Meet Cyclite, now at BikeSuperior
Meet Cyclite, now at BikeSuperior
Bikepacking has changed a lot over the past few years. Rides have gotten longer, routes have gotten rougher, and the trips riders are working towards, from multi-day crossings to ultra-distance races, ask more of every part of the setup. Not just the bike itself, but everything you strap to it. Riders don't put up with a bulky, heavy bag anymore. They want gear you barely notice while riding, that holds its shape under load, and that just gets through a week of rain and mud. That's exactly where Cyclite's strength lies.
Cyclite is a German brand with a clear starting point: bikepacking gear should be designed as one whole, not assembled from parts that happen to be light. At Cyclite, weight, durability and weatherproofing aren't treated as separate concerns. The result is a collection that consistently ranks among the lightest around, without the bags feeling thin or fragile the moment you actually use them.
Not every rider packs the same way
Bikepacking has become a far more specialised sport than it used to be. Some riders are chasing a fast finish time in an ultra-distance race, where every gram on the bike counts. Others are planning a multi-day gravel trip, where comfort, capacity and weatherproofing matter just as much as speed. And a growing group rides entirely off-road, tackling trails and forest roads on a mountain bike. One bag can still do a lot, but that doesn't mean every rider is after the same thing. Cyclite has recognised that, and built its range around three directions instead of one do-it-all bag.
The Ultra-Racing line is built for exactly what the name says: long-distance and ultra-distance races, where aerodynamics and weight matter just as much as capacity.
The NANO collection takes lightweight a step further. These bags are stripped back to the bare essentials, for riders who count every gram without giving up sturdiness or weather protection.
And for riders heading off-road, there's the Mountainbike line, built specifically for cross-country riding, from fast trails to long days on forest roads.
Different bags, all designed from the same starting point.
A fabric that does more than just cut weight
What stands out most about Cyclite's approach is its own material, LiteGrid-RN200T3. Instead of using a single type of yarn, Cyclite weaves two different weights of nylon together into a ripstop fabric. That keeps the material light while still holding up against tears and abrasion, exactly what you need when a bag is rubbing against your knee for hours or catching on a branch or a rock.
The fabric is then coated on both sides: on the outside against dirt and abrasion, on the inside to keep it waterproof. The seams aren't stitched but high-frequency welded. That combination is why Cyclite bags weigh so little on the scale, without feeling thin or fragile the moment you actually load them up.
The thinking behind Cyclite seems consistent: light and sturdy don't have to be at odds, as long as the material is properly thought through.
Built to ride, not just to look good on paper
One detail that stands out is the removable reinforcement panel in Cyclite's frame bags. It keeps the bag firmly in place and stops it sagging under load or pressing against your knees. Riders shaving off every last gram for a race can simply take the panel out. It's a small detail, but it fits how Cyclite thinks: give the rider a system that works whether you're fully loaded for a trip or as light as possible on the start line.
Combined with weatherproof zippers and welded seams, the bags are built to take a beating: hours of rain, a gravel road covered in dust and loose stones, or just the constant knock of a long day on rough tarmac.
Kept simple in colour
Where a lot of bikepacking gear stands out, Cyclite keeps it simple. Most of the range comes in light grey and black, colours chosen to not draw attention. A handful of products are also available in a limited edition Pink Rush, for riders who want to stand out a bit more.
Cyclite alongside Apidura
With Cyclite, we're expanding our choice in bikepacking gear even further. The brand now sits alongside Apidura, which we've carried for a while and which is already a familiar name to many of our customers. Both brands have their own strengths, and together they give you more choice in finding the right bags for the way you ride.
Now available at BikeSuperior
The full Cyclite collection is now available to view and order at BikeSuperior. Not sure which bags fit your frame, your bike and your next trip? Come by or get in touch, we're happy to help you figure it out.
