The Most Stable Seat Pack? Revelate Designs Spinelock VS Porcelain Rocket Mr. Fusion

In this video we take a look at two of the most stable and advanced bikepacking seat packs on the market: the Porcelain Rocket Mr. Fusion and the Revelate Designs Spinelock. Find a detailed review of both, how to properly install each one, and a comparison between the two.
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Hosted by Neil Beltchenko
Music by Ben Weaver (benweaver.net)
More at bikepacking.com
Review of Spinelock: bikepacking.co...
Review of Mr. Fusion: bikepacking.co...

[@felipefreire3201]

You must discover and say to us the name of this bird, haha! What a beautiful singing!

[@calidogify]

white-throated sparrow

[@TrentSiggard]

my thoughts exactly

[@jeffcarrol4263]

It kept scaring the crap out of the birds in my house

[@fuller1074]

Slightly disappointing to see the Revelate bag is imported from China. Not that there's necessarily anything wrong with that, but a big appeal of the Revelate products was their "Made in USA (Alaska)" mandate.

[@soloist777]

Both look effective to keep the rear bag sagging onto the rear tyre. I purchased Ortlieb rear bags for my wife and I and because we're both only 170cm tall and therefore run with low seat heights, both bags sagged down onto the rear tyres on a recent 3 week adventure. We had to stop frequently on some days to tighten the bags up. Unfortunately, the tyre wore a hole into my new bag!

[@kimrice394]

I’m all about Revelate but pulling up to camp tired and just yanking a dry bag out looks like a winner to me.

[@krimoll]

RD has/had such option too

[@Incorruptus1]

REQUEST: Can you do the same kind of video, only then for seat posts with suspension. So suspension posts combined with saddle bags for bike hiking. Thank you!

[@justinf1343]

Very useful comparison as I am looking to upgrade my 10 year old saddle bag, but whilst I like the revelate I am not sure it will work with my Brooks Swift saddle and I am trying to avoid Chinese made goods if possible. That was a very noisy bird in the background too!

[@HugoVANPASSEL]

TRY THE kangaroo 17L from VAP Cycling !!

[@a.bell47]

Great vid! another good option for stabilizing is the woho saddle bag stabilizer, which you guys recommended a couple years ago. It works with pretty much any saddle bag. Been running that since it was released and it's been perfect (:

[@alexsch9956]

I also recommend the Woho stabilizer, great tool and you already got a place for your bottles, when using a full framebag!

[@frakafrocka]

Looks amazing. I love the innovation and knowledge shared. Thank you! Have to wonder - with a rack on seat post, makes more sense in some ways to run rack and panniers instead. Seat bag setups are getting closer and closer to rack and panniers as time goes on as u said. Tubus fly rack = very light. Thanks for the sweet vid.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

The Mr. Fusion system is pretty light, still. At 567 grams., it's about half the weight of a small pair of panniers, nevermind the rack. Just my 2 cents! That said, both work very well. We've been using Porcelain Rocket's Microwave panniers lately and like them. -Logan

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Apples and Oranges. To each there own.

[@mstott22lax]

the revelate bag is made in china?? i was under the impression that their products were made in Alaska

[@stevenboehme4647]

Great in-depth review. Thanks

[@daleeisen921]

I have the Arkel Seatpacker 15 - by far the most stable, easy to mount (and remove) waterproof bag on the market! I strongly recommend giving that one a review.

[@bliang2012]

Very informative. Wonder if you can also review the Tailfin AeroPack S Rigid Seat Pack, both its carbon S and alloy S series if possible. Thanks!

[@benclark368]

Thanks for the comparison. nice work. Would like to have seen more riding footage with the bags. Love seeing the geared up bikes as well.

[@CoursGalienStM]

Great review, thank you !

[@jaisingh9472]

Question for anyone whose willing to answer, but when you're packing your sleep system into your dry bag, do you just stuff everything in there without their packaging (stuff sack for the sleeping bag, carrying bag for the tent)? also, do you guys just try to stuff it in there or do you fold it? I'm having trouble fitting my sleeping bag and my tent in my Porcelain Rocke. Anything helps, I'm new to all of this.

[@diggiediggz]

40 for a clamp isn't expensive?!?!?!? Otherwise, excellent comparison. Definitely subscribing just based on this one video. Thanks!

[@jdshl8423]

I think the Revelate Spinelock is a better balance between weight and ease of use. Technically, you could remove the bag and still use a drop seat post, but totally impossible with the Porcelain Rocket Mr Fusion. That said, would anyone know if the Revelate Spinelock would work with a Helix folding bike? I'm considering just carrying a 20-25L riding backpack and a Revelate Spinelock 16L. My bulky camping gear, cookset, most food and extra water will go into the Spinelock, should be around 6kg.

[@PuffinPass]

I was just looking at both of these and I saw this pop up on my subs. Thanks for the detailed view of them side by side.

[@socaljoe]

Great video as I have been considering both. Thnx....The bird song is amazing too!

[@CharlotteRaine]

White throated sparrows!

[@x2bate]

It seems that with the PR Mr. Fusion option......you could use a variety of generic after-market bags IF the original failed. If true, the mount becomes the product...not necessarily the bag. Am I wrong?

