The little Topeak bag is brilliant because it will fit almost anywhere, behind the seat post, behind the handlebar stem or inside the frame. I don't use it so much now because I have three useable bikes (and two more very interesting piles of bits with potential in my shed). So what I generally use is an Altura saddlebag which clips onto a mount on the back of the seat post. Each bike is fitted with a mount and I switch the bag from bike to bike depending on which one I want to ride. Switching the bag takes about a second. The Altura is really day-ride size though and I would really like to have something smaller which attaches to the same mount for the hour to hour-and-a-half rides I typically do after work. Don't often go for reviews of people's kit so they have to be pretty interesting for me to view.
I use a fanny pack ( Rudy Project made nice ones with 3 pockets yet compact ) because they stay with you. Wallet/phone/tubes/multi-tool all fit in it. You go into a convenience store and you have your wallet.
I'm a huge fan of the Blackburn Outpost Holster with dry bag. I like being able to take the dry bag out of the pack, for easy access and helps to compress clothes to make best use of the space in the bag. Also it's pretty cheep for a bag that size.
Hi Katie. Nice video. I've had a couple of AlpKit stem cells like that for a few years now, and they're still going strong. I've had my velcro straps setup just like you have yours in the video, with the hooks facing outwards, but have recently realised they work just as well with the soft side facing outwards. It stops the velcro from catching on my gloves, other nearby bags, jersey sleeves, etc. You asked for recommendations - I find my half frame bag to be seriously useful. It's good for stuff like a multitool, spare tube and pump, and also lets you have immediate access to a waterproof, overshoes, etc. I think it's the most useful of all my frame bags. The Revelate MagTank is also worth a look. It's like your fuel tank, but has a waterproof flap that closes with a magnetic latch, instead of a zip. Easy to open/close with one hand, and it'd be easy to run a cable out through the flap to charge a device on your bars.
I've just come back from 6 Days riding from Bristol to Newcastle to Newcastle. I bought the Ortlieb 16.5 Ltr Seat Bag. It's excellent and has an air valve so you can get all the air out.
Another vote for Revelate! Well worth the money as I use it all the time. Love it that you can adjust the size depending on how much stuff you're carrying.
+Manchester Vegan Runners Yeah that's the beauty of it! Such a good product and it's been used SO much in all weathers and still practically looks brand new :)
I have a frame bag and 2 feed bags from MooseTreks, a very overlooked and high quality full featured bag system. Half the cost as well! I have the Salsa Anything Cradle and HD cages. I use Dom bags in the cages and a 10L Dry bag in the cradle. I have the Portland Design Works Bindle Rack with a V shaped kayaking dry bag for it.
Hello and great bag review. I also bought the Topeak fuel tank bag but in M size. Also absolutely love it and bought it for the same reason, carrying a charger. 😎🚴🏼♂️
Thanks. Check out Rogue Panda" bags. They are out of Arizona, good build quality. They do off the shelf and made to order. I bought some top tube bags from them. Thinking I will get a frame bag me for my gravel bike. Being a Colombian- and American Hardknott Pass gave me a hankering. Cheers. Hope you and your people are safe.
Just discovered your channel and you have some brilliant videos! I'm really tempted to buy the Topeak Fuel Tank bag for an upcoming short bike tour, but I've read it's not waterproof. How have you found it in the rain? Thanks!
I’ve not had any issues with it and always found waterproofing to be good. I’ve been out in some HEAVY RAIN too, and had my phone in there and always been ok.
hi Katie Thanks for the review I'm quite interested on the fuel bag I have a question: is it water proof? and have you tried putting it behind the seat tube? if so does it rub on your legs? Thanks
Glad it helped you. Yeah it's waterproof. I have had my phone in there while it's been raining and it's been ok. I've not put it there on the seat tube but it depends how much you pack it really. It's quite a slim bag so wouldn't be too much of a problem :)
+Lee Hi Lee, that's actually Jay's box. But I will do a video about it and my choice why I don't have one. Jay really loved it though and the wheels are particularly helpful while walking through airports 😊
It varies on where I'm going and what distance. Also weather plays a huge part. If it's colder then I will take extra layers. In summer I take a think rain jacket.
Or you could just get a rack and a couple of panniers. You can lash a dry bag to the top of the rack too, or use a saddlebag. I suppose these tiny bags are ok for a weekend or so, but any long unsupported bike camping in dodgy weather is going to need a lot more space. It's frustrating looking at offroad touring bikes these days and finding they mostly don't have proper rack braze ons because people would prefer to hang seven or eight small bags off their frame rather than pack two large panniers. Just saying.
