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This achieves a reasonably secure fit, but through months of testing we did sometimes find the bag would lean to one side. 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! Limited space means top tube bags can’t be large; they typically have a capacity of around a litre. Other bags In practice, this didn’t seem to make it any less stable, but, admittedly, this is a slimmer product, so there was less of it overhanging our top tube. Tester Matt writes: “With everything installed, the overwhelming impression is how secure the bag is – there's virtually no side to side movement. Even when riding and purposefully trying to initiate some sway, it stays completely solid.
Restrap prides itself on making kit for harsh conditions – it was born in Yorkshire, so you'd expect nowt less. A frankly harsh test of the Top Tube Bag under a garden hose on full shower setting for half an hour resulted in 50ml of water seeping through the the 1000D Cordura sides/seams. Restrap lists the fabric as 'water resistant' so this is perhaps an extreme test (unless you cycle regularly in the Highlands or Wales), and certainly a brief shower will bead off the surface without ingress. While many modern phones and cameras are now properly waterproof and sensitive electronics should be kept in a dust- and water-proof enclosure, it's nice to know that the Top Tube bag affords decent short-term protection regardless. 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? 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.
Final Thoughts
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.
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 Aerodynamics is a crucial consideration for any triathlon gear. An aerodynamically designed bag will reduce wind resistance, helping you maintain speed and conserve energy during the cycling leg. 5. Access 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.
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. Choosing a top tube bag with some level of waterproofing or water resistance will help keep your belongings dry and protected. Durability
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. 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. WaterproofingSafety 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 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. Not quite but I did once meet a man who's surname was Whatsize who allegedly worked in that industry. 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! 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.
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