Was reluctant to spend the money on this saddle bag, but I was going on a trip that required riding 100 miles per day for 7 days. I usually just carry a Dyna Plug and my small battery operated pump with me, but based on the fact that these rides were un supported and there was no available services for most of them I decided to get the bag. It worked out great. I was able to put my small multitool, a co2 cartridge, a mini pump hose and my dynamite plug kit. Turns out I had to use it twice. Once for a friend and once for myself. Highly recommend this product.
I already had several non-Ortlieb top tube bags, and I wanted the convenience and added security of a quick-release system that would allow me to bring my valuables into a market with me and didn't require me to fiddle with rethreading and adjusting straps each time I got back on.
The Ortlieb Fuel bag and Top tube bag use the same mounting system. Ortlieb offers the Ortlieb Mounting-Set to support the use of the same bag across multiple bikes. But if you are handy with an awl or hot nail, you can modify the bags you already own.
This system works very well in retrofitting other top tube bags. All the hardware you need to attach the quick release to your bike is included. I converted a Timbuk2 bag to take advantage of the M5 frame bosses. The included internal bag fasteners provide enough rigidity to remove the four frame and stem straps from the bag and rely solely on the bosses.
I no longer have to worry about:
1. straps wearing down the bike frame and stem finishes
2. a top tube bag flopping from side to side
3. leaving valuables or an expensive frame bag on the bike when I head into a store or overnight accommodations
Finally, if you pick up a couple of these, you can quickly move one bag between bikes and swap bags on your bikes depending on the ride's needs.
The Silca Mattone is a slick seat pack that has room for my essentials (tube, tire levers, CO2). I like how it attaches to the saddle with a thick rubber strap and the boa closure, so no unwanted rubbing of plastic or metal on the saddle or seat post. I don't understand how it could be accessed while attached to the bike (as claimed by the product description), but that's alright, I would typically take a seat pack off the bike when repairing a flat anyway. I haven't tested the water-resistance yet.
I like the XLAB top-tube bags. They are lightweight, aerodynamic, and provide easy access. No more stopping, getting off my bike, unzipping my under-the-saddle bag, rooting around and hoping nothing falls out. I got the Stealth Pocket 100 for my race day bike. I tried the Stealth Pocket 400c for my training bikes but found it too narrow to hold my training day needs. I returned it and got the Rocket Pocket XL. It has room to hold my emergency tire stuff, my flip phone, hydration packs, with room to spare! And it sits below the top of my headsets for good aerodynamics!