Hi, Katie. Good video, thanks, and I just subscribed. :-) I have 2 sets of bike luggage: 1 for touring, and 1 for bikepacking. For the latter, I swear by my Ortlieb Seat-Pack (16.5L, waterproof), Ortlieb Handle-Bar Pack (15L, waterproof), and I have the same large Topeak Fuel Tank (is it actually waterproof or merely water resistant?) top tube bag as you (yes, I love it, too). There's another popular type of bag that mounts to either your handlebar or stem, one goes by the name of "Feed Bag" (by Revelate) from which you can grab a snack or a swig of a drink you would not normally fill into your water bottle. It looks a lot like the AlpKit handlebar bag that you sport, but also has 3-4 additional external compartments to store other items, 2 of which are made of mesh material. Cheers!
Well just bought a Stem Cell XL from Alpkit on the strength of your video.. looks great for carrying an extra bottle and munchies.. @cough@ essential nutritional food items
I will do, hopefully it will arrive today. Excited for the ride Saturday (400km), forecast is looking good, fine, dry and not too hot, hoping it stays that way. :)
Well firstly the weather was not "good, fine, dry and not too hot" it ended up being "bad, terrrible, very wet.. but not cold'... the exact opposite to earlier in the week. Torrential rain and flash floods was my first introduction to the world of a 400km audax! Anyway... as for the Stem Cell XL from AlpKit, yup loved it, I think I need to loosen the grip somewhat around the centre of the bag as it seemed to narrow inwards if that makes sense. Anyhow it was definitely waterproof, I wish put my phone in there because that died during the journey :( I have a 600km in September so will be looking at a Front Roll bag and one of those larger Saddle bags that you have next - save some pennies. Always cycling stuff to buy!
based on your strava profile you don't really need all that stuff. but if it makes you safer, go ahead. with time and experience you will see what is really necessary.
Yeah I see people on audaxes with literally a tiny saddle bag and others wth panniers. I guess it depends on the person but I like being prepared :) It's a personal preference I think regardless of how long you've been riding.
+Minch The Grinch And two, Alpkit is so good. Haven't got much from them as yet, heads light and my bag but love it - and a new shop opened quite near me too 🤗🤗
Katie Kookaburra. Thanks to you its going great, your advice has literally been my riding Bible. I love the 100 mile ride's. Try to get one in every fewer weeks. I got some chamais cream. Omg it's made such a difference ( thanks for the that Katie). I cannot wait to get out on the bike now. Your vid's are great, the big ride you did gave me so much advice from you & the others just chatting. Thanks again. ( I've just started to follow you on Strava).👍👍
The stem cells are brilliant! I love how you can customise the strapping with the daisy chain loops to attach however you want. I attach mine by the stem because of my wahoo mount. When you use your revelate bag, what do you do with your regualr saddle bag with spares etc? Love the bikepacking videos!
Katie, thaaaaank youuu so much for having shared this video. It fits perfect at this moment (almost one year later kkk) that I am coming back to bicking after several years away and the bags are a mandatory point to solve !!! Blue skies 😉
Nice one Katie you helped me out big time I was looking for a decent sized good quality saddle bag and I think having seen this video and checking out that Revalate bag you mentioned I'm going to go with that , having seen the reviews on amazon although a bit more expensive than I would have expected , I like the fact I can use it on my commute to work without having to go down the bike pannier route. Big Thumbs up
So glad it was helpful. That's exactly what I used that bag for. It's so big but light and folds down small. It's also so good for weekends away. Have you seen this vid: ruclips.net/video/q86PSftX5P8/видео.html I should be on commission haha :) Honestly though so glad I helped :)
For just under saddle bags, have you checked out Scicon? Tino (Bananiac) turned me on to them and they are awesome! I bought the "PIN 695 RL 2.1" model. Check 'em out! us.sciconbags.com/products/saddle-frame-bags/roller-2-1-system
dit is dus waardeloos. je gebruikt maar één zo'n ding of hooguit twee en je hebt dus met maar één zo'n ding ervaring. deze tut hola doet het voorkomen alsof ze er met alle tassen ervaring met en verstand van heeft hetgeen mij een onmogelijkheid lijkt.
Do you really need to be reminded to eat regularly?? Let me help you with that...."Eat before you're hungry. Drink before you're thirsty." You're welcome.
The little Topeak bag is brilliant because it will fit almost anywhere, behind the seat post, behind the handlebar stem or inside the frame. I don't use it so much now because I have three useable bikes (and two more very interesting piles of bits with potential in my shed). So what I generally use is an Altura saddlebag which clips onto a mount on the back of the seat post. Each bike is fitted with a mount and I switch the bag from bike to bike depending on which one I want to ride. Switching the bag takes about a second. The Altura is really day-ride size though and I would really like to have something smaller which attaches to the same mount for the hour to hour-and-a-half rides I typically do after work.
Don't often go for reviews of people's kit so they have to be pretty interesting for me to view.
I use a fanny pack ( Rudy Project made nice ones with 3 pockets yet compact ) because they stay with you. Wallet/phone/tubes/multi-tool all fit in it. You go into a convenience store and you have your wallet.
3 years on have you changed your setup at all? I like the Topeak fuel tank a lot and recently got the same Topeak saddle bag. Thanks for the tips!
I will do an updated video but that Topeak top tube bag is still on my bike! :)
I'm a huge fan of the Blackburn Outpost Holster with dry bag. I like being able to take the dry bag out of the pack, for easy access and helps to compress clothes to make best use of the space in the bag. Also it's pretty cheep for a bag that size.
Hi Katie. Nice video. I've had a couple of AlpKit stem cells like that for a few years now, and they're still going strong. I've had my velcro straps setup just like you have yours in the video, with the hooks facing outwards, but have recently realised they work just as well with the soft side facing outwards. It stops the velcro from catching on my gloves, other nearby bags, jersey sleeves, etc.
You asked for recommendations - I find my half frame bag to be seriously useful. It's good for stuff like a multitool, spare tube and pump, and also lets you have immediate access to a waterproof, overshoes, etc. I think it's the most useful of all my frame bags.
The Revelate MagTank is also worth a look. It's like your fuel tank, but has a waterproof flap that closes with a magnetic latch, instead of a zip. Easy to open/close with one hand, and it'd be easy to run a cable out through the flap to charge a device on your bars.
I really wanted to go for a half frame bag, but does that prevent you getting your water bottles out as easily??
Graham Ashton I
I've just come back from 6 Days riding from Bristol to Newcastle to Newcastle. I bought the Ortlieb 16.5 Ltr Seat Bag. It's excellent and has an air valve so you can get all the air out.
Think its £108 from Evan's and I had 10% Discount because I joined British Cycling.
I'm an over packer too! Don't trust British weather ;) or weather forecasts!
I love the waterproof apidura frame bag
The m size topeak for saddle I have can hold 3 tightly rolled tubes , a pair of levers and some patches . And that all I ever carry.
Saddle bags are great!
Some rear lights don’t have clips and are seat-post fitting only :/
I love Topeak, I Have been using the Topeak Backloader and Topeak ratchet DX+ , Love it
everytime i go for a bike ride , my fuel can bags bounch side to side and go all sloppy , you have any that dont do that ?
Another vote for Revelate! Well worth the money as I use it all the time. Love it that you can adjust the size depending on how much stuff you're carrying.
+Manchester Vegan Runners Yeah that's the beauty of it! Such a good product and it's been used SO much in all weathers and still practically looks brand new :)
Ohh the Topeak fuel tank!!! I just offer one to my husband for his birthday. He loves it.
I still use mine - I’ve still not found a better top bar bag!!
Thanks for the bag recommendations. I just bought the Topeka top bar bar and it’s great!
I have a frame bag and 2 feed bags from MooseTreks, a very overlooked and high quality full featured bag system. Half the cost as well!
I have the Salsa Anything Cradle and HD cages. I use Dom bags in the cages and a 10L Dry bag in the cradle. I have the Portland Design Works Bindle Rack with a V shaped kayaking dry bag for it.
Sounds good will have a look at those 🚴🏼♀️🚴🏻♂️👍🏻
thanks from Indonesia for your video sis..I have question, how you setup bag for 600KM ?
Can anyone recommend a rear light for my ortlieb seat post bag. Something with a Velcro or zip tie
Hi, Have you used the Topeak Backloader bags? I can't find any RUclips reviews on them!
Hello and great bag review. I also bought the Topeak fuel tank bag but in M size. Also absolutely love it and bought it for the same reason, carrying a charger. 😎🚴🏼♂️
Topeak top-tube bag is great. Thanks for the tip.
I think its good to be over prepared. I wonder if your are happy with secure attachment of Alpkit XL? Cheers, Iz
Yeah it's super secure. I rode Hardknott Pass in the Uk, and the very sketchy descent and it was solid. Great bag.
Thanks. Check out Rogue Panda" bags. They are out of Arizona, good build quality. They do off the shelf and made to order. I bought some top tube bags from them. Thinking I will get a frame bag me for my gravel bike. Being a Colombian- and American Hardknott Pass gave me a hankering. Cheers. Hope you and your people are safe.