[@snglspd13]

The spinlock does work very well but requires more exposed seatpost. Works well on two of my bikes but my main adventure bike has less exposed seatpost and the spinlock will not work at all.

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

Could your review the Alpkit saddle bikepacking bags with the exo rail system. Really stable. 😊

[@jp93309]

Really appreciate the detailed hands-on. My main concern has been their past reputation for excess sway when pedaling but these look very solid. Thanks for sharing!

[@DarioFoley-qu8ns]

It went together easily in less than an hour. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.

[@jamesbicknell4706]

A great review well presented and full of useful information. Nice work, great bird song in the back ground ;-)

[@gregknipe8772]

great productions with easy to relate presenters. every time! quality... thank you.

[@konraiderk6440]

Most stable and versatile is a dry bag on a rear rack

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thats a good options for sure but not all bikes can take rear racks.

[@hoser7706]

What about the Canadian made Arkwl Seatpacker? Super stable and WAAAAY easier to install than the Porcelan Rocket. And waterproof

[@hoser7706]

And it is dropper post compatible.

[@BlairAltman]

So far I'm happy with my 15L Mr. Fusion. Compared to my older Ortlieb bag it is far more stable and much less pain in the butt to take on and off at camp. I really like that it isn't restricted to only using the bag that it comes with as well. I did also put a tiny hole in mine the first time I used it which I think was a packing issue more than anything and was easily patched. The dry bag doesn't seem as burly as some of the other bags I have used so it seems like a bit more caution with what get packed in it is necessary.

[@acemclaren2992]

Will this bike hold a 450lb 6'3" man?

[@18MRpsi]

Tailfin. You're welcome.

[@TalleyrandsPuppet]

Good reviews thanks!

[@ThomasGuerinos]

If anyone is wondering, Spinelock system works fine with Brooks C15.

[@bs1043]

where to you store the long 18" pole set for the Tiger Wall 2?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Frame bag on my hardtails, backpack when riding my full suspension bike.

[@UloPe]

It’s a shame porcelain rocket recommends against using the mr fusion with carbon seatposts. That seems like a major drawback as pretty much any new bike will have one of those...

[@thecappy]

They both do. At least the PR works with Brooks saddles. The spine lock doesn't.

[@CaptainSwallowtail]

@@thecappy Not true, Spinelock is fine on carbon posts. No clamp.

[@davidferguson9109]

I’ve used a Mr. Fusion with a carbon post for 4 years, utilizing an aluminum sestpost shim where the clamp affixes. No issues👍

[@mrljgibson]

I think I'd rather have the DIY version from the seatpacks video using a compression bag and some straps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGrGkqKEltaDqqM

[@andreasmahler3430]

Great review ✌🏻 Could you provide the packing list that you use the bags for, and the type of tent,. Thx

[@marksadventures3889]

great video made awesome by the natural bird song in the background, what is that bird? It has a great song. The bags look cool, though I don't see this system replacing panniers anytime soon as it limits your load considerably over long distances. I'm not up for minimal comfort when touring.

[@lijane5698]

Hi, we are supplying similar quality and competitive bike saddle bag

[@ralphwiggum4president506]

Which version is the Revelate Design seatpack shown in the video? Is ist the 10l or the 16l version? Thx in advance :)

[@encore159]

The porcelain isn’t available anymore especially not in Germany and the revelation designs one wants too much exposed saddle :(

[@seewell8168]

The Revelate seems awfully fiddly and not for real world use. Made in China is also disappointing for this type of product. Think I made my choice!

[@jacquesmarsacq7840]

Get one.

[@lq5089]

🐦🎶🎶🕊️🎶🎶

[@yumyumhungry]

A little late to the party, but you mentioned you keep down jackets and a sleeping bag in the same bag that is carrying your tent. Any tips on keeping your sleeping bag dry when you're packing it in with a wet tent?

[@juanpablopenare8104]

Hi, if you are not going to engage the dropper seat system and are on a long trip, you can use the Spinelock seat pack without hesitation. "Be sure not to engage the dropper".

[@ianphendry]

I like both of these bags and am really on the fence on this one. I thought I was sold on the Spinelock, but then the mr fusion has that versatile use of a carry all or using different bags. The buckles breaking worries me, as they broke on my cheap seat bag and the rear wheel tore the bag. I’m probably no closer to choosing, and will likely have to get both and risk the firestorm from my wife. 😂 Great review, tho. Gave me every bit of info I need. 👌

[@kellymckenzie4865]

Can you get away with less than 6.5 inches of seatpost if you have dropped seat stays?

[@briannelson237]

On the Revelate Designs spline lock bag What is the length of the plastic plate on the bottom on the 16 L

[@sun27g]

Excellent in-depth review

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@168grhp]

Super helpful for deciding which bag to get! Thank you!

[@irishman3375]

You have any used seat packs you wanna sell?

[@williamwade3738]

Great review, but I just can't justfy buying more gear.

[@mediumrick7667]

Thanks for the in-depth review. On an unrelated note, which Ergon saddle is that you're using? Any feedback?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks. This is the Ergon SR Men’s, it’s their dropbar specific saddle, it has a little cushion but not too much, which I found works really well for my seat bones.

