The capacity of the Whale Fall bike frame bag is remarkable. For longer triathlons where I need to carry a little bit extra, it’s my go-to option. The bag isn’t quite large enough to fit larger smartphones, making the bag’s claim of cell phone storage a bit questionable. This, combined with the general sentiment of the bag being smaller than expected, suggests that this bag might be more suitable for those with minimal storage needs. When that’s said, it’s perfect for triathlon races because it’s very aerodynamical! Once upon a time all bikes of a long-distance nature were more or less the same: skinny steel top tubes and head tubes at roughly the same angle, with tall quill stems. Nowadays, all bets are off, with a plethora of tube shapes, diameters, headset arrangements and angles. To make a generic item of luggage that does the job while remaining minimalist and rugged is a genuine challenge.

The fabrics used are PU (polyurethane) coated on the inside and has a DWR (durable water repellent) coating on the outer. This makes the bag very weather resistant, but because the seams are not sealed water will seep in over time and is not considered 100% waterproof.The company was first to market with dimpled discs and rims (they also own the patent), to induce boundary layer turbulenceand prevent detached airflow in crosswinds. Pulling sideways on a Velcro® panel can be awkward when you’re focused on nailing that bike split, so we put a zipper running parallel to the top tube.

The Bagel Bar Bag might be small, but it is the best handlebar bag I have used to date.The Voile straps give a solid fit, the fabric is strong and durable, and the zips are great. It's a great bag, and ideal for gravel bikes with limited space on the bars.” The size of the top tube bag will determine how much gear you can carry in it. Consider what items you plan to store in the bag, such as energy bars, energy gels, a multi-tool, spare tube, or other essentials. The thinner your top tube and heavier the bag, the more unstable you’ll find it, and this is where top tube bags attached by bolts can win out (Altura also offers a bolt-on version).

Australia-based Bike Bag Dude is best known for their high-quality custom bags, allowing customers to choose nearly every colour on their bags, including the thread colour! The Garage is a top tube bag with a big capacity, adjustable straps, and a fully seam taped construction. It’s made with a water resistant YKK #10 zipper, and has a built in cable port for charging duties. Before you go we’ve put together some top tips for you to consider when you’re buying any cycle products online. These tips can apply whether you’re a new rider or an experienced cyclist. How to shop for cycling stuff, smartly and safely. There’s plenty of space between your knees in your frame’s main triangle, but it’s impossible for bag makers to make one bag that will fill every possible frame. Almost all of them therefore offer a range of sizes, and generally advise that you should choose the smaller if it looks like two sizes will fit. It’s better to have a bag that sits tightly in place than one that can flap and move around.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of brands in bicycling. From budget to billionaire worthy, the range in prices can vary significantly. He was heavily involved in the mountain bike boom of the late 1980s as a racer, team manager and race promoter, and that led to writing for Mountain Biking UK magazine shortly after its inception. He got the gig by phoning up the editor and telling him the magazine was rubbish and he could do better. Rather than telling him to get lost, MBUK editor Tym Manley called John’s bluff and the rest is history. With an IPX6 rating, the bag is waterproof, a claim that was repeatedly proven on many a soggy summer ride. Again a similar question that was asked by someone considering a top tube bag. I would this to be try in my experience also. When you are standing over the bike. There is rather little room with the bag in front of you. But I don’t think this is that much of a big deal as you will be riding your bike so much more then standing over it. Can the phones touchscreen be used through the transparent mesh cover of many top tube bags? Most top tube bags use Velcro straps for attachment, making them easy to install and remove. Some models feature bolt-on systems that offer a more secure and stable connection but may require more time and effort to install. 4. AerodynamicsThe Route Werks Handlebar Bag is a fabulous – and fabulously expensive – way to carry a plethora of stuff within easy reach on your bike. With great attention to detail, this is the benchmark by which all other bar bags must be judged. This achieves a reasonably secure fit, but through months of testing we did sometimes find the bag would lean to one side. Quality Lezyne Aero Energy Caddy Top Tube Bag will last much longer and perform better than their cheaper counterparts. They are typically made with higher quality materials and are designed to withstand the wear and tear that comes with regular use. Investing in a high-quality Lezyne Aero Energy Caddy Top Tube Bag means that you won’t have to replace it as frequently, saving you money. Emma’s first encounters with a road bike were in between swimming and running. Soon after competing for GB in the World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Edmonton in 2001 she saw the light and decided to focus on cycling.

The Apidura Racing Top Tube Bag is a slimline model aimed at those who want to ride fast rather than haul loads of kit. Attention to detail is excellent – and there's no reason not to use it on slower jaunts if you really wanted to. Want something even bigger? The JPaks’ FarvaPak adds an additional 3” of total length on the already impressively large Footlong SnakPak, tapering from 4.5” up front to 2.5” in the rear. Look for bags made from durable materials like high-quality nylon or polyester. Reinforced seams and sturdy zippers contribute to the bag's overall durability. On the subject of Carradice bags I had a longflap (can't remember if it was a Camper or a Nelson) that did sterling service for years until I stored it in a damp garage for too long and it got a serious case of mildew which it never recovered from. Fantastic bags if looked after properly. Easy access to your belongings while riding is crucial. Look for a top tube bag that has convenient zippers or closures that can be easily opened with one hand. Waterproofing

The company's product range also includes handlebars, stems, seat posts, tires, inner tubes, handlebar tape, and bags. The bag is attached to the top tube via three Velcro-style straps (two at the bottom, one at the front). If I should mention one minor con I did find the design of the straps could use some enhancements for better usability. The current wrap-around style does not allow for an easy and tight fit. However, I discovered that a simple addition of zip ties over the straps significantly improved the fit of the top tube. I just love bikes and am passionate about researching, riding, and writing about adventure-focused bicycles. I owe so much to the bicycle. It shaped my childhood and continues to offer passion in my life today! It’s important to note that when shopping for Bags products, it can be tempting to go for the lowest price possible, but be wary of retailers that offer prices that seem too good to be true. Some less reputable retailers may sell counterfeit or low-quality Lezyne Aero Energy Caddy Top Tube Bag, which can be dangerous and not perform as well as the genuine product. Choosing a reputable retailer like Chain Reaction Cycles can help ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product at a competitive price.