Blackburn Grid Small Seat Bag

As the name suggests, the Blackburn Grid Small seat bag is designed to carry the minimum of kit. A compact multi-tool, vacuum-sealed spare tube, two tyre levers, CO2 inflator and an energy bar perhaps. It does its job well, though, and arguably that's all you'll need for a pared-to-the-essentials tarmac-centric plaything.

• Pros: Classic design, some innovative features, lifetime warranty
• Cons: Limited capacity, pricey relative to overall spec and competition

In common with others of similar capacity (Blackburn cites 0.4L), it hugs the saddle's contours. Some suggest this has some aero advantage but without wind tunnel facilities it's difficult to quantify such claims. It certainly gave a sleeker look to my fixed gear TT build than others have.

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Build quality is impressive: it really feels bombproof. The main material is PVC-coated rip-stop nylon, with welded seams and a shrouded zipper to keep the elements out. The zipper tag loop is another small but significant plus, making it easy to whip it open/shut with minimal effort even in full-finger gloves.

The nylon is impregnated with a clever 'dark-proof' retro-reflective technology which is increasingly common on clothing and accessories. Stealthy grey by day, the whole section turns a brilliant white when graced by vehicle headlights.

Continuing the safety conscious theme, there's a sensibly proportioned LED tab emblazoned with the retro-reflective Blackburn logo. One surprising disappointment – out of kilter with the quality narrative – is the LED tab. It's surprisingly thin and better suited to lighter models of rear light. Though ejections weren't a problem, models such as Moon's Nebula and Shield X Auto tended to slide and bounce about. Some clothing clips also proved a baggy fit, so check beforehand.

The bag attaches to saddle rails and seatpost via two beefy Velcro straps. Being picky, I'd prefer the buckle type (as used on my long-serving Zefal Iron Pack XL) since these make adjustment and sway-free tensioning that bit quicker and easier. That said, swapping between bikes or whipping it off when parking in the street is hardly a drama.

Delve inside the bag and although the padding consumes some useable space it serves two purposes: shape retention and, more importantly, insulation – the sort that banishes annoying tool-kit percussion synonymous with riding across uneven washboard tarmac.

Attached to my fixed gear TT build and hurtling across washboard tarmac at 30mph, everything remained blissfully quiet.

To my surprise, I managed to fit in my big mini-tool with 15mm wrench, single spare tube, CO2 inflator, spare chain links and three tyre levers. These were tucked into an elasticated flap within the main compartment.

I was also able to persuade a second spare tube and mini-pump to ride shotgun on the outer shell, held in place by relaxing the Velcro straps slightly. On longer outings when I needed to carry more I simply paired it with a top tube bag.

> Read more road.cc reviews of bags & panniers here

Wet roads have been unusually scarce this summer, but chasing through some refreshing storms without mudguards resulted in some grotty spatter. This was easily dismissed with a damp cloth, and the contents have remained bone dry. Both the shell and zipper have passed my garden hose torture test with flying colours, so – bog snorkelling aside – chances of electroplated tooling succumbing to the dreaded orange taint are slim.

Price-wise, it's at the steeper end of the market although it's not alone, with Lizard Skins' Cache also £19.99, for example. You can, of course, spend less: among those we've tested on road.cc, the Passport Frequent Flyer is £14.99, and the 0.7L Medium Lotus SH-6702 saddle bag is £11.99, while the 0.5L Small version is £10.99.

> Beginner's guide to cycling luggage — how to carry stuff on your bike

Overall, the Grid has performed well, as I'd expect from Blackburn and this end of the market. The brand's lifetime, no-quibble warranty also adds value. However, there are areas for improvement: the LED tab was disappointing and a buckle type system would make it easier to tether to seatposts.

Verdict

Generally well made and with some nice touches but room for improvement