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review

Birzman M-Snug seatpack

8
£22.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A great option for when a minimalist bag simply doesn't carry what you need
Weight: 
93g
Contact: 

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The new M-Snug seat pack from Birzman offers a flexible storage option for your ride essentials in a neat design.

Previously, we tested Birzman's minimalist saddle bag, the Roadster 1, and liked it for its svelte looks that don't dominate the look of your bike. They've pulled off the same trick here with this more capacious model.

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The M-Snug's 0.5L interior is courtesy of its extra depth, making the most of the shape of the bag. The plain black styling with simple Birzman branding also goes a long way to 'hiding' it away, making it look smaller than it is, while the black reflective strip on the rear that incorporates an LED light loop is a nice added touch.

Built with dual zips that allow entry either side, the M-Snug is designed for efficient organisation: you can get at the tools and spares you need sooner, and get back on with your ride quickly. This works well in practice, and creates a nice organised layout when you open the bag fully when detached from the bike.

So, how many compartments do you actually get on the inside? Four, including the main central space, plus an extra strap on the inside designed to keep a small multi-tool in place. It sounds a bit cramped in there, but I put all the kit I had stored in my old similarly sized bag into the M-Snug and still had room left for a second tube and a spoke key – things I previously had to leave behind or stash in my jersey pockets.

The clip that fastens the pack to the saddle rails does so securely (and silently) using O rings – so securely that the bag is held tight and largely unnoticeable when you ride out of the saddle and throw your bike around. Frankly, it feels like you almost don't need the seatpost strap.

The 300 PU material used throughout is claimed to be both waterproof and breathable; it's impressively hydrophobic, and the internal compartment stayed dry on our test rides in spring and early summer. Our only minor concern was with the base of the bag; there's no extra reinforcement to protect it from road muck, so this area could suffer over a long winter unless you also have mudguards fitted.

Aside from that – potentially groundless – worry, the M-Snug is well worth considering if you're looking for a well thought out saddle bag that gives you plenty of storage without ruining the look of your bike.

Verdict

A great option for when a minimalist bag simply doesn't carry what you need

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Birzman Corp M-Snug seatpack

Size tested: Gray

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Birzman say: "Saddle bag MTB-Compact and functional design. Made to carry tube, mini tool, tire levers and everything else you may need on the ride. Zip open on both sides with small inner pockets and compartments."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Size: 16x8x8cm

Material: 300 PU

Capacity: 0.5L

Weight: 93g

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Clips that hold it in place to the saddle are solid, while the internal compartments are well positioned and thought out.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

No issues so far.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

At £22.99, it's not cheap, but with the well thought out storage compartments and decent construction it's certainly worth your consideration.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well. It holds all your essentials (and more), while the clip holds it securely to your saddle, meaning no annoying movement or rattling noises.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Looks good, stores everything you need, and nice little black reflective touch on the back for added visibility in the dark without standing out like a sore thumb in the daylight.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 25  Height: 188cm  Weight: 83kg

I usually ride: Specialized Allez Sport  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

 

Add new comment

3 comments

Avatar
Freddy56 | 8 years ago
0 likes

Thigh rubbing

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TheScotsman | 8 years ago
0 likes

Those velcro straps are great at attaching themselves to your lycra shorts and leaving them with a 'pulled' patch when the tongue is over-long and left poking out like it is in the photo....

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amazon22 | 8 years ago
0 likes

But isn't that light loop horizontal rather than vertical? I like the side entry approach to best utilise a small space.

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