Sticky Pods

Sticky Pods (shown tucked partway into jersey pocket)

As a cyclist, I am a dedicated commuter which often is at odds with my dedication as a cyclist aesthete. Sure, as a commuter you just bolt/screw/strap on any accessory which often ruins a bike‘s lines and makes it look clunky and cobbled together. Enter Sticky Pod. The idea behind Sticky Pods is so simple but effective in making my life easier as a rider but also more pleasant as a cyclist aesthete. I enjoyed being able to review the Sticky Pod because these are items that help simplify carrying items on a ride while preserving the clean lines of your bike.

It is no secret among those that know me that I highly dislike the typical under-saddle seatbag. Wedge-shaped, aero-shaped, obtrusively large, loosely attached, securely attached; it does not matter to me. I still hold them in contempt as a nylon beauty detractor. Yes, they are useful for carrying your tubes/CO2 cartridges/patch kit, multi-tool and money.  Maybe you can cram a (small) phone in there if it is shaped right. But why do you then have 3 pockets on the back of your jersey or a big pocket on the back of your jacket?  This is where the Sticky Pods are in their element.

Sticky Pod (and typical contents)

The Sticky Pod is available in two different sizes, one ideal for a rear jersey/jacket pocket and the other for a hydration pack or for longer rides where there is a greater chance of a breakdown repeating. Both Sticky Pod offerings have the same general design: the left side has a zippered compartment that holds your phone (with a touchscreen compatible screen cover) while the right side holds the tubes/tools/etc. The difference between the two is mostly size, whereas the larger Sticky Pod can also carry a minipump inside and some additional storage pockets. Most of my time was spent with the smaller of the two Sticky Pods which fit perfectly in the back of a jersey pocket. The Sticky Pods are designed to carry what you need on a ride in the event of a repair. These are not designed to carry what you‘d stuff in a backpack, but rather the essentials for a mechanical repair.

In the smaller Sticky Pod, I carried a tube, patch kit, multi-tool, some cash, house key, driver‘s license, CO2 inflator, 2 CO2 cartridges, insurance card and my cell phone, all neatly stowed in my rear center jersey pocket. I did this so that I could keep my cleat covers in one pocket and some food in the other. I did not have to search for anything in my pockets when stopped. One thing to note though, that if you have a larger cell phone or a phone in a large protective cover, you may have to remove the cover. In my example, the smaller Sticky Pod was unable to contain my phone (a Samsung Galaxy S3) in an Otterbox Defender case. Once I removed the case, the S3 fit without a problem. The Sticky Pods also contain a set of rubber “gripper” dots to help prevent it from coming out of your pocket.

Sticky Pods (interior photo)

When I reviewed the larger Sticky Pod, I used it in a center jersey pocket again as well as in an old hydration pack. I found the larger Sticky Pod to be useable for a rear jersey pocket but it was much more suited for a hydration pack. I no longer had to search for items in the pocket of the hydration pack, I simply removed the Sticky Pod and had what I needed right at my fingertips.

There are benefits to carrying a Sticky Pod other than aesthetics and organizing your items. The biggest benefit for a commuter or cyclist that may leave their bike unattended (even if it is locked to something immobile) is the reduced chance of theft. I personally know of a handful of cyclists that had items stolen from their bikes while the bikes were unattended. Two of those cyclists were on a weekend group ride and during a coffee stop had money and tools stolen from their bikes. With a Sticky Pod, those items would have been secured in their jersey pocket. A Sticky Pod also makes bike maintenance easier when it is time to put the bike in a bike stand. No longer do you have to unclip/untie/unhook-and-loop your seat bag. Simply place the bike in the clamp and start working on your bike.

If you are looking to keep your bike‘s appearance unspoiled, like to keep your items consolidated and safe from theft, I would highly suggest checking out Sticky Pods.

For more information, please visit www.sticky-pod.com

– A2