. I *love* the quick release, as it only takes a couple seconds to pop it on and off.
I also dig how large the main storage compartment is. I carry the following in the main compartment:
- a new road tire tube in its box
- an Air Chuck Elite (also a fantastic product)
- a 16oz CO2 cartridge
- a Rema Tip Top TT01 Tour patch kit
- a Specialized "Flat Boy" instant patch kit
- a Topeak Mini6 Multitool
- a pair of Pedros Tire Levers (very large/bulky levers)
- a rag
- tweezers (some thorns just won't come out w/o them)
- a Presta valve adapter
- a gallon-size Ziploc to keep everything in (easier to take all contents out out for a repair this way).
I have yet to use to the expandable compartment (because I keep food and snacks in a Timbuk2 Goody Box -- also recommended), but it appears I could shove my wallet and/or a Cliff Bar in the expandable portion.
The back story:
Last summer, to train for a 300mile tour, I found that I would weekly do three long rides in which I would leave my bike for a long lunch break. Fearing that its contents might get stolen if I left my bag attached to my bike (leaving me unable to fix a flat on my return ride), I would detach my bag each time and then reattach before starting my return commute. I quickly tired of my old standard-style bike bag because it was a pain to unhook and reattach. I searched everywhere for a quick release bag that looked like it would hold up to frequent attachments/reattachments, and this bag looked like a winner. As I now begin a new summer of cycling, I saw this bag with the rest of my equipment and thought it was high time I wrote the above review.
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Comments about Novara Expanding Seat Bag:
A very nice bag but it would not fit. The plastic quick disconnect and the strap going around the seat post were too far apart. It would not fit my Cannondale and I had to return it. I was disappointed I could not use it.
Pros
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Comments about Novara Expanding Seat Bag:
This was a great deal and provides lots of space for anything you need to put in. i can bring a patch kit a snack a phone and more easily.
Pros
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Comments about Novara Expanding Seat Bag:
I really like products that are well thought through, and this seems to be one.
The expanding section on the bottom is the perfect size for my spare tube, patch kit, tire lever, and other small tools, which I keep all wrapped up nice and snug and out of the way, ready and waiting for when I really need them and not taking up valuable space in the main compartment. That upper one I'm in and out of constantly with everything from my lunch to clothing items, and the separation keeps it clean for such things. I think of it like I do my car's trunk: the lower expanding part is like that area down below where the car jack and spare tire can't get grime all over everything.
And even with that extra section in use, there's still plenty of room below for my rear blinky light to be seen.
My second favorite feature is a tiny detail, the key clip positioned right inside the bottom left where the zipper opens. At first I wondered if it should have been attached at the opposite end of the zipper, on the other side from where the bag opens up and not right where it can flop out as soon as you unzip. But after using it a while I realize it's in the perfect place as it is: I really do want to be able to reach that clip easily, and without having to completely unzip or struggle to keep my contents from tumbling out of the bag.
Well done.
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Comments about Novara Expanding Seat Bag:
The plastic clip that holds it to the seat post broke the very first time I tried to install it. In fairness I didn't inspect the plastic to see if it was broken before I tried to install; however, the plastic is still very thin and I don't see how this thing would last very long with gear in it and mountain biking.
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Comments about Novara Expanding Seat Bag:
I used this on my mountain bike for almost a month. I originally wanted something big that I could fit a lot in. This thing exceeded my expectations. I don't think that theres any bike-related item you cant store in here! I carried a patch kit, Gerber multi-tool, bike multi-tool, tire levers, a sharpie, a little duct tape and a lighter. The mounting system is really nice. If there is some way to get multiple seat mounts, then this would be great if you have multiple bikes. The problem I have is the amount of space on your seatpost it takes to mount. My hardtail fit it fine, but my FS has just to little room for it. The velcro strap looks like it has a lot of strain on it, so I'll be returning it for a slightly smaler one. The other small problem I had is that the key holder ripped. This was dissapointing because it was great for holding my locks key, and I paid good money for this. Although I havent done to much riding in really wet conditions I have no doubt that this bag would keep the contents dry. Overall it's very nice if you have the room for it.
Pros
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Comments about Novara Expanding Seat Bag:
This is a great bag. I ride my bike for commuting as well as racing and it's great to know I always have everything with me that I need in case I have mechanical problems. The bag is set up with one main compartment with two tiny side pockets, and the expansion zippered compartment at the base. In my main section, I always have a spare tube (in its box, no special re-wrapping to make it smaller), a patch kit, a CO2 cartridge and inflator, tire levers, an air pressure gauge, and a bottle of eyedrops. I also keep, tucked in one of the side pockets, a credit-card style first aid kit, sunscreen and bug repellent wipes. While riding I will occasionally put my ID and phone in the other side pocket. In addition to all that, I use the bottom compartment for food - I usually keep a clif bar, a couple of gels, and some shot blox in there. I leave the bottom compartment zipped tightly (i.e., it's full but not expanded out, it's zipped up to the top part as though it was empty), even with that much stuff in it. That way I always know where stuff is, and if I want, I can sneakily reach back, unzip, and raid the food compartment while riding without worrying I'm going to lose my tire levers or something.
It has had all manner of road grit thrown at it since I have no fenders, and all it takes is a quick brush or rinse to get it off, even if the grit got on the zipper. I tend not to ride in pouring rain unless I have to, but the most water ingress I've noticed is sometimes the cardboard box my spare tube is it gets a little damp.
And last, since this season I've been on the Quest for the One True Saddle, I've hooked it up to about five different saddles and two different seatposts (one straight, one angled). I have not had any problems uninstalling and reinstalling the plastic twist-mount, and it's fit everything just fine, even with my rear rack reducing clearance a little. The twist mount makes it super easy to remove the bag when I park someplace I'd rather not leave it unattended. And my blinky light clips right on it.
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Comments about Novara Expanding Seat Bag:
holds a carefully deflated, folded & taped together tube, an inflator, 2 CO2's, 2 tire levers, a folding tool, power gel, chap stick, sunscreen stick, keys & billfold! (and that's not expanded, either). looks good & good price, too.
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Comments about Novara Expanding Seat Bag:
I was looking for large seat bag to carry repair kit PLUS my wallet and phone. Found a specialized and bought it. Then I ran across this one, and I like the twist mount design so much better. Orange doesn't go well with white/red bike, but other than tah it is a nice bag.
Displaying reviews 1-9
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