The ultimate bike bag guide:
which bike bag do I need?

What types of bicycle bags are there?

When you look for a suitable bike bag, you will soon discover that they are available in many different types. Generally speaking the position on the bicycle gives the name for the type of bike bag. Which brings us to the following overview:

Handlebar bag

A handlebar bag is attached, no surprise there, to your bicycle handlebars. Because the space on your handlebars is limited, they are often compact. Because the bag is small in size and always in your line of sight, it is ideal for storing your valuables. They even offer enough space to store some food or drink. The perfect bag for a day out.

With the rise in popularity of bikepacking, the handlebar bag has undergone a development in recent years. Where this bag was originally placed on top of your handlebars, the 'handlebar bag' hangs right in front of your handlebars. The size is also larger than the standard handlebar bag. Later in the guide we will discuss the bags for the ideal bikepacking setup.   

Rear pannier

The rear pannier is a classic among bike bags. These are the bags that you place on the back of your luggage carrier. We roughly distinguish between single and double panniers. You can easily remove the single bicycle bag, making it suitable for commuting or for a quick errand. Do you prefer to keep your panniers permanently on the bike? Then choose double panniers. Just like the saddle bag, the rear bags are always equipped with reflective elements. You will never overlook oncoming traffic.

How many liters should my pannier be?

In addition to the types, bike bags and panniers also come in different sizes. The sizes of each are indicated in litres. How many liters you need depends of course on your bike ride. To find out how many liters your bag needs, we divide them into different sizes.

Of course you can endlessly combine the contents of your panniers to still take enough stuff with you. For example, you can cycle with one 21 liter bag, but also with two 14 liter panniers at the front and two 21 liter bags at the back. In any case, make sure that the weight is evenly distributed. Keep in mind the ratio: 1/3 of the weight is carried at the front of the bike, 2/3 at the back.

Cycle bags up to 5 liter

A bicycle bag of up to 5 liters is suitable for carrying practical items such as accessories, tools or an extra inner tube. Due to the compact size, you can easily mount them on your bike. You see these small bags mainly as handlebar, frame or saddle bag.

Cycle bags between 5 and 10 liter

Also with the bicycle bags from 5 to 10 liters you end up with handlebar, frame or saddle bags. These are just a size bigger, so you can take extra stuff such as a charger, padlock or food and drinks with you. This format is perfect for the cyclist who goes out for a day or the holiday cyclist who wants to have all valuables within reach.

What requirements should a good bicycle bag meet?

A good bicycle bag has a number of important features of which the main one is probably the water resistance of the bag. If you want to be able to ride on through the rain, a waterproof bicycle bag is indispensable. Is the bicycle bag water-repellent, then it will be able to handle most brief or light showers, but make sure you buy a matching rain cover.

A second important feature is that a bicycle bag van provide extra visibility in traffic. A high-quality bicycle bag is therefore equipped with reflective elements. Some models are even available in a striking neon yellow color.

A bicycle bag should not only withstand the elements, it should also be able to take a bit of  beating. And when buying a bike, consider if the bicycle bag has been developed with sustainable materials. You will find this information in the technical specifications of the bag.

Do I need another pannier for the electric bicycle?

Most single and double panniers fit well on an ebike or speed pedelec, but because sometimes the battery is placed above the rear wheel of the bicycle, there can be less space at the luggage carrier. Therefore, to be sure, measure the distance between the battery and the luggage carrier. This is sometimes necessary, in particular for the single pannier, because these use the KLICKfix system. In our range we have the E-bike Performance single pannier. It has been specially developed for the electric bicycle.

Which bicycle bag for commuting?

Anyone who cycles to work every day has a lot to choose from in terms of panniers. Which bag you choose depends on the type of cyclist you are. Some of us ride on a racing bike with a backpack, other on a e-bike with one or more panniers.

Sporty bicycle commuter
The commuter who goes to work on a racing bicycle does not have the luxury of a luggage carrier. That is why you see most sporty commuters cycling with a bicycle backpack. With a backpack you can easily take your laptop, lunch and extra clothes. If you leave your laptop at work, you can also opt for a compact handlebar bag or frame bag of at least 10 liters.

Business bicycle commuter
Does your bike have a pack carrier? Then you can choose from single or double panniers. The big difference is that some panniers have a smaller volume and are easy to detach. This makes it ideal for transporting loose items such as your laptop and clothing without using a bag in the pannier. Double panniers are attached to your luggage carrier and are ideal for transporting separate bags.

Whatever type of cyclist you are, make sure that the bicycle bag is waterproof and that your bag has reflective details. This way you and your belongings arrive at work safely. In addition, take into account the things you take with you every day when you are looking for a suitable size.

Which bicycle bag for a day out?

It's a lovely day out on the bike. If you're on your bike almost all day, you don't want to wear a backpack. A bicycle bag offers a solution. If you prefer to stop at a cafe on the way to have something to eat, then a handlebar bag or saddle bag of about 5 liters will suffice. You can store your valuables and spare parts in it. Do you enjoy having lunch in a park? Then expand the set with a single bicycle bag in which you can store enough goodies and possibly a plaid.

How do I attach my bicycle bag?

Attaching a bicycle bag is very easy. Check in advance which method is suitable for your bicycle bag and a child can do the laundry. We explain the two most common systems.

Attaching a pannier is very easy as long as you check in advance which method is suitable for your bike. We explain the two most common systems.

CLICKfix
Most single panniers and handlebar bags use a KLICKfix system. Handlebar bags are often provided with a KLICKfix plate into which you simply click the bag. Some bicycle axles can be clicked directly onto the bicycle with KLICKfix Vario top hooks. The advantage of the top hooks is that you can place your bag both in front and on the back of the bike. With a simple click, the two hooks are fixed, then there is a third hook with which you can further adjust the bag. This prevents the bag from rattling or swinging.

Velcro and clips
Most bikepacking bags have Velcro and clips. Because the settings differ per bicycle, this attachment ensures that the bag can be firmly attached to your bicycle. You can put on the clips very easily.

You can vary endlessly with bicycle bags. Our tip is to invest in some basic panniers that you can expand slowly. Are you unsure which bag is suitable? Then ask around in your circle of friends and try out different bags.

Depending on how often you cycle weekly, it might be wise to have several items at home. The more often you wash, the quicker your clothes will wear out. It is therefore advisable to wear at least two sets per season.

It's also nice to be able to vary in terms of underwear and accessories. Buying a complete and quality wardrobe is quite an investment, but it always pays off. Better to save patiently than spend immediately

Enjoy the Ride!