BV Bicycle Strap-On Bike Saddle Bag / Seat Bag / Cycling Bag

First let me start by saying this bag appears to be crafted with high quality standards. The material appears to be very durable. The zippers work well without obstructions. The styling is excellent (which is what drew me to purchasing this particular saddle bag).My only complaint is...I purchased the LARGE size bag, but it's a lot smaller than I expected. Even though you can increase the capacilty by unzipping the bottom zipper, it's still not as large as I expected or wanted. But this is only one persons opinion and is very subjective.I have not tried to load it up with everything I typically take with me during a normal bike ride (20+ miles), but I'm pretty sure I won't be able to carry my normal load. I've regrettably given the bag to my youngest son who has a Trek 29er. The design on the bag matches the Trek 29er decals perfectly. It's really is a very nice bag...I just wish it were a little larger...possibly an XL or XXL size. I've since purchased the Avenir Bigmouth.Based on the specs, the Avenir Bigmouth bag should be slightly larger (both sites use different methods for capacity measurement just to confuse everyone...especially the older generation) :-)The Avenir Bigmouth product spec uses cubic inches...whereas the BV product spec uses liters. I know the International Standard (Metric) is a more precise measurement, but I prefer the US Standard of Cubic Inches for measuring volume or capacity.The BV capacity std size (not expanded) is 1.1L (67.13 cubic inches).The Avenir Bigmouth std size (not expanded) is 75 cubic inches (1.23L).The BV expanded capacity is 1.5L (91.54 cubic inches)The Avenir Bigmouth expanded capacity is 106 cubic inches (1.74L).So slightly larger...which may or maynot make much difference. We'll see when the bag arrives. I'll have both to compare to.5/30/2013 - Update. Well the Avenir Bigmouth bag arrived. Guess I was wrong about the potential size differences. Comparing both bags side-by-side, they are exactly the same size..even when expanded. Their construction is also very similar. Only a couple of differences.1. Avenir Bigmouth has a better quality zipper and rubber zipper head covers...the BV has fabric loops...so the BV wasn't as nice.2. Avenir Bigmouth bag appears to have a thicker fabric. The fabric weave on the BV is tighter...but not as thick as the Avenir Bigmouth. I can't say which one is better. But personally I think the thicker Avenir Bigmouth fabric might hold up better.3. The BV has the 3M reflective trim that wraps around the bag...the same trim on the Avenir Bigmouth is simply non-reflective black.4. The BV bag has a cardboard insert woven into the bottom of the bag that makes the bag stiffer and holds it shape a little better than the Avenir Bigmouth. Over time and use the carboard insert might become less rigid...especially as you cram things into the small bag cavity or tighten the seat strap to give the bag a snug fit.Both bags are large enough to carry most of what I feel I'll need on a typical ride (i.e. spare Co2 cartrige, tire repair kit, Topeak multi-tool, mini pump, wallet and Samsumg Galaxy III phone with Otterbox protective shell). But they're definitely not the same as my Topeak MTX Trunk, which is what I use on my Specialized Hybrid. I recently purchased a full carbon road bike and I wanted to start packing less anyway...so both the BV and Avenir should work. But since the BV bag goes better with my sons Trek 29er, I think I'll keep the Avenir Bigmouth bag for myself.