[@nigelstanley3674]

Great review. Thanks.

[@pgreenx]

Since the Spinelock is harder o remove; can you take stuff out of the bag while its still attached?

[@ImranWorldCyclist]

Yes you can, it doesn’t need to be removed! Plus it’s just a simple to remove except compared to the other bag it probably takes 10 seconds longer!

[@michelepirovano4135]

Well done! Very helpful videos! Keep it up!

[@GravelFilmsDivision]

Great review, really useful. Thx.

[@DopeDankDan]

Which size bag is in the video? 10L or 16L??

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

10L

[@trukweaz]

what size spinelock did you test?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

The 10L version.

[@18MRpsi]

Thoughts on PDW Bindle??

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I have not had the best luck with that rack, it seems like it always wants to move around but it's been years since I've tried it, so perhaps they have updated it since then.

[@jimbojet8728]

Wallah! Ha ha!

[@driftwood4458]

Revelate does not fit Brooks saddles.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Yep, no go on the B17, but it should work on Cambiums.

[@danielklever2760]

No way my sleep system is fitting in one of those....

[@thomasjousse2427]

These bags are fairly big, you must have one hell of a sleep system if it cannot fit inside them.

[@zap...]

Is Porcelain Rocket Mr Fusion no longer available?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Most of the tech was acquired by Rock Geist...bikepacking.com/plog/rockgeist-acquires-porcelain-rocket/

[@davidferguson9109]

Sadly/Unfortunately PR is dead..supposedly Rockgeist has acquired some of PR’s product, but their website states no inventory currently, and no known time frame on future availability (if at all).

[@dsego84]

Is there a seat pack that allows me to adjust the slope? So I can lower the bottom part towards the seatpost clamp and have the pack more vertical and closer to the seatpost. I feel like that would reduce the swaying motion without the need for stabilizer systems. I mean, as soon there are clamps and bars involved, why not just install a rear rack?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

There are a few that allow some adjustment, but the large Ortlieb and a few other double-strap models sit farther down the post...

[@dsego84]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom Thanks, I did find a tapered drybag made by Alpkit that has daisy chain webbing and can be used as a lightweight seat pack with some straps. But it's pretty basic. Funnily enough, the birzman seat pack has webbing loops along the top side, but they still stitched the railing straps to the bag itself. I guess I will try to find a more vertically oriented bag.

[@revcph]

It seems like the Mr Fusion bags aren't available anymore?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Check this out: bikepacking.com/plog/rockgeist-acquires-porcelain-rocket/

[@revcph]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom that's a cool chat, I enjoyed it, but sadly, they're still sold out for the time being, but it seems like they're making more!

[@SteveFullerBikes]

Great review of both systems Neil. I've been a long time Mr Fusion user (I bought V1 in 2014). The original version has been rock solid during Tour Divide and other multi-day events.The support system has definitely been improved in the latest version. I used the supplied seatpost bracket for quite a while, but recently started pairing it with a regular Salsa Rack Lock collar with good results. This also lets me use it with a carbon seatpost, as long as I put a few wraps of electrical tape around the post. One thing I do differently from the video, is to run the rear webbing strap in the loop formed between the clips and the body of the dry bag. It probably doesn't make any difference in the stability, but it's a habit I've gotten in to. I keep clothing in my seat bag, so I really like the ability to pop the dry bag out of the carrier and toss it in my shelter. Being able to pack the dry bag while inside the shelter is a bonus for me too. The Revelate bag looks like a great product as well. I like the purge valve on the bag, and it looks super stable too. You really can't go wrong with either one. Just two slightly different approaches to the same problem.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Be careful with the Rack Lock. I used that for a couple trips and the screws kept loosening. During this trip on the TNGA, I lost a screw completely-bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/trans-north-georgia-25.jpg ... Scott's original seatpost clamp design was similar also had loosening issues, which is why he reengineered it with a thru-bolt. Threadlock helps, but even then there's a risk of the aluminum being under too much stress with the amount of vibrations at that area. -Logan

[@SteveFullerBikes]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom - Logan, this is a good intel. It's been fine on local gravel roads, but I'm getting ready to head into some rougher stuff out west in a few weeks. I may rethink my approach, or at least be prepared and have the original collar and bolt with me in case I have issues.

[@bobbys7330]

Is the PR bag useable on a Syntace P6 seatpost? I’m thinking the answer is no or a maybe with silicon tape.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Carbon, no, PR recommends against it...

[@Captain-mp4ne]

Totally deluded,the most stable pack is the “tailfin”,unfortunately tech has moved on,but these bloggers fail to acknowledge the fact🤷🏼‍♂️.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Not a fact when it's not a seat pack! 😘 Thanks for the comment.

[@nigelflynn6228]

Hi Neil........the Revelate Designs Spinelock you have in this clip, is it the 10L or 16L version? (looks like 16L but just want to make sure)..............and, great material on the channel, love it, keep up the good work dude :-)

[@nigelflynn6228]

@@genericviewer6000 Cheers, thank you