This review delves into the Blackburn under-seat bicycle bag, a compact solution for carrying essential bike repair tools and accessories. We'll examine its design, features, included tools, and overall practicality. This assessment will cover ease of use, durability, and the overall value proposition of this small yet potentially vital piece of cycling equipment. We'll explore whether it lives up to expectations and if it's a worthwhile addition to your cycling gear.The Blackburn bag boasts a secure attachment system and convenient zippered access. Inside, you'll find a comprehensive multi-tool, tire levers, and a hand pump—all essential for roadside repairs. However, the review will also address limitations, such as the bag's small size and consequent limited storage capacity. We'll discuss whether this compact design is a benefit or a drawback, ultimately determining if the Blackburn under-seat bag is the right choice for your cycling needs.
Pros And Cons
- Includes knife
- Includes scissors
- Includes screwdriver
- Includes bottle opener
- Includes flat-tip screwdriver bit
- Includes small wrench
- Includes Phillips screwdriver
- Includes several Allen wrenches
- Includes a star wrench
Read more: 5 Must-Have Cycling Frame Bags
Unboxing the Blackburn Under-Seat Bag
The Blackburn under-seat bag is a compact solution for carrying essential bicycle repair tools and accessories. It features a secure, Velcro strap system for attaching to the bicycle seat and frame. The bag itself is designed to be easily accessible, opening via a zipper for quick access to its contents.
Upon opening the bag, I found it well-organized with a dedicated space for tools and other items. The construction appears durable and water-resistant, which is vital for protecting contents from the elements.
Multi-Tool and Accessories Included
The Blackburn bag comes with a comprehensive multi-tool, including Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, Allen wrenches (various sizes), and a star wrench. These are essential for on-the-go repairs. All tools conveniently fold neatly into the multi-tool itself for space saving.
Beyond the multi-tool, this kit includes two plastic tire levers to aid in tire changes, and a small, hand-powered pump for inflating tires. These are invaluable additions to any cyclist's emergency kit.
Additional Tool Kit and Considerations
I also demonstrated a separate, compact folding multi-tool which would be useful in addition to the Blackburn's included tool. It has additional tools like scissors and a bottle opener, making it more versatile than what was included in the bag itself.
One downside is the lack of storage space in the Blackburn bag; it's not large enough for additional supplies like extra tubes or a larger pump. I would therefore suggest using this bag in conjunction with another, larger storage option on your bike.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The Blackburn under-seat bag is a convenient and well-designed solution for carrying essential bike repair tools. The included multi-tool and pump are high quality and useful. However, the bag's small size limits its storage capacity.
It's best suited for carrying a minimal emergency repair kit, which means it’s more of a supplemental bag instead of a primary carry all. Consider using it in conjunction with a larger bag for extended rides or if you prefer to carry more supplies. For its size and included multi-tool, the Blackburn bag is a reasonable buy for its purpose.