t’s never a pretty sight. Can’t be too comfortable, either. We’re talking about all those backpacks and such you see out there being used by everyday riders to carry around their everyday stuff. And everyone–sport rider, motorcycle commuter or anybody on a stripped-down traditional- style bike–has stuff to pack along. The cell phone, the extra pair of clear glasses for the ride home, maybe some spare gloves or a sweatshirt, work or school materials, you name it. But shoving it all into a backpack? Please.      There has to be a better way. There is, and Saddlemen has it. Saddlemen has a number of good options and alternatives here. From the Expandable Magnetic Tank Bag to the whole line of Expandable Sport Luggage there’s something for every rider and it’s a guarantee that whatever Saddlemen piece is picked it’ll work better and certainly look better than jamming everything into a backpack and then strapping it on like some kid waiting for the morning school bus.
     How about that Expandable Magnetic Tank Bag as an option? Easy on/easy off, easier, even, than that backpack. The tank bag idea works on just about any bike, too, and Saddlemen’s version fits on just about any bike with a metal tank. There’s even a recessed “tunnel” formed in the bottom to clear a cruiser’s dash panel. The bag sits tight, stays where it’s put, holds everything you’d want it to and looks great. It’s made with 600 denier SaddleTuff and with a waterproof zipper and polyurethane inner coated panels it eliminates the need for any exterior rain cover. Outside there are special recesses on the top for an iPod or GPS and there’s even a double-sided, removable clear map pocket. Inside there are pockets for sunglasses and a wallet and at 11 x 91/2 x 6 (expandable up to 8- inches deep) there’s plenty of room for everything else. Tank bags just flat work. Saddlemen’s Expandable Sport Luggage is another good choice.
     There are Sport Panniers in a couple sizes and a Sport Top Pack to choose from. Either way, or all together, the Sport Luggage will carry that everyday stuff in style. Carry plenty of it, too. The Panniers are available in a Standard size (141/2 x 81/2 x 6) and Extra Large size (17 x 10 x 6), both featuring expansion zippers to add 2-inches (becoming 8-inches deep), and the Top Pack measures a generous 15 x 161/2 x 8, with two expansion joints for a total width of 21-inches. Lots of carrying capacity here and it’s all made with that same semi-rigid formed 600 denier SaddleTuff. Water resistant zippers make everything all-weather friendly and universal and adjustable mounting straps make attachment and removal quick and easy. Both Panniers and the Top Pack feature plenty of internal mesh pockets to keep things neat and organized and the Top Pack even has a pair of side pouches and a built-in helmet meshnet.
     Handy stuff all around. The Sport Panniers and Top Pack are designed to be used together or separately. Your choice. Either way, the Expandable Magnetic Tank Bag or that Expandable Sport Luggage and Top
Pack, it’s all built Saddlemen tough and packed with plenty of Saddlemen quality. It’s all reasonably priced, too, and a far cry better than a jam-packed backpack thrown over your shoulder. This is all brand-new from Saddlemen and Parts Unlimited has it. Check with your rep.