Topeak Saddle Bag
Whether you get a puncture on the go, need to do a quick repair job or just looking for the spot to store your phone and energy bars, there are absolute essentials that every cyclist need to have with them on their journey. For most, a saddle bag is considered to be necessary, particularly if they are heading out on longer rides. You certainly don’t want to be that person that is always borrowing for their repairs!
Featuring a streamlined design, quality durability, and water resistance, the Topeak Aero Wedge saddle bag will keep your belongings safe and secure throughout your ride. Designed to fit the shape of your saddle, this smart storage solution for cyclists features a dynamic Aero Wedge design. Perfect for bike packing and light touring, this discreet saddle bag neatly tucks away at the back of your saddle; providing the ideal spot to store your cycling essentials and personal possessions.
Whether you want to pack inner tubes, essential tools or your phone and cash, the Topeak Aero Wedge saddle bag is one of the best. It provides simplicity and style as well as convenient storage. Staying strong and stable due to the QuickClick system and durable Velcro straps, the Topeak Aero Wedge is a neat and compact saddle bag, which can be used on a variety of different bikes. If you are looking to store away your belongings in a bag that offers exceptional durability and is also easy to fit and remove, it could be the ideal choice for you. Read on for our in-depth review to find out more.
Versatile
Neat and Compact
Durable
Water Resistant
A bit expensive
A tight fit if your seat is located closer to the handlebars than usual.
Brand
Use
At the back of the saddle bag, you will discover a webbed loop that has been put into place so you can easily clip on your rear cycling light. The bag also features a Scotchlite 3M reflective strip to increase your visibility further when you are cycling at night. If you often ride your bike in the dark, and as a result, you would prefer a bag with increased visibility, consider the Topeak Aero Wedge iGlow. This is a similar bag with regard to materials and features, but it also has LED lights which clearly illuminate the back of your bike. Although this does come at a price, with the iGlow costing around $30 more, this has been a popular variation amongst fans.
Holding up in inclement weather conditions, the DuPont coating on this bag provides weather resistance, makes this the perfect option for cycling in the winter. With rain just beading up on the surface of the bag and rolling right off, as well as sonically welded seams, the Topeak Aero Wedge will keep your belongings safe and dry. Although not waterproof, it is more than suitable for a light shower, and there have been no reports online about people’s belongings getting wet in bad weather.
Durability
Made from a hard-wearing 1000 denier Teflon coated polyurethane cloth on the top half and featuring a strong rubberized bottom half. The inside of the bag has also been reinforced with plastic, providing protection for the bag’s structural integrity and also maximizing space. Many online reviews state that even when the outside of the bag has got wet and dirty during their ride, the inside was perfectly dry. Furthermore, it was highlighted how easy the saddle bag is to clean, just wipe with a soft damp cloth.
However, there was a definite split amongst reviewers. Those who had used the pack for trail rides and mountain biking were not happy, indicating some issues with overall durability. However, those who predominantly used the bag for road cycling or during their commute had no problems at all. There have also been some concerns reported regarding the plastic on the mount, particularly on rough rides, and some reports that the Velcro straps need to be longer for a better fit on a broader range of saddles. On the road, you can rely on this saddle bag to last, with durability that indicates complete confidence.
Style
Ease of Use
Installing your saddle bag is pretty simple, with the QuickClick bracket being easily attached using a 3mm hex wrench. The QuickClick is particularly effective if you need to enter your bag often, as you can easily clip it back into place. The tail light attachment is also particularly useful, and you will be able to clip on a standard rear light. There are also mesh pockets on either side of the inside to help keep your belongings neat and tidy and two rubber bands underneath, which are great for attaching things underneath. As we have previously mentioned the bike does feature a reflective strip. However, there are some questions as to how effective the reflective strip is as it is located at the bottom of the bag, and it tends to point downwards.
The Aero Wedge features a String zip tag, so you can easily open and close your bag, even when you are wearing gloves. However, some online reviewers have suggested that the tool pocket zipper can open if you are riding over several bumps, particularly when riding over rough terrain or mountain biking. There have also been several users on the web that reported that they had lost tools due to this issue. Furthermore, it is said that some people have had difficulties fitting the saddle bag in the seat is pushed right to the handlebars or if your saddle is particularly wide or narrower than a traditional seat.
Price
Size
Extra Small: 15cm x 8cm x 7.5cm- 87g
Small: 17cm x 12cm x 8cm- 105g
Medium: 20cm x 12cm x 10.5cm- 135g
Large21cm x 14cm x 12.5cm- 176g
Keeping the weight down on your bike is important, and weight is always a key consideration for cyclists that prioritize speed. However, the weight difference between the different size Topeak Aero Wedge bags is fairly minimal, and you may prefer to get a larger size to store all your ride essentials neatly. Plus, the medium and larger bags feature a zip which can be undone to extend their size and add more capacity to the already generous storage solutions. Many reviewers suggested opting for the medium bag, suggesting that the medium is a suitable size to carry everything you need without it being too bulky. However, the one that you pick will depend on your overall needs. We definitely recommend checking the size dimensions, as many reviewers stated that they ordered the small option and was surprised by how big it was.
Stability
There has, however, been some users that have indicated that stability does differ depending on the terrain that you usually ride on. There have been several reviews suggesting that the stability of the Aero Wedge is questionable on rougher rides and bumpy surfaces. There have also been some reports that when used for trail or mountain biking, the zips can open, with some users even saying that they had lost tools on their journey. While such reports are minimal, it is certainly something to take into consideration. However, it should also be highlighted that this has been designed as a road saddle bag.
Bottom Line
Whilst the Topeak saddle bag certainly has its limitations, it is competitively priced and remains to be one of the most practical bags on the market. With just enough space for specific tools for simple repairs, your personal belongings, and a couple of energy bars to keep you going, it is the perfect option if you are looking to upgrade your cycling storage solutions. This fantastic accessory will provide you with the ideal spot to store all your essentials and keep everything in place while you ride. It is a bag that is user-friendly, well designed and feels robust enough to last for years to come.