CYCLITE have earned their place in the bikepacking community the hard way. The Grassau-based brand has spent five years refining a single equation: maximum function, minimum weight.
With the NANO series, the product developers are bringing the concept of their proven bikepacking bags into an even more compact format. The range is aimed above all at road cyclists and gravel riders tackling short to medium length rides with a “take as little as possible, as much as necessary” approach. The result: three new NANO bags weighing just 250 grams combined: SADDLE BAG, TOP TUBE BAG and HANDLE BAR BAG. They are also the most affordable bags in the CYCLITE portfolio. All three models use the same coated and welded ripstop fabric found across the range, so CYCLITE continue flying the flag for ultra-lightweight construction, durability and weather protection. Safety also plays a role in their concept, with reflective elements and an integrated radar rear light mount on the saddle bag.
The top tube, saddle and handlebar bags all share CYCLITE’s in-house developed magnetic quick attachment mechanism, designed to mount all three bags to your bike in seconds. CYCLITE are making plenty of promises here, but how well does it actually work in practice?
On Review: What is the CYCLITE NANO-Serie capable of?
The NANO series has a lot to prove, so we tested it over multiple rides and in varying conditions. Here’s what genuinely stood out.
At 0.5 litres and 73 grams, the SADDLE BAG NANO is the smallest and lightest of the trio, and also the most single-minded. Spare tube, CO2 cartridge, tyre levers, mini tool: the brief is exactly that narrow, and the bag makes no apology for it. A radar rear light mounts directly to the bag, and reflective detailing handles visibility in low light. The one concession is the stiff shell material, which makes retrieving items marginally slower than a softer alternative. Not a dealbreaker, but budget for a brief moment of fiddling at the trailhead.
The TOP TUBE BAG NANO gets the biggest benefit from the quick attachment system: remove the bag, fill it in the kitchen, clip it back on and go. The central zipper is easy to operate on the move, even with tired fingers. At 74 grams and 0.6 litres of capacity, it is the most compact of the three but also the one that becomes indispensable fastest. One thing is missing though: only the NANO UNIVERSAL MOUNT with O-rings is included. Riders wanting to bolt the bag directly to the top tube need the separately available BOLT MOUNT, which adds another € 14.90.
The HANDLE BAR BAG NANO steps up to 1.3 litres, with dual-sided access and compatibility across round handlebars, aero cockpits and GoPro mounts. A lightweight wind jacket or gilet sits comfortably inside; a full waterproof jacket is possible, though fit will depend on the model. Stability is at its best on a threaded cockpit with dedicated mounting points. On round bars, some movement can occur depending on bar shape, and riders who want a firmer connection can add the separately available NANO HANDLE BAR MOUNT for € 29.90, which clamps the bag securely in place.
The quick attachment system works flawlessly across all three models. The only question is where it adds the most value. On the saddle bag? Not so much. Spare inner tubes and CO2 cartridges aren’t something you repack every day, so the time saving remains fairly small. On the frame and handlebar bags, however, the system really shines in everyday use. Remove the bag, pack it, click it back on. No unnecessary steps. Someone clearly thought this through.
Weight is equally impressive. At 250 grams combined for all three bags, you simply don’t notice them. Waterproofing also lives up to CYCLITE’s claims when the weather turns ugly. All three models are available in Light Grey and Black.
Used together, one thing stands out above all else: you stop thinking about the bags. Mounting, access and usability all follow the same logic. That is exactly the goal, and CYCLITE achieve it here.
Who Should Take a Closer Look at the CYCLITE NANO bags?
The NANO series sits in a well-defined gap: riders who want more than a jersey pocket but less than a full bikepacking setup for shorter outings. Road cyclists will find the trio particularly compelling. The clean lines, low weight and compact dimensions slot into a road bike setup without aerodynamic penalty or visual noise around the cockpit. Gravel riders who prioritise fast mounting and daily convenience will find equal appeal, and ultra racers looking to supplement an existing CYCLITE setup with a considered lightweight addition are well catered for.
Anyone planning multi-day bikepacking adventures, however, will quickly hit the limits of the combined 2.4 litre capacity. The NANO series simply was not built for that.
Conclusions: Would we Buy the CYCLITE NANO bags?
Yes. If you want to carry a little more on shorter rides, this is exactly where you should be looking. The bags are lightweight, waterproof and well made, while the quick attachment system becomes something you genuinely appreciate after just a few rides. The price feels fair for the quality on offer. The only disappointment is that not all mounting accessories come included. Still, it does not change the overall verdict: if you are looking for a lightweight and thoughtfully designed system, this earns a clear recommendation.
Tops
- waterproof
- low weight
- rear light mount compatibility
- quick attachment system impresses in daily use
Flops
- bolt-on mounting costs extra
- some movement on round handlebars
For more information, visit cyclite.cc
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Words: Sven Weinbrenner Photos: Jan Fock