I purchased the BV Bicycle Strap-On Saddle/Seat Bag (Large), as I needed to be able to hold my wallet, phone, tire pullers, a patch kit, a spare tube, and a multi-tool -- I have mounts for other items, such as a mini bike pump. After looking at the dimensions in the product details and reading some of the better reviews that offer examples of what people stored in this bag, I’m glad I purchased the large. It’s not an imposing size; and, anything smaller would not have worked for what I wanted to carry.Pros: Starting on the outside of the bag, this is a solidly-built gray-on-black canvas bag with a cardboard insert sewn into the fabric to help the bag keep its shape. The 3M reflectors, which are nicely stitched on the bag, wrap around the entire exposed portion of the shell. Adjustable latching straps are made of a sturdy nylon material, well-stitched, and will have no problem securing this bag to your bike. The rear of the bag also has a solidly-stitched strap on which to secure a bike reflector/light, given you will have to remove your seat post reflector/light in order to attach this bag to your seat post. The angle at which the bag attaches allows the reflector to show unobscured and at a good angle. The bottom of the bag has a solidly-sewn guide through which to thread the strap that secures the strap to your bike seat. The curved, rear portion of the seat has a quality-built elastic band with solid velcro (both of which are stitched well) to attach the bag to your seat post. Buckles are made of a durable plastic and are also stitched securely. Zippers are nicely constructed with pulls on them to assist with use -- from the bottom expandable-compartment zipper, to the zipper that opens the bag’s mouth, they simply feel durable. Inside the bag, on the mouth of the bag, you will find a key holder and a mesh compartment to keep cash, cards, change, etc. Both are solidly stitched. The bag itself has a nice inner lining that seems like it will survive tougher rides and jarring. Looking at the dimensions posted on the product page for the large bag (7.5" x 3-4.75" x 2.5-4"), I needed the large to carry the contents I wanted. I posted a pic showing my wallet, phone, and car keys in the bag (unexpanded), it could definitely hold a little more unexpanded and even more when expanded. I have yet to purchase a tube, but I’m sure it will accomodate all I want.Cons: Being nit-picky, while the zippers work well, the one that opens the mouth can be hard to open given you have to slide it over the mouth of the bag (basically against the bottom of your seat) to open the mouth. Still, I’m not sure how you could improve this design, as opening the zipper from the bottom could result in your contents spilling out.General Comments: I use the term “quality” a lot in this review… that’s because that’s what this bag radiates… quality. It’s large, but not so large that you will hit your thighs when pedaling (I provided a pic of its width under my stock Giant MTB bike seat to show you what I mean). While other reviewers noted the medium and smaller bags worked well for them, for me it was large or nothing -- without going the top-tube-bag or rear-wheel-saddle-bag route. The other sizes, when hung on my bike (and I measured and remeasured to envision fit), would be too small for my needs. Neither a pro or a con, as the product description doesn’t call the bag out as being such, while the tight nylon weave would indicate water resistance, I do not foresee this bag being water proof. As such, we’ll see if some sort of sealant might be needed on wetter rides.Recommended Purchase: Do I recommend the purchase of the BV large black saddle bag? The simple answer is... absolutely. This is a solid four-star product (for my needs). Fit, style, and finish on this bag all equate to quality. For toting smaller items, you simply can’t go wrong with this purchase. Now, if you need to carry the kitchen sink, you’ll need to look elsewhere at much larger bags and/or combinations of bags.In case you're wondering, I paid the Amazon-advertised price for this product. I only write reviews for items I personally use and test. Please know I did the best I could at the time I wrote this review and always welcome both constructive feedback (to make my reviews better) and all questions related to this review (to make it better and help where I can). I will try to address both as time allows, within a reasonable period from the date I posted the review. I'm a family man; so, my time isn't always my own. Thanks for understanding.

Let me preface by saying I cannot remember the last time I took time out of my day to write a review on Amazon. The fact that I decided my voice regarding this product needed to be heard says everything.I purchased 2 of these for my road bike and mountain bike, size Medium. On one of them, the clasp strap broke right off the clasp while I was putting it on the bike. Naturally, I figured it must be a 1 in a million defective one because it's so highly rated on Amazon. So I had them replace it. No more than 3 days later I was riding my bike home from work, and the strap tore from the clasp on the OTHER one. So I completed my ride with the saddle bad hanging on by a thread. These were both Medium sizes, so I cannot attest to the quality of the other sizes, but this is a horribly made product. 2 out of the of 3 saddle bags I was sent broke, and I'm confident the one that is currently on my road bike has not broke only because I have not had a chance to really ride my road bike with the bag on it yet. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS ITEM. It will break, and you will have to replace it.