Cyclite Saddle Bag Small
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ÄlĆ”nek je k dispozici i v ÄeÅ”tinÄ šØšæ.
Cyclite is aĀ relatively new German brand that produces high-quality and lightweight bikepacking bags. The saddle bag is available in 12.9Ā and 8Ā litres. Today, we will focus on the āSmallā version, the smaller of the two siblings.
The bag is sold in white (or as they say light grey) and black. White doesnāt stay white for long. As you can see in the pictures, IĀ tested it thoroughly. I tried to clean the dirt and black stains with aĀ 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 aĀ space for attaching aĀ light. At the top is an integrated plastic mini carabiner and aĀ bungee cord for attaching additional cargo. The straps that hold the bag under the saddle have metal buckles. Even so, the bag weighs aĀ beautiful 228 grams. It is, of course, completely waterproof.
The minimum distance between the saddle and the rear tyre is 21Ā 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, IĀ 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 doesnāt matter at all. IĀ find the valve useful mainly in bags that close with side buckles. Here, IĀ just squeeze the bag to release the air, roll it up, and fasten the buckles together. I didnāt even realize there was no valve until IĀ reviewed it.
Iāve only had it for six months, so IĀ canāt yet assess its long-term durability. I used it on the Tour Divide, where it covered about 1,000 kilometres. Other than dirt, IĀ see no signs of wear.
The system of securing it under the saddle with metal buckles is unique, and IĀ havenāt seen it on any other brand. I believe it will last longer than traditional plastic buckles. IĀ find fastening it aĀ bit less comfortable, as threading the strap through the loop requires aĀ bit more precision. However, during aĀ bikepacking event, IĀ donāt care. IĀ usually donāt remove the bag.
I like the bungee cord at the top of the bag. IĀ can easily increase the volume of my load if necessary. IĀ even carried trail shoes there. The load can also be secured with the integrated plastic carabiner.
For comparison, IĀ also include the profile of the recently reviewed Apidura. Itās quite similar, although the Cyclite, not just because of its larger volume, extends further back. If IĀ were to put, for example, aĀ 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 IĀ 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 aĀ recommended price of ā¬150, you save aĀ bit compared to the Apidura and get aĀ bungee cord for extra cargo. IĀ didnāt experience any issues with waterproofing as long as IĀ stuck to three rolls.
Thanks to the absence of an air valve, you wonāt drown it even in aĀ river, although IĀ wouldnāt 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, itās well-made, and IĀ can recommend it.
Advantages
- Lightweight
- Bungee cord
Disadvantages
- No air valve
Overall rating: 4.6/5
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