Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Just announced, the new Cedaero Switchback is a compact saddle bag with a built-in HDPE batten that enables the bag to be tightly snugged without deforming. Lean more about the Two Harbors, Minnesota-based brand’s latest bag here…
On a recent visit to Minnesota’s North Shore, I stopped in to the Cedar Coffee Company for a cup of coffee one morning, where I happened to meet Cedaero founder Dan Cruikshank, who gave me a tour of Spokengear, the adjoining bike shop, as well as the small workshop where all of Cedaero’s bags are made. What was meant to be a quick stop for coffee led to an offer to take the rental fatbikes out to ride some of Dan’s local trails to see a backcountry group campsite he’d recently finished building—an offer I couldn’t refuse. During my tour of the workshop, Dan also showed me a handful of prototype bags, one of which was the new Switchback. He let me use one during our ride and ultimately sent it home with me.
Designed with day rides in mind, the all-new Cedaero Switchback is a compact seat pack that features an HDPE inverted catenary arch batten that allows it to be highly compressed and snugged against the saddle without being crushed. The Switchback has a modest 1L volume and measures 9″ x 4.5″ x 3.5″. It comes with a 6″ Voile Nano strap that works with dropper posts when paired with a Wolf Tooth Valais, and it also has side-release buckles for quick swapping between bikes. The Switchback features light rigid foam padding to reduce rattles and sports the same burly #9 Ideal zipper found on other Cedaero packs.
In Cedaero’s words, “The Switchback is equally at home on most bikes, whether you shred, fred, grind, commute, tour, or pack.” I’ve done several of those on a few bikes now and can attest that the Switchback feels rock solid when tightened down, and it boasts the excellent construction quality that we’ve come to expect from the Minnesota-made brand. Of course, the Switchback’s size is its limiting factor. It’s not likely to be the saddle bag you’ll want for your next monthlong bikepacking getaway, but it’s an excellent—if slightly overbuilt—option for hauling a repair kit, spare tube, and other small accessories on your next quick overnighter or day ride.
Priced at $79.95 in Cordura and $89.95 in waxed canvas, the Switchback is available in an impressive array of 25 colors. You can find additional details and buy one over at Cedaero.com. As a reminder, Bikepacking Collective members can take 10% off everything from Cedaero. Members, you can find the code under the “Benefits” tab when you’re logged in to your account.
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