Bikepacking bag maker Miss Grape has a new Mini Cluster saddlebag. But instead of hauling more, it is a reimagining of the classic small road cycling saddlebag, updated with modern fabrics and a unique new Fidlock magnetic dial adjuster. Plus, their images for the new little bag just so happen to also tease the development of a bigger Node XL toptube bag and a Tendril TT bar bag that attaches to aero extensions…
Miss Grape Mini Cluster 0.5L saddlebag
Miss Grape calls their new Mini Cluster saddlebag a mix of minimalism, light weight & high-tech function. The narrows tapered design is enough room to fit the classic roadside repairs – a spare tube, mini-tool, tire levers, and a Co2 inflator or super small mini-pump (max of around 12-14cm or so) – but tucks in out of the way beneath your saddle.
It’s really just a simple velcro-closed saddle bag with a special Fidlock Winch system that hangs it off your saddle rails.
Tech details & pricing
The new bit here is really the Fidlock Winch setup that attaches the Mini Cluster under your saddle. Fidlock Winch is something of a mid between regular Fidlock magnetic clasps and a BOA dial system. The dial snaps on & off of a magnetic base that keeps it held securely, and a ratcheting gear inside allows you to twist to tighten the cord that loops over any rails. Then, simply pull the dial away from the bag to release.
Fidlock & Miss Grape assure it is secure for road, gravel & MTB. And it should be super easy to use, just looped from one side to the other.
The 49g max 15x14x5cm Mini Cluster is made of the same tough but light mix of dotted 300D polyester & 420D nylon with a polyurethane inner coating for waterproofing, just like their Road line we reviewed last summer. Closure of the 0.5L bag is a simple fold-down opening with a velcro closure, plus a simple cord & hook to secure it. And it gets a simple velcro strap around the seatpost for stability.
The Miss Grape Mini Cluster bag sells for 55€, is handmade in Italy, is guaranteed for life, and is available now.
Miss Grape prototype fast adventure bikepacking bags
Beyond the new Miss Grape Mini Cluster, it is always a bit of a question when we see a Miss Grape bikepacking bag that looks a little different, because they do regularly offer custom-made bags tailored to your specific bike. But that is mostly limited to their Internode frame bags. These two are something different.
This prototype toptube bag we’re going to call a Node XL, is a direct evolution of the Node Road bag we’ve tested, just longer. Our smaller Miss Grape toptube bag had 0.7L of storage so we’d guess this one is around 1.2L . It features three straps around the toptube, one to secure it around the steerer, and a longer signature green strap to tighten it around the seattube/post so the 2-way waterproof zipper is easy to open from either end.
The prototype Tendril TT, or maybe Trunk TT, semi-aero bar bag is a new concept for Miss Grape, but not entirely a new product. The boxy front-facing roll-top aerobar bag appears to be another re-adaptation of their Trunk fork bag. What’s new are the addition of 4 velcro loops to hang it securely under a pair of aerobar extensions, rather than the usual Voile-style rubber straps. We’d guess this will offer the same 6L storage, and sell for close to the same 68€.
Actual availability of either of these two pre-production prototype bags is unclear. But both look quite finished, so are likely coming soon to:
