Cyclite Saddle Bag Small

Cyclite is a relatively new German brand that produces high-quality and lightweight bikepacking bags. The saddle bag is available in 12.9 and 8 litres. Today, we will focus on the “Small” version, the smaller of the two siblings.

The bag is sold in white (or as they say light grey) and black. White doesn’t stay white for long. As you can see in the pictures, I tested it thoroughly. I tried to clean the dirt and black stains with a brush and soap, but the effect was practically negligible, although the product video claims that white remains white easily after washing.

What you will almost always find on all saddlebags are reflective elements on the sides and back. There is also a space for attaching a light. At the top is an integrated plastic mini carabiner and a bungee cord for attaching additional cargo. The straps that hold the bag under the saddle have metal buckles. Even so, the bag weighs a beautiful 228 grams. It is, of course, completely waterproof.

The minimum distance between the saddle and the rear tyre is 21 centimetres.

The shape is maintained by plastic reinforcements that are removable. The space near the saddle is very narrow and should be filled with less bulky items. In most bags, I put the sleeping bag in transversely, but here it holds best lengthwise.

Experience from the Field

The saddle bag does not have an air release valve, but in my opinion, this doesn’t matter at all. I find the valve useful mainly in bags that close with side buckles. Here, I just squeeze the bag to release the air, roll it up, and fasten the buckles together. I didn’t even realize there was no valve until I reviewed it.

I’ve only had it for six months, so I can’t yet assess its long-term durability. I used it on the Tour Divide, where it covered about 1,000 kilometres. Other than dirt, I see no signs of wear.

The system of securing it under the saddle with metal buckles is unique, and I haven’t seen it on any other brand. I believe it will last longer than traditional plastic buckles. I find fastening it a bit less comfortable, as threading the strap through the loop requires a bit more precision. However, during a bikepacking event, I don’t care. I usually don’t remove the bag.

I like the bungee cord at the top of the bag. I can easily increase the volume of my load if necessary. I even carried trail shoes there. The load can also be secured with the integrated plastic carabiner.

For comparison, I also include the profile of the recently reviewed Apidura. It’s quite similar, although the Cyclite, not just because of its larger volume, extends further back. If I were to put, for example, a jacket on the bungee cord, it would certainly get in the way on steep descents.

I tried the real capacity to give you an idea, and I was able to fit:

• A pair of socks
• Sleeping bag (weighing 350 g)
• Waterproof gloves
• Merino shirt
• Tilak Vega waterproof jacket (200 g)
• NeoAir UberLite inflatable sleeping pad
• Leg warmers
• Scarf
• Waterproof socks

Summary

With a recommended price of €150, you save a bit compared to the Apidura and get a bungee cord for extra cargo. I didn’t experience any issues with waterproofing as long as I stuck to three rolls.

Thanks to the absence of an air valve, you won’t drown it even in a river, although I wouldn’t submerge it anywhere for an extended period. In steep descents, it might get in the way due to its profile, but it is still relatively compact. Otherwise, it’s well-made, and I can recommend it.

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