Small but perfectly formed, the SKS Race Bag XS is an ideal way of stowing the absolute essentials for a ride on your bike. It’s simple to fit and remove, sturdy, keeps out the weather and doesn’t rattle. Only the size might be an issue for you, but if it is larger versions are available.

The bag is made from waterproofed nylon hanging from a solid plastic top section. There’s a single zip, and inside there’s a neoprene sleeve to keep your tool from rattling around and enough room left over for a tube and a CO2 inflator, and that’s about it. Even squeezing a puncture kit in there took some doing.

The Race Bag attaches to your saddle via a rotating lock; there’s a section attached to the rails permanently, and you just twist the bag through 90 degrees to release it. That’s super handy when you’ve stopped as you don’t need to stoop down to dig out your tools. Once in place it feels sturdy and rattle free. There’s a light loop on the back, and reflective piping too.

Our test sample got some rotten conditions to play with – most notably a very soggy Fred Whitton Challenge over tough Cumbrian roads in tough Cumbrian conditions – and it stayed dry inside throughout. Okay it’s a bit of a squeeze to get everything in, but there’s plenty of bigger seatpacks out there, even within this range, so there’s no point moaning that this one is small; aside from that it performed admirably and it looks smart on the bike too.

Verdict

Well made, waterproof, rattle-free seatpack for the bare necessities

All the deals displayed on our review pages are pulled from a constantly updating database feed of the best affiliate deals available. The criteria for deciding on what are the best deals is who is offering the lowest, delivered price. In most cases we will be showing the very best deal available online, but sometimes you may be able to find an item cheaper. If you can please feel free to post a link in the comments box below. To find out more about affiliate links on road.cc click here.

road.cc test report

Make and model: SKS Race bag XS

Size tested: Extra Small

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

The SKS RACE BAG XS can easily be attached to the saddle rails with no tools. A separate

compartment inside for a multi tool and water resistant material ensure all items are protected.

Other features: attachment loop for safety light and reflective piping.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Very nicely put together

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

No fuss, no frills, just what you need.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

No problems during testing and it had some bad weather to deal with

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

If you’re complaining about a bag this big holding you back, you’re scratching around for an excuse

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Decent value for the spend

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

Very well

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Well made, rattle-free

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

on the limit of what you might deem a useful size…

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: 38  Height: 190cm  Weight: 98kg

I usually ride: whatever I’m testing…  My best bike is: Genesis Equilibrium with SRAM Apex

I’ve been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track