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    Revelate Designs Spinelock 16L saddle-tyre clearance

    Hi All

    I've never been bikepacking before and and putting together my first bit of gear before I can go on my first bikepacking trip.

    I'm considering getting the Revelate Designs Spinelock 16L saddle bag, given the reviews online can't stop talking about how it practically eliminates bag sway. Then again, I've never experienced bag sway before, so don't know how much of a problem it really is, but it seems to make sense to get a bag that eliminates it, so I don't ever have to find out.

    Only problem is that the Revelate Designs website specifies that I'll need at least 24cm saddle-tyre clearance (dimension A from the figure) and at least 16.4cm of exposed seat post (dimension B from the figure). But I have only 23cm of clearance from my saddle rails to my rear mudguard, and only 15cm of exposed seat post (photos attached).

    I'm wondering how much of a factor of safety, if any, is added to the minimum clearances specified in the Revelate Designs website, and if the clearances I have on my bike might be sufficient. I'd really appreciate it if someone who has this exact same saddle bag can measure and post the distances from (i) the saddle rails to the bottom of the saddle bag; and (ii) the bottom of the saddle to the bottom of the velcro strap on the seat post (as noted in the figure), so I can check if this saddle might actually be able to fit on my bike.

    Thanks!

    by silly-mid-on

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    8 Comments

    1. MarcusIuniusBrutus on

      I have 10L version, it’s perfect. But I can also say their recommended distances are pretty accurate.

    2. Opening_Bag on

      I don’t have the same saddle bag, but mine came with similar dimensions too.

      My actual B dimension was way smaller than the recommended and the only issue it causes is that my saddle bag always tends to rub against the seat collar (the pinch bolt faces the bag). All I have to do to mitigate this is to apply sacrificial tape every few months such that the collar doesn’t eat into the bag itself. Sorry if it’s not what you asked about.

    3. FredTrail on

      You should be fine on a hard tail. See their note about full suspension clearance, that’s where the clearance comes more into play. Just note, I don’t own this bag

    4. Hasdrubal_the_Fair on

      I have the 16L Spinelock and like it very much. That clearance looks fine to me. I have much less than that.

    7. SoggyAlbatross2 on

      I have the terrapin (older bag) and IF you hook it up right, it’s rock solid and given the similarity in design between that one and the one I got, I’d say you’re going to have tons of wheel clearance.

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