Hi, is it possible to fit 2 bucketlike bags on handlebar?(i never saw such in shops, whats their full name for browser?)
Sorry not sure what you mean...
Just discovered your channel and you have some brilliant videos! I'm really tempted to buy the Topeak Fuel Tank bag for an upcoming short bike tour, but I've read it's not waterproof. How have you found it in the rain? Thanks!
I’ve not had any issues with it and always found waterproofing to be good. I’ve been out in some HEAVY RAIN too, and had my phone in there and always been ok.
Brilliant that's great to know! Thanks for the quick reply :)
Thanks from Canada, going to the bike shop tomorrow !
Thanks for the reviews. I have the Topeak and like the look of the AlpKit ;) Thanks for the links too.
hi Katie
Thanks for the review
I'm quite interested on the fuel bag
I have a question: is it water proof? and have you tried putting it behind the seat tube? if so does it rub on your legs?
Thanks
Glad it helped you. Yeah it's waterproof. I have had my phone in there while it's been raining and it's been ok. I've not put it there on the seat tube but it depends how much you pack it really. It's quite a slim bag so wouldn't be too much of a problem :)
Do the long bag sway when you pedalling? Need expert opinions...thank you
It can do a bit but you just have to pull it up really tightly
Great advice and review ✌🏾
What size is the Topeak bag please. The link doesn’t work so when I searched it comes up with two sizes.
It’s the large :)
@@KatieKookaburra thank you ❤️
Hi Katie great video again, noticed you have a B & W bike box . Could you do a video on how to pack these or share your travelling experiences.
+Lee Hi Lee, that's actually Jay's box. But I will do a video about it and my choice why I don't have one. Jay really loved it though and the wheels are particularly helpful while walking through airports 😊
+Lee This was his unboxing video - hope you find it helpful x
+Lee ruclips.net/video/hArliki597s/видео.html
Cheers Katie have a good trip.
Katie, how much weight do you calculate you carry + -curious to know!
Excellent video, thx!!!
It varies on where I'm going and what distance. Also weather plays a huge part. If it's colder then I will take extra layers. In summer I take a think rain jacket.
yes, i'm late 4 yeras but thanks for the video and showing of the bags. :)
Will buy alpkit bags for sure
Gave your thousandth like! I really like your system thanks. 👍
Or you could just get a rack and a couple of panniers. You can lash a dry bag to the top of the rack too, or use a saddlebag. I suppose these tiny bags are ok for a weekend or so, but any long unsupported bike camping in dodgy weather is going to need a lot more space. It's frustrating looking at offroad touring bikes these days and finding they mostly don't have proper rack braze ons because people would prefer to hang seven or eight small bags off their frame rather than pack two large panniers. Just saying.
I'm getting panniers AND the "tiny" bags for weight distribution,
Thank you for a great video.
Girl, you are one prepared rider!!
I'm in love with my Specialized Burra Burra bags, but they are pricey!
Oooh not heard of those ones... On Google now..... :)
www.specialized.com/gb/en/new-arrivals/equipment/bike-accessories/bags--storage/c/bagsstorage
Here you go :)
Im so cool I bought the Topeak Fuel in 2011. however no charging port😢
Wow, that is a long time ago. You obviously knew what you were doing getting ahead of it all. How has it lasted?
Katie Kookaburra it's held up great. I do wish they would move the zipper to the side for better rain protection.
That's actually a really good idea!
You talked me into the fuel tank to go with my LARGE Topeak saddle bag.
And probably two stem cells to flank it.
I personally think it's one of the best top tube bags there is.
Ah, the little known English Kookaburra.
Hi, Katie. Good video, thanks, and I just subscribed. :-) I have 2 sets of bike luggage: 1 for touring, and 1 for bikepacking. For the latter, I swear by my Ortlieb Seat-Pack (16.5L, waterproof), Ortlieb Handle-Bar Pack (15L, waterproof), and I have the same large Topeak Fuel Tank (is it actually waterproof or merely water resistant?) top tube bag as you (yes, I love it, too). There's another popular type of bag that mounts to either your handlebar or stem, one goes by the name of "Feed Bag" (by Revelate) from which you can grab a snack or a swig of a drink you would not normally fill into your water bottle. It looks a lot like the AlpKit handlebar bag that you sport, but also has 3-4 additional external compartments to store other items, 2 of which are made of mesh material. Cheers!
Loving that Alpkit
Thanks for the tips, nice channel. Regards from Brazil!!!
Well just bought a Stem Cell XL from Alpkit on the strength of your video.. looks great for carrying an extra bottle and munchies.. @cough@ essential nutritional food items
Fab let me know how you get on with it 😋
I will do, hopefully it will arrive today. Excited for the ride Saturday (400km), forecast is looking good, fine, dry and not too hot, hoping it stays that way. :)
Well firstly the weather was not "good, fine, dry and not too hot" it ended up being "bad, terrrible, very wet.. but not cold'... the exact opposite to earlier in the week. Torrential rain and flash floods was my first introduction to the world of a 400km audax!
Anyway... as for the Stem Cell XL from AlpKit, yup loved it, I think I need to loosen the grip somewhat around the centre of the bag as it seemed to narrow inwards if that makes sense. Anyhow it was definitely waterproof, I wish put my phone in there because that died during the journey :(
I have a 600km in September so will be looking at a Front Roll bag and one of those larger Saddle bags that you have next - save some pennies. Always cycling stuff to buy!
based on your strava profile you don't really need all that stuff. but if it makes you safer, go ahead. with time and experience you will see what is really necessary.
Yeah I see people on audaxes with literally a tiny saddle bag and others wth panniers. I guess it depends on the person but I like being prepared :) It's a personal preference I think regardless of how long you've been riding.
I got the Topeak bag after seeing you use it. Its been faultless & so useful.
I love Alpkit stuff 😊😊
+Minch The Grinch It's so useful isn't it?! How's your riding going?? :)
+Minch The Grinch And two, Alpkit is so good. Haven't got much from them as yet, heads light and my bag but love it - and a new shop opened quite near me too 🤗🤗
Katie Kookaburra. Thanks to you its going great, your advice has literally been my riding Bible. I love the 100 mile ride's. Try to get one in every fewer weeks.
I got some chamais cream. Omg it's made such a difference ( thanks for the that Katie).
I cannot wait to get out on the bike now.
Your vid's are great, the big ride you did gave me so much advice from you & the others just chatting.
Thanks again.
( I've just started to follow you on Strava).👍👍
Alpkit should pay you for this video. You made me buying the stem cell xl 😊 nice bag. I'm probably their first customer from Slovakia 😉
Hey, could you tell me if your alpkit cell bag xl is the same as Katie shows us? Or Katie's bag is smaller than xl?
I like your videos, thanks!
The stem cells are brilliant! I love how you can customise the strapping with the daisy chain loops to attach however you want. I attach mine by the stem because of my wahoo mount.
When you use your revelate bag, what do you do with your regualr saddle bag with spares etc? Love the bikepacking videos!
They are really good! I have a separate little zip purse that I take all the saddle bag stuff out and use that instead :)
Good review.
Are you a from british
Katie, thaaaaank youuu so much for having shared this video. It fits perfect at this moment (almost one year later kkk) that I am coming back to bicking after several years away and the bags are a mandatory point to solve !!! Blue skies 😉
I'm glad I could help 😊
Hi, we are supplying similar quality and competitive bike bag
Nice one Katie you helped me out big time I was looking for a decent sized good quality saddle bag and I think having seen this video and checking out that Revalate bag you mentioned I'm going to go with that , having seen the reviews on amazon although a bit more expensive than I would have expected , I like the fact I can use it on my commute to work without having to go down the bike pannier route.
Big Thumbs up
So glad it was helpful. That's exactly what I used that bag for. It's so big but light and folds down small. It's also so good for weekends away. Have you seen this vid: ruclips.net/video/q86PSftX5P8/видео.html I should be on commission haha :) Honestly though so glad I helped :)
For just under saddle bags, have you checked out Scicon? Tino (Bananiac) turned me on to them and they are awesome! I bought the "PIN 695 RL 2.1" model. Check 'em out! us.sciconbags.com/products/saddle-frame-bags/roller-2-1-system
what a motherf*cking sensible review. thx
Haha glad you enjoyed :)
New videos please 😉😎
dit is dus waardeloos. je gebruikt maar één zo'n ding of hooguit twee en je hebt dus met maar één zo'n ding ervaring. deze tut hola doet het voorkomen alsof ze er met alle tassen ervaring met en verstand van heeft hetgeen mij een onmogelijkheid lijkt.
You should have just cut the straps to be shorter if yget were too long! Duh!
They
Do you really need to be reminded to eat regularly?? Let me help you with that...."Eat before you're hungry. Drink before you're thirsty." You're welcome.
You definitely do on the bike. It’s not natural to be riding and eating, but that’s the best tip!
What language is this ?
130lbs?? Holy shit that's heavy
Good presenter and pretty...the perfect biking companion :-)
Fucking cute !!! Sorry :)
Ring ring....telephon....!
Stop shoving stuff in front of the camera! It's very uncomfortable as a viewer. It's like shoving something into someone's face