Essentials Case +
You requested it, and Craft Cadence gave it to you.
The new and improved cycling wallet that doubles as a saddlebag. It is the Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet.
This time they are giving everyone what they wanted. The main request was a wallet that was a bit larger than the original Craft Cadence Cycling Wallet that can fit larger phones like the iPhone Max, Samsung Galaxy Ultra, or Pixel Pro.
The nice thing about the new wallet is that the only main thing that has changed is that it is larger. Inside you get all the same great and thoughtfully design compartments (more on this below).
When reviewing the Classic Craft Cadence Cycling Wallet, I asked the question, “Why not just use a saddle bag?” Now with the new 2-in-1 Saddlebag Cycling Wallet you have both.
The new Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet has a patch with a loop for strapping to the bicycle. When you purchase the wallet, you can choose to include the 16-inch Voile strap which will allow you to mount it to your saddle rails. The Voile is a rubber tension strap that will securely hold the saddlebag to wherever you mount it.
Craft Cadence
Our friends at Craft Cadence, located across the pond in London, have a wide variety of cycling products to improve your ride experience. Their main product line is tailored to commuters and waterproof gear. And, every purchase you make, Craft Cadence will donate to 1% For The Planet.
If you like the Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet, you will love some of these other products I have reviewed from Craft Cadence. Strap-on Top Tube Bag, Bolt-on Top Tube Bag, and their Handlebar Bag.
Why I like Cycling Wallets
Cycling wallets are one of the easiest ways to store your riding essentials in one place. When you have multiple bikes, this is the simplest way to always have what you need without having to switch saddlebags over or having multiple saddlebags, cycling wallet organizes all your gear in one bag that you carry in your jersey.
Switching gear between saddlebags is tiresome and having multiples of repair gear can get expensive. Cycling wallets also allow you to carry personal items like cash, credit cards, ID, phone, and keys.
Yes, all these items can be stored in a saddlebag, but a cycling wallet is a lot more accessible. The Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet opens to 180° and allows you to easily access all your items, something most saddlebags cannot do.
What’s New
As mentioned before, the Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet is larger than the original version. The XL version now has external dimensions of 20 cm (H) x 10 cm (W) x 3.3 cm (D) (7.9 in x 3.94 in x 1.30 in). Whereas the Classic version has external dimensions of 19 cm (H) x 10 cm (W) x 2.8 cm (D) (7.5 in x 3.94 in x 1.10 in).
The volume is now 24% larger than the previous version. But it only comes at a 6 g (0.21 oz) penalty. The XL version is 109 g (3.84 oz), whereas the classic is 103 g (3.63 oz).
The main difference between the new XL version and the Classic is that the XL has a patch with a loop for strapping to the bike and the Classic doesn’t. This loop is what makes it a 2-in-1 which allows it to be strapped to the bicycle.
The Patch Loop
The idea for adding the patch with a loop came from a customer request. The user wanted to strap it to their bike instead of having to carry it in their rear jersey pocket. After testing it out for a while, Craft Cadence added it to the product.
The nice thing about the added Patch is that its not obtrusive. If a person doesn’t want to use it as a saddle bag they don’t have to. And since the patch is so slim, the edges of the patch don’t catch on the seams of the jersey pockets and easily come in and out the pockets.
If you do decide to use the patch loop to secure the wallet to you bike, the loop will stretch a little and won’t lay as flat as when it was new. Though the loop sticks out a little, this doesn’t affect its use if you decide to use it as a cycling wallet afterwards. It does make it easier to insert the Voile strap compared to the first time.
Price and shipping
The Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet costs $42 USD or $50 USD with the 16 in Voile strap. There is free shipping if you spend over $100 USD.
Add some other waterproof items like the Top Tube Bag, Handlebar Bag, Backpack, or a Pannier Backpack to your order to make sure you get free shipping.
Craft Cadence ships from UK, Ireland, and China, so depending on where you live and what you order you can expect to receive the bag within a week or less.
Interior Pockets
When you open the Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet you will find its strategically designed pockets and straps. Behind the mesh zippered pocket and card slot there is a microfiber pocket to hold your phone. This soft fabric will protect your phone and won’t scratch the screen. On the opposite side there is a key hook, separate small pocket, a mesh pocket, and some elastic straps to hold things snug.
If you are using butyl tubes, don’t expect to have a lot of storage room leftover. If you want the ultimate setup with the most storage room for other items, consider some RideNow Ultralight TPU inner tubes.
Final Thoughts
A cycling wallet is a convenient way to keep you riding essentials organized. It makes keeping everything in one place and helps me to get ready for a ride faster. This is especially true since I have quite a few bikes and I ride different disciplines. Also, changing your essentials is very easy since the Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet opens so wide. I find it much easier to load up and install on the bike than typical saddle bags. The Voile strap is quite secure, and I haven’t had any issues with it coming off while riding.
Wallet or Saddlebag? If I had to decide, I prefer it as a cycling wallet.
Starting out, I installed it to my bike horizontally. Installing it in this position is secure and stays in place. But, with it installed in this direction, when in the downward part of the pedal stroke, the back of my legs would hit the bag. I found this to be a bit annoying. I think someone with a saddle slid more forward or with skinner legs might not have the same issue, but it is something to consider.
Though you can install the Saddlebag horizontally, I believe the intended design is for it to be installed vertically on the bike. Though this works perfectly on smooth roads, if things start getting bumpy, the saddle bag tends to shift a little from resting on the seat post and will end up hanging next to the seat post. Though this is perfectly fine, and the saddlebag isn’t going anywhere, it did hit the back of my leg when in this position.
I think a small secondary loop should be added just above the end of the zipper, such that a small Velcro strap could be used to secure it to the saddlebag and seat post.
When using the Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet as a saddlebag, the bag needs to be strapped down tightly when using the Voile strap. The Voile strap is a tension strap; therefore, the bag needs to be snug for the strap to stay in tension. I have found, if the saddlebag isn’t fully filled, when you strap the saddlebag down it will squeeze the bag and crumbles the sides.
Doing this doesn’t really damage the bag, because there are not visible creases when you unfasten the bag, but over time it might. Another option, to avoid having to snug it down so tight, is to use a Velcro strap.
Saddlebags are great for getting things out of your jersey pockets and letting your bike carry it instead. But loading up jersey pockets with all your essentials isn’t that bad. Though carrying these items in your jersey will weigh it down some and cause it to sag down, once on the bike it isn’t that noticeable.
Most of the time, even when carrying the Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet I don’t carry my phone in it. Typically, I want to be able to easily access it while riding. But those few times when I need it more (in a heavy rainstorm), it is great to have a place to store and protect my phone.
I have tested out a few different cycling wallets, from a few different brands, and the Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet by far lead the pack. The high-quality material that is quite durable, the thoughtfully designed pockets in the interior, the minute design features (like the extra fabric to cover the zipper to prevent water intrusion when closed), ease of access into the bag with the 180-degree opening, and its ability to double as a saddlebag are some of the reasons it superior to other wallets.
If you are struggling to decide between the XL and Classic versions and you don’t plan on using it as a saddlebag, I would still recommend going with the slightly larger XL version instead of the Classic. Even if you don’t have the larger phone, stuffing it full of riding essential will be easier with the XL version, and the weight difference is quite small.
If you are looking for a high-quality Cycling Wallet that can also double as a saddlebag, or if you are in the hunt for a new saddlebag, the Craft Cadence 2-in-1 Saddlebag/Cycling Wallet should be on your list. It has served me well and I highly recommend it.
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