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Whether you're planning a multi-day cycling adventure, commuting around town or carrying your groceries, bike bags are essential allies! But with so many different models, sizes and materials available, it's not always easy to make the right choice. Whether you're looking for waterproofing, capacity, fastening systems or compatibility with your bike, Zéfal can help you find the perfect bags for your cycling needs!

Choosing the right front bag

Front bags are ideal for balancing the load on your bike, especially if you're carrying bulky, lightweight items or going on a long trip. They can be mounted on a front rack, on your handlebars or directly on a fork equipped with clamps. They distribute weight between front and rear, improving stability and riding comfort. There are a number of front bags to choose from: some are designed for outings lasting a few hours, such as the Z Adventure F1 or the F2, or a few days, such as the Z Adventure F5 or the F10, as well as the Z Adventure Fork Pack, which attaches to your fork to considerably increase the volume you can carry!

For bags that attach directly to your handlebars, make sure they don't interfere with your riding. Opt for resistant, waterproof materials if you plan to ride in all weathers. Finally, check the closures and compartments for convenient access to your essentials!

For more information, read our article:

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FRONT BAG?

Choosing the right frame bag

Why not make the most of the space offered by your frame? Frame bags are an excellent choice for optimizing the space available on your bike, thanks in particular to the horizontal tube, the diagonal tube often reserved for bottle cages, and the seat tube. Frame panniers are often fitted on or under the horizontal tube, so you can fit two at a time for extra storage space!

They're practical because they're right at the rider's fingertips when out on the road. This makes them ideal for carrying light to medium-weight items, such as quick-repair tools, snacks or light clothing against the elements. The Z Adventure T1 is ideal for cyclists who need a place to store personal belongings and an energy bar, for example..

The Z Adventure C2, C3 and C4 ranges are more suited to bikepacking trips of varying lengths. These are fitted below the horizontal tube, so be sure to check that your frame is the right size, so as not to impede the insertion of a water bottle (the side-entry bottle cage can be a real ally in this case). When making your choice, take into account the size and shape of your frame to ensure a perfect fit and avoid rubbing against your legs. To help you with this, here's an article on how to find bikepacking for a small frame!

For more information on frame bags, read our dedicated article : 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FRAME BAG?

Choosing the right saddle bag

Finally, the choice of your saddlebag! While saddlebags may seem less obvious to the uninitiated, they have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the rise of bikepacking and technological advances. However, it is more volatile than the previous two: saddlebags are often attached with straps fastened under the saddle, as well as a Velcro strap on the seat tube. You'll need to keep a close eye on the saddlebag's overall balance, otherwise you'll find yourself unbalanced on the bike - never a very pleasant feeling! To help you, here's an article on how to store your equipment when bikepacking.

There are two types of saddlebags: “classic” saddlebags and bikepacking saddlebags. Classic saddlebags, like the Z Road Pack, are often small and streamlined. They allow you to carry all you need for repairs, such as an inner tube, a repair kit and tire levers, generally for a 2 to 4-hour road trip. Bikepacking bags, such as the Z Adventure R5 or the large Z Adventure R17, are often very long and can carry clothes, heavy items (like your lunch kit, for example) and even your sandals for greater comfort at bivouac time in the evening! Your choice will depend on your objective: the longer the outing, the bigger the bag...

For more information and to help you choose the right saddlebag, read our articles :

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SADDLEBAG?

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BIKEPACKING SADDLEBAG?