A top tube bag stands out as an incredibly useful addition to any cyclist’s gear, especially for bikepacking adventures. Think of it as your bike’s glove compartment, perfectly positioned to store snacks, gadgets, and essentials you need within easy reach. Often playfully called “gas tanks,” a moniker popularized and trademarked by Revelate Designs due to their teardrop shape reminiscent of classic motorcycle fuel tanks, we’ll stick with the more functional term “top tube bag” for this detailed overview.
Mounted snugly behind the head tube, a top tube bag is typically secured with two or three Velcro straps, or sometimes bolts, attaching it to the top tube and head tube. This mounting system ensures stability, minimizing side-to-side sway. While modern designs showcase advancements in size, shape, and materials, the core concept of the top tube bag and its convenient location is far from new. Historically, cyclists utilized smaller “bento boxes,” particularly triathletes and road racers, foreshadowing today’s bikepacking-specific iterations.
Similar to stem bags, top tube bags excel in providing easily accessible, high-volume storage. Imagine effortlessly grabbing a snack or an energy bar with just one hand while keeping your eyes on the trail. Beyond nutrition, they are ideal for stashing items you might need quickly: a multi-tool for minor adjustments, your smartphone for navigation or photos, bike lights for changing conditions, a handful of trail mix, or even that half-eaten sandwich saved for a mid-ride boost.
Selecting the Ideal Bike Top Tube Bag
Choosing the right top tube bag involves several key considerations. Size is paramount; larger bags naturally offer more storage but can compromise stability compared to smaller, more compact designs. Width is another critical factor. Depending on your bike’s bottom bracket width and your pedaling style, a wider bag increases the likelihood of knee rub, especially when riding out of the saddle and swaying the bike. Height and top tube clearance are also important, particularly on bikes with smaller frames where space is at a premium. Consider what you plan to carry. Padding and internal dividers can be beneficial for organizing and protecting delicate items.
Miles Arbour Profile
Perhaps the most crucial aspect to examine is the positioning of the Velcro strap attachment points relative to your framebag, if you use one. Some top tube bags feature fixed attachment points, offering maximum stability, while others provide adjustable positions for greater compatibility with different bike setups. If you’re uncertain, opting for a model with adjustable fasteners is generally a safer bet to ensure a proper fit, though fixed fasteners often provide superior stability.
Top Tube Bag Stabilizers: Enhancing Stability
While the standard Velcro and webbing strap system works effectively for most top tube bags, certain situations benefit from a dedicated stabilizer. These stabilizers are particularly useful for bikes with short stems or limited headset spacers, situations where traditional straps may not find secure attachment points. A stabilizer provides an alternative anchor point for the front of the top tube bag, preventing unwanted wiggle and ensuring a more secure setup. Drj0n pioneered this solution in 2017 with their DeWidget, and since then, brands like Rockgeist and 76 Projects have introduced various options to achieve a wobble-free top tube bag experience. For in-depth reviews and comparisons, resources are available online that evaluate popular top tube bag stabilizers.
Final Verdict: Top Tube Bags – Small Bag, Big Impact
In conclusion, the market offers a plethora of excellent top tube bag choices, making them a versatile and valuable addition to any cycling kit. Whether you’re embarking on an extended bikepacking expedition, enjoying a day ride, or simply commuting to work, a top tube bag provides convenient, accessible storage without being cumbersome. The innovation from bag manufacturers is impressive, with diverse designs incorporating unique features, innovative attachment mechanisms, and surprisingly generous capacities.
Miles’ Personal Take: “I’ll admit, I was a top tube bag skeptic for a while. I prioritized a clean bike aesthetic over what seemed like limited storage. However, bag designers have stepped up their game, introducing larger capacity bags that can actually hold a worthwhile amount of snacks and gear. Lately, I’ve been relying on JPak’s Footlong SnakPak for my top tube storage needs. Its larger size may not suit everyone, but for me, it’s the perfect blend of capacity and convenience.”
Logan’s Perspective: “Generally, I prefer a minimalist cockpit setup, avoiding extra bags if possible. Yet, almost without fail, a top tube bag makes its way onto my bike for longer trips. The location is unbeatable