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review

SKS Tour Bag

8
£25.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Well made saddle bag with an ingenious mount
Weight: 
243g
Contact: 
www.chickencyclekit.com, www.madison.co.uk, www.raleigh.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Tour bag from SKS is sturdy and cunningly engineered bag that is just the job for short audaxes and day rides.

We tested the largest in the range, the XL, which has enough space for basic ride kit, pretty much everything you'd need bar a pump. You'll probably struggle to wedge a waterproof in there though, unless it's one of the flash ones that scrunch down into something the size of a tennis ball. SKS claim 1.4l for the main compartment plus an additional 0.6l if you undo a second zip and extend the bag. Fully extended it's a bit too big for my bikes (I'm 5'8" and usually have problems with saddle based luggage systems) but it also comes in a L version which is a couple of quid cheaper and doesn't have the extendable bit.

The real star of the show is the way the bag mounts onto the bike. There is a simple rubberised strap which goes round your seatpost and fastens with a cam-lock that effectively snaps the catch shut on itself. It's a damnably cunning trick and works brilliantly. It's easy to fit and very secure. The strap is adjustable too, so any size of seatpost can be accommodated. The best bit is that you can remove it from your bike in seconds, handy at cafe stops, and fit it to any of your other bikes just as quickly. Another cunning feature is the ratchet button which allows the angle of the bag to be altered according to the angle of your seatpost.

SKS claim this bag is water resistant. With a multi-layer construction, storm shield over the main zip and a plastic underside it should withstand pretty much anything the weather throws at you.

Features wise there's a useful light loop, but reflectives are limited to a single loop of material that extends across the back and round the sides. SKS also claim it has a compartment for a minitool. It does, but it's so badly positioned that even sat here on the sofa with the bag completely empty I struggled to get a tool in and out. It's not a big deal though, it's not as if the bag is so big that you're likely to lose stuff in its depths.

It's a neat bag that represents great value, especially if you have more than one bike.

Verdict

Well made bag with an ingenious mount.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: SKS Tour Bag

Size tested: XL - Black/Grey/Orange

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?

SKS say - "The SKS Tour Bag saddle bag are distinguished by their exceptional design and easy handling. With the typical quick release fastening they allow quick attachment to the seat post. The angle adjustment allows optimal alignment. Inside there is a compartment for a mini tool."

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

SKS don't oversell the tech here!

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Nicely made and should last.

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

Robust build means it's not amazingly light, but it's not aimed at weight weenies.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Good quality and usable on your entire fleet.

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

Just fine.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Neat design, easy to fit and remove.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Ideal saddlebag for day rides or shorter audaxes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 5' 8  Weight: er....85kg

I usually ride: Kona Dew Drop, Dawes Century SE, Carlton Corsa  My best bike is: Guess SC1 scandium

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, Audax and long distance solo rides

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