One of the most compact saddlebag styles are wrap-around zippered designs which open up to allow you to access all the contents. The big downside of this design is that you typically have to remove it from the bike to access the contents. Topeak’s Elementa Seatbag addresses this issue with a clever Rail Wing System design that lets you access all the contents while the bag is still on the bike. Topeak offers the Elementa Seatbag in three size options from a 0.2L extra-small, 0.3L small and a 0.5 L medium. We have the largest size for this review which has a retail price of $27.95 and features a 1000D polyester construction with an aluminum ring. The bag features a large single storage compartment as well as two fabric loops for CO2 canisters on the exterior.
The Topeak Elementa Seatbag offers a clever mounting system that lets you access contents without removing it from the bike
| Rating | 8.8 / 10 |
| Retail Price | $27.95 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 49 |
| Likes | + Compact form factor + Contents can be accessed without removing from bike + High visibility yellow interior makes to find items |
| Dislikes | – Small compartment size limits how much you can fit – Rail Wing System is cumbersome to set up |
| Where to Buy (US) | Topeak |
UNBOXING
The Topeak Elementa Seatbag comes attached to a cardboard backing using the mounting strap. Branding and specs are printed onto the cardboard with Topeak’s characteristic yellow and black color scheme. Following the illustrations on the cardboard backing you can install the Seatbag onto your own bike.
MOUNTING
One of the unique features of the Elementa Seatbag is the Rail Wing System mounting design. This combines your typical strap with two short velcro straps which secure the bag to the saddle rails. This design means you can undo the main strap to access the contents while the bag remains attached to the rails, something you can’t do with traditional bags like the SILCA Mattone. At first glance it’s a confusing design but if you slowly follow the instructions and study the illustrations you can figure it out. The idea is the two small velcro straps keep the bag attached to the rails while the main strap is undone. It’s a simple solution that makes it easy to open the bag without having to remove it and reinstall it every time. The left velcro strap goes around the left seat rail while the right one attaches after the right rail to keep tension on the velcro. Depending on your saddle design it can be difficult to route the two velcro straps to the proper place and we’d also recommend adjusting the forward / rearward position so that the straps are in the proper place.
FIT AND FINISH
The Elementa Seatbag has a sleek rectangular profile that is designed to hide under saddles. Constructed from 1000D Polyester, the bag has a flexible fabric construction that is designed to be durable and weather resistant. Topeak offers the Elementa Seatbag in three sizes: extra-small 0.2 L / small 0.3 L and the medium 0.5L we have in this review. There are also two color options, the black that we have and a navy green option which shows off the fabric finish. For both color options, the zipper and straps are all-black which provide a bit of contrast. There is a reflective Topeak logo on the back of the bag and simple rail wing system branding printed on the strap.
The Elementa Seatbag has a single compartment design that can be accessed by the wrap around zipper. Inside the compartment is a bright yellow interior lining that provides a nice contrast from the black exterior. It’s one of our favorite Topeak features as the bright interior makes it easy to see everything inside the bag. There are also two loops on the outside of the saddle bag that can be used to store two CO2 canisters which helps make the most of the interior of the bag. With the largest version of the bag that we have here there is a decent amount of space for tubes and tools, but it’s still smaller than other bags on the market. Note the Elementa Seatbag is quite similar to the Topeak Elementa Gearbag but uses a single large compartment rather than a split design with a tool holder.
ON THE ROAD
With the SILCA Mattone as our main saddle bag on our climbing bike we’ve had plenty of experience trying to open center zipper bags for roadside repairs. Thanks to the Topeak Elementa’s clever Rail Wing System we’re happy to have a saddlebag that doesn’t have to be removed from the bike. Although it is a bit tedious to set up initially, the design makes it quick and easy to access the contents of the bag without having to remove it from the bike. Unlike rear zipper door designs, the wrap-around zipper on the Elementa allows you to access the full contents of the bag without having to rummage inside it. With the medium size we were able to easily fit Topeak Shuttle tire levers, a Topeak PT30 multi-tool, 700×30 tube and even a compact TPU Tubolite tube as backup. It’s still a small bag, but there is enough space for all the essentials.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Topeak Elementa Seatbag to be a well made and compact bike saddle bag. Topeak has integrated their clever Rail Wing System which utilizes additional Velcro straps to allow you access the bag without removing it from the bike. The mounting design combined with the bright yellow interior lined single compartment makes it easy to do roadside repairs quickly and easily. While the medium sized version of the bag is still relatively small, there is enough space for essential tools and spare tubes. The only negative is that the Rail Wing System can be a bit cumbersome to initially install as the Velcro straps are small. That said, the Topeak Elementa Seatbag offers a clever mounting system and premium details.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Topeak. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.