$70 Redshift saddle bag is designed for quick access, though fit is hit or miss

Squirrels gotta squirrel that bounty, and so do I. On the shortest rides, a snack, one bottle, and a flat fix will do. Red Shift has created a unique under-saddle holster with space for a tube, tool, and a CO2. A few gels or other small items could also be ferreted away inside if you like.

Key specs

Weight: 114g (size medium, tested)
Price: $69.99
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To mount the bag, a stretchy strap snaps into the underside of your saddle, with a magnet to add a little stationary security. From there, wrap the strap around the bag and velcro it tight. Simple. We have been doing this with ski straps for years, and Red Shift’s mounting bracket refines the standard.

This bag is ideal for gravel and road bike riders who run rigid seat posts. Set it and forget it until you need to access the gear. A rear fender might be nice to keep grit off your precious gear. Those same G-road riders might prefer a flashy light on the back of their bike, and while this bag lacks a designated mounting point, it’s easy enough to snap one on the strap.

For folks with long-travel dropper posts, there are a few points worth consideration. First, for riders on size small and XS bikes, or those on any frame where the rear tire kisses the back of your saddle at full compression, this would be poor placement for a saddle bag.

Additionally, if you slam your saddle all the way forward, as do I, the Red Shift mounting bracket will not fit the saddle rails (see photo above). I had to mount the bag on my partner’s bike to test it because all of my saddles are slammed into the climbing position. I would likely mount my saddle in a more neutral position on a gravel or road bike, making this a moot point, but it’s worth a shout for folks who ride like their frame’s seat tube angle should be steeper.

Red Shift has a nice improvement on the classic gear stash spot here, and if it works for your bike, this could be an easy way to store all the bits you don’t want to forget.

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