Bags

While you can choose to head out on the road or the trail with a backpack, this is not always the most convenient or comfortable option. Backpacks can weigh you down and wear you out, but with a broad array of bicycle bags designed to counteract this problem you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to adding extra storage to your bike. There are three distinct categories into which bike bags usually fall. The first is the saddle bag, which is usually a smaller pouch that is strapped or affixed beneath your saddle. Saddle bags are a good choice if you want to take a few items with you, like your keys, phone and wallet, without having them slipping and sliding around in your pocket and without adding an oversized holdall at the front or rear. Light weight, easy access and aerodynamics define the best saddle bags.

The second category is the rack bag which can be mounted above your rear wheel if you have a rack and will give you plenty of pockets, pouches and internal storage space secured by zips, flaps and straps. Bike panniers, which hang down by the wheels and add further room for item carrying can also be integrated with rack bags. The final option, which may be suitable if you are looking for low profile mountain bike bags, is the handlebar bag. These can be simple slip-on designs which let you wrap up your mobile phone, cash and keys where you can see them and get to them without hindrance, unlike larger bicycle bags. You can also nab handlebar baskets if you want to dump your shopping.