Carrying kit can when out riding can be a major hassle. Your pockets are best reserved for soft things like Powerbars, arm warmers and leggings, especially if you intend falling off… but saddlepacks can also mean you can have a dedicated tool kit so you have a few less things to remember as you fly out of the door on a training ride. Agu bags have a reputation among touring cyclists for making quality stuff at a good price, we took a few to a training camp for carrying walkie-talkies, first aid kits and tools.

Cleat fitting
The best thing about Agu packs is that they can be fitted to a variety of bikes with the same Klick Fix mounting cleat – this works with all the sizes so you can choose how much stuff you want to carry. This cleat also means that there are no straps around the saddle rails and seatpost which can damage the seatpost and worse rub on the inside of your legs as you pedal. Agu saddle bags stay clear of the seatpost and attach to the rails with two screws. We over-filled these bags and rode over some very rough roads and they didn’t shake loose or rattle at all – the cleat will handle plenty of weight and is easy to unclip from the cleat by pressing the red buttons.

Made from a lightweight Cordura style fabric they also have an LED strap and plenty of Scotchlite for nightime use. The more expensive ones come with a rain cover for really wet riding. The best selling Yamaska 402KF will carry slightly less but is very compact – so would be fine for time trials as it fits snugly under the saddle. The Ventura range are big enough for 3 inner tubes and a fairly comprehensive on-the-road tool kit and perfect for winter riding and training.

Capacity of the Ventura 104 KF can be adjusted by undoing a zipped expansion seam so it will take a maximum of 2 litres of stuff. Perfect if you want to stash away a gilet or some food for later. The quality of Agu stuff is good but best of all the prices are very reasonable. Leaving your pockets free of clutter makes cycling far easier. The only downside is that they aren’t waterproof but the additional rain cover keeps the wet out – you just have to remember to pull it over when it starts raining!

• Capacity(s): 0.7 to 2.5litres

• Weight: 125g to 170g (unfilled)

• Prices vary from £11.95 to £13.95

• From: Madison – Ultimate Pursuits stores Ph. 01908 326032

• Agu’s website

Expandable and practical	Klick Fix, neat & easy	…& tucked away