Top tube bags should withstand tough weather conditions, so look for those made with robust and water-resistant materials. Durability also extends to the zippers; they should be sturdy and easy to operate with one hand while riding. 3. Ease of Installation Like the Altura, it would occasionally lean to one side, but not all that often. And, unlike the Altura, our knees rarely found it obtrusive, either.

The best part about cycling is that you need very little to get going. There are a number of must-have pieces of equipment such as a helmet, high visibility clothing and lights, but apart from this small group, you don’t need anything extra.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. As we say above, price is the most common top consideration for people buying cycling gear…the same goes for buying Top Tube Bags.

On a retro whim I bought one of Caradice's 'Nelson - Longflaps'* & a Bagman support - It's turned out that it's one of the best bits of cycling kit that I've ever aquired. The whole unit is very well-made. It wipes clean easily and the only the interior is showing any signs of use, with a few marks where contents push against the base. I've had no issues with water ingress, even after holding it under the shower for a few minutes. Restrap's lifetime guarantee covers materials and workmanship, too. Value If you prefer your accommodation to have four walls and a roof, then you’ll have more than enough space for clothes and toiletries, and almost certainly won’t need a full set of bags. 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. 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.Some frame bags only use some of the space under the top tube to get around the issues of fitting the whole frame. This can be a good compromise that still gives a useful amount of storage space.

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. Pair it with the Wildcat Tapered Drybag and you've got a low-weight, sensibly-priced and brilliantly easy-to-use system. Safety should always come first. You should never skimp when buying bicycle gear because it could one day save your life. You (hopefully) would never cut corners on your helmet, so you shouldn’t act any differently to the rest of your gear. The 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. 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. WaterproofingEmma’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. There’s still one litre of space available and we had no issues storing multiple gels, a tool, phone and mini pump. Based on this, we’d say this is also a solid choice for long days in the saddle. 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. Aerodynamics 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. 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 Ocelot fixes to the top tube using an elastic cord that feeds through all the looped attachment points. It takes about 10 minutes to set up the first time, and it's not really a design for taking on and off on a regular basis. The benefit is excellent support – it doesn't sag like some bags with Velcro straps – and this in turn makes the zip really fluid and easy to use. Zip garages keep the pullers out of the way as you ride. Whatever you might be buying for your cycling trips, it’s important to do your research. Afterall, cycling can be dangerous if improperly or inadequately equipped, so it’s vital that your gear is safe and high quality. You might be a cycling newbie or a relative De-France competitor, but anyone can fall victim to the common buying mistakes when it comes to cycling gear. Unfortunately, while the internet makes shopping easier than ever before, it has also increased the difficulty for newcomers to discern the good from the bad. The company was also the first to produce disc wheels, deep section rims, and cranksets using carbon fiber technology. Zipp Speedbox Aero Top Tube Bag With Straps All Sizes Tester Matt writes: “The Bagel Bag has multiple attachment points and can be placed low enough to allow the use of out-front GPS mounts. It also has an elastic cord for looping around the head tube, although – unlike many similar bags – it's so secure on the Voile straps you may not need it. What really marks the Straight Cut Bagel Bar Bag out is its double zip opening. I was initially skeptical about what it would add, but was won over – Straight Cut says it allows easy access for left or right-handed riders, but found the zips generally very easy to open.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.” However, every product is different, and every brand has its budget products and big flops. Make sure to research the exact product you’re looking at to see if the quality is worthy of the brand it represents. Don’t go for the cheapest thing