ZONE3 Aero Top Tube Cycling/Triathlon 'Bento Box' Bag, Black/Silver, One Size

Product Information

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. 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. 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 bag seems to attach securely to bikes with pre-existing top tube bolts, which ensures no distraction or discomfort during the ride. This eliminates the need for straps, an advantage over other similar products.

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. 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. 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

With an IPX6 rating, the bag is waterproof, a claim that was repeatedly proven on many a soggy summer ride. 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. 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). 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. Not quite but I did once meet a man who's surname was Whatsize who allegedly worked in that industry.

The Zipp Speed Box offers the convenience of the classic top-tube box with a few new features to make it more user-friendly. 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 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. Pair it with the Wildcat Tapered Drybag and you've got a low-weight, sensibly-priced and brilliantly easy-to-use system. 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.

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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. In my experience, the SLS3 Aero Top Tube Bike Bag is the best Top tube bag, for both triathlon training and racing. Big brands are typically a good place to put your money, and these companies pay lots of money to professional cyclists to advertise their goods.

Choosing a top tube bag with some level of waterproofing or water resistance will help keep your belongings dry and protected. Durability Overall, selecting the right top tube bag will depend on your specific needs and preferences, as well as the type of cycling you intend to do. The Jerrycan has seen some updates of the years, and now exists in a standard wedge shape and a bent version to accommodate braces at the seat tube / top tube junction. It has also slightly increased in size since the original version. It’s made from VX21 X-Pac side panels, ballistic nylon edges, and a bright yellow nylon liner with closed cell foam padding. The zipper is a water resistant #5 YKK. But what do you need to look out for when shopping for cycling gear? What are the best brands? What kit is really necessary? Do you really need it?An aerodynamic top tube bag can minimise wind resistance and reduce drag, which is especially crucial if you're a performance-oriented cyclist or regularly ride at higher speeds. Mounting system

The compartment comfortably measures 20cm at the base internally, and will take a pretty decent mini pump such as the 22cm Birzman Apogee with a bit of pushing. All but the silliest-sized of phones will fit comfortably, screen outermost to protect from damage. 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. Made in Yorkshire in a practical, hardwearing design, the Restrap Top Tube Bag takes what is one of the simplest bits of cycling luggage and makes an instant classic of it.Make sure the bag is large enough to accommodate your necessities without being too bulky or interfering with your riding. Aerodynamics 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. Your choice will largely depend on what you plan to carry. A top tube bag should be large enough to fit essentials like energy gels, small tools, a cell phone, and keys. However, remember that a larger bag might cause knee or leg interference when pedaling. 2. Durability 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. 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.