Topeak Aero Wedge Pack with Buckle (Medium) Review

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(More customer reviews)Ok. It's a wedge. It doesn't really have to do much except hold a few things and fit under the saddle. My requirements were:
1.) Well made--check.
The construction of the Topeak Aero Wedge is solid. Quality fabric on the upper portion; the lower portion (lighter in color in the pic) has a plastic-like shell (to help repel water and dirt). The quick release buckles (for the straps that attach it to the saddle rails) are (relatively) beefy for what they have to do. The pack has some reinforcements so that it holds its shape regardless of whether you have it empty or full. Also, when attached to my saddle, the Topeak Aero Wedge does not rattle or move around too much while I ride.
2.) Holds my stuff--check.
I needed a seat wedge to hold 3 things for my ride--my wallet and cash, my (large) cellphone (Cingular 8125), and my keys. The medium Topeak Aero Wedge does so with room to spare--AND that's without having expanded the thing. I can easily stuff a small toolkit, tube or a wrench or two in there as well if I expand it. If you're stuck for space, there are a few elastic loops on the bottom which are designed to hold a small hand/CO2 pump.
3.) Safety features--check.
My final requirement was that the wedge has some basic safety features. The Topeak Aero Wedge has a reflective strip across the rear of the pack as well as a loop on the lower portion of the rear to clip a reflector or a light to it. I don't understand why so many seat packs out there do not feature this.
Some other features: The interior has a couple of elastic loops across the top, useful for holding a tool kit or a tube separate from your other stuff. The opening flap has a small mesh pocket that you can use to hold money or your keys. The opening flap is also gusseted (small flaps on either side that go up approximately halfway), so that you can open it while it's attached to the bike and stuff won't fall out to one side or the other.
Finally, I chose the "strap-on" version versus the "clip-on" version (Areo Wedge Pack with fixer) because 1.) I feel that the straps allow the pack to ride "higher" and "tighter" into the saddle, and 2.) the quick release tab on the clip-on version seems thin and flimsy and might break off. I don't know if it's replaceable on the clip-on version.
Regards.

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Traditional triple nylon/Velcro strap mount with snap-buckles . Made from 1200 denier Cordura with PTFE coating. 3M reflective strip and rear light attachment location.

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