Aero Wedge Review

Featuring a unique mounting system and four different size options, the Topeak Aero Wedge is a very popular bicycle saddlebag. Here, I’ll combine my experience with details from the company to help you decide if it’s the right one for you.

About the Topeak Aero Wedge

Available in four different sizes, the Topeak Aero Wedge Pack (#TC2252B) is an aerodynamic seat bag that features a large rear opening, an additional inner compartment for separate storage, and a 3M reflective strip and light clip for extra safety.

If equipped, the bag fits underneath your saddle using Topeak’s unique QuickClick™ plastic mounting system, all parts for which (mount, inner fixer, and outer fixer) are completely replaceable if they’re lost or damaged. And medium and large Aero Wedges also feature zippered expandability that adds 20–30% more storage volume.

Topeak also stands behind their seat packs with a two-year warranty against all mechanical components against manufacturer defects.

Does all of this necessarily make it the best saddle bag for your needs, though? Combining third-party details with firsthand feedback, I’ll help you answer this fundamental question—starting with the pack’s features.

Taking a Closer Look at Aero Wedge’s Specifications

The Aero Wedge pack is made from 1000 denier nylon, which is covered with a water and stain-resistant coating. Because of its aerodynamic design, it’s narrow where it connects to 27.2–34.9 mm diameter seatposts with a Velcro strap, and much broader and taller in back.

There, its zippered door is shaped like an upside-down U, with 3M reflective trim and a red light clip on the outside, and a mesh and elastic pocket on the inside that allows you to store your tools away from your inner tube. Medium and large size packs also come with a center zipper that enables you to meaningfully expand the pack’s volume when needed.

One of Aero Wedge’s most distinctive feature is its proprietary QuickClick™ (F25) quick-release mounting system, which Topeak describes as a “unique, positive locking two-piece rail fixer that securely attaches the bag to the seat.” All you need is an 8 mm Allen wrench and a couple of minutes.

After the initial setup, you can secure the pack in place with a simple slide and a click, and remove it by pressing down on the button and pulling backward.

Here’s a closer look at how each Aero Wedge model compares to others in the lineup:

How does the Aero Wedge seat pack perform in the real world, though?

My Experience with the Topeak Aero Wedge Pack

I bought a medium size Aero Wedge pack with Fixer (F25) on Amazon in February 2018, and have ridden with it for more than 3,000 miles since that time. And overall, I’m incredibly pleased with its performance.

The T-shaped QuickClick system mounts to the rails underneath your saddle using the pressure applied from a single 3 mm internal hex socket screw. It’s super easy to install, and you should be set up in just a few minutes.

QuickClick’s plastic rails connect to corresponding tracks on the top of the Aero Wedge pack, which clicks into place securely. Then, it detaches by applying light downward pressure on its rear tab.

To prevent front-to-back movement, the Aero Wedge uses a long Velcro strap that attaches to your seatpost. It’s so long that I wedge the excess between the pack and seatpost.

And despite how the scratches might appear below, the strap’s soft material hasn’t caused any damage to my seatpost.

In addition to their attachment mechanism, perhaps Aero Wedge’s most distinguishing featuring is its expandability. This ingenious design works using a central zipper that compresses and releases material in the middle to provide extra storage when you need it.

Previously, I strapped my Lezyne Sport Drive HP pump underneath my bike’s top tube, although I’ve since moved it into my Aero Wedge pack for ease of transport, whose length requires that I fully expand it using the zippered mechanism.

With it fully expanded, I can carry not only my pump, but also an inner tube, Accu-Gage PR160BX air gauge, multi-tool, tire irons, and even a small snack if I don’t feel like stashing one in my jersey pocket. There’s not a lot of noticeable rattling around when I’m riding, either.

Adding and removing items works using a U-shaped, zippered door in the back, which opens wide enough to add whatever I need. On the inside of this door is a mesh pocket with limited capacity, in which I typically carry a packet of Chamois Butt’r.

The zippers continue working quickly and reliably, although the rubber end pulled off recently when I crammed my pack especially full and attempted to close it.

Outside of this, the door works fantastically. In fact, I once left my bag more than halfway unzipped for more than 15 miles across bumpy pavement and even some singletrack. Despite this, not a single item fell out.

On the outside of the Aero Wedge’s door is a reflective strip, as well as a strap onto which you can hook a variety of red taillights.

As you can see from these pictures, my Aero Wedge seat pack has been well-loved. And despite this abuse, I’ve seen no meaningful signs of wear (other than losing the rear zipper’s tip, of course).

Conditions often get relatively wet and muddy )especially this time of year), and although it’s not advertised as waterproof, I’ve yet to experience moisture penetration under normal circumstances. If you need this functionality, though, you might consider Topeak’s Wedge Drybag, which is available in S, M, and L sizes.

Bottom line: From its mounting ease and unique QuickClick system to its expanding capability and durable design, the Topeak Aero Wedge is my favorite saddlebag to date.

But, how does it compare to competing options?

Topeak Aero Wedge vs. Other Bike Saddle Bags

The sky’s the limit when it comes to saddlebags, which are available in just about every size, shape, color, and design imaginable, and at a wide range of price points.

Here, we’ve zoomed in on some of the most popular options on Amazon, as well as how some of their key specs stack up:

Like any other cycling accessory, choosing the right under-seat bag is going to come down to a unique mix of factors. These involve a combination of price, compartment layouts, carrying capacity (expandable or fixed), whether or not you require waterproof capability, mounting needs (e.g., straps versus plastic buckles), and color and design preferences.

For example, the SCICON Hipo Rl 2.1 Fluo comes with the highest price among popular competitors above, but it also features a proprietary Roller 2.1 mounting system and includes tire irons. Albeit, you can pick up the latter for just a few bucks, so I’m not necessarily sure this feature means that its steep cost delivers equally better value.

Comparatively, Topeak’s Aero Wedge also features a proprietary QuickClick mounting system and is available in four different sizes between 0.41 L and 1.97 L, giving it the most extensive (and largest) capacity range among close competitors.

The Winkeyes 1.6 L model comes in a close second capacity-wise, is also expandable (the only other popular model we encountered to do so), and mounts via a plastic clip.

However, its $16.79 price tag makes it the second least expensive option above, which could deliver more bang for your buck. But, it’s only available in one size, compared to Aero Wedge’s four different capacities.

Are you looking to match your bike or your kit? If so, Ibera’s saddle bag offers the most color options above, along with the lowest price. But, it’s only available in one size (0.6 L) and attaches using straps, which based on my experience with third-party options, tend to loosen over especially rough terrain or after becoming dirty or water-logged.

Does all of this mean that the Aero Wedge is your optimal choice? Or, should you go with a third party saddle bag? Let’s wrap everything up in the next section.

Is the Topeak Aero Wedge Pack the Right Option for You?

The Aero Wedge seat pack comes from a reputable company with nearly three decades in business, along with mostly positive online rider feedback.

Furthermore, I’ve had a fantastic experience with mine over the last few thousand miles, considering its stability across a wide variety of terrains, its durability, expandability, ease of use, and competitive price. The lineup also comes in four sizes, and even offers a waterproof option if you typically ride in especially wet environments.

Bottom line: Topeak’s Aero Wedge lineup seems to offer a model for just about every cyclist’s unique combination of needs and preferences, and based on my experience, it performs fantastically in real-world riding conditions. If you’re in the market, I’d strongly recommend giving it a try and see if you experience the same.

Keep rolling: Camelbak Skyline LR 10 Review