SP Connect’s Saddle Case Set is a solid and sturdy storage option for your bike, and it makes a nice little package in tandem with the All-Round Safety Light (review to come) which can be fitted to the rear.

  • Pros: Water-resistant, sturdy, good fitting system, built-in bracket for light
  • Cons: Not big enough for (some) mini-pumps, quite pricey

Let’s start with the basics – as I said, this is a solid and sturdy saddle case that can carry most of your essentials. There’s enough capacity inside for a spare tube, tools, puncture repair kit and CO2 canisters, and it protects all that inside its very water resistant semi-hardshell outer. If you’re a mini-pump carrier like me, you’ll likely need to store it in a pocket as the harder nature of the case itself isn’t that stretchy like my own Topeak one, but it’s the only downside in this respect.

> Beginner’s guide to luggage: How to carry stuff on your bike

It attaches not through straps but by using SP’s patented click-and-twist system, which works through a rail mount. It’s very sturdy, and once in place is solid as a rock.

SP Connect Saddle Case Set – mount.jpg
SP Connect Saddle Case Set – mount (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Because you really need to work a bit to twist it into place, it’s practically impossible for it to shake itself loose, while it holds it tight enough to limit rattling from careless packaging on the rider’s part.

I’ve heard stories of some click systems snapping from time to time, but that’s not going to happen here – there’s nothing to snap off, with the quality fitment system nicely integrated into the bag.

SP Connect Saddle Case Set.jpg
SP Connect Saddle Case Set (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The water-resistant zips protect the contents further from the outside, while the round-the-side access allows the bag to open up fully like a jaw for easy access. Careful with that, though, because stuff can fall out, but there is netting on the sides of the bag to help curb that a bit, as well as hold it partly in place.

SP Connect Saddle Case Set – open.jpg
SP Connect Saddle Case Set – open (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

At £34.99, it’s not the cheapest saddle bag in the world – Fabric’s Contain Small Saddle Bag is £21.99, the Large £29.99, while the Blackburn Grid Small is £19.99, the Large £24.99.

Still, put it together with the also-£34.99 All-Round rear light and you have a very well-made, reliable, sturdy and visible package. Yes, £70 is a lot to spend on a bag and a light, but it’s a neat and integrated package.

SP Connect Saddle Case Set – light mounted.jpg
SP Connect Saddle Case Set – light mounted (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Verdict

It’s quite expensive, but it’s a quality saddlebag

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road.cc test report

Make and model: SP Connect Saddle Case Set

Size tested: n/a

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?

SP Connect says: “The SP Connect SADDLE CASE offers protective and weatherproof storage for your biking essentials, e.g. spare tube, tools, etc. The case can be easily attached to or removed from the included SADDLE MOUNT with it’s patented twist to lock mechanism. The case features MicroRails which allow you to attach the SP ConnectTM All-Round Safety Light directly on to the case.”

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

Features:

– Quick and secure attachment

– Integrated light mount

– Dual zip for easy access

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

The fitting is great, as is the zip.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Does the job, although arguably not quite deep enough for my mini-pump.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

No complaints to make – I’ll update this if things change.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
7/10

150g isn’t too bad, and a fair chunk of that belongs to the bracket.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

£34.99 is a bit expensive, but not outrageous.

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

Very well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Water-resistant, sturdy, good fitting system, built-in bracket for light.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Can’t fit my mini-pump, quite pricey.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

At £34.99, it’s not the cheapest saddle bag in the world – small and large options from Fabric and Blackburn are £5-£15 less.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? As a package deal with the light, maybe.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

It does the job well and the bracket system is very good, but it is expensive. That says 7 to me.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 29  Height: 188cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 9.0 SL (2016)  My best bike is:

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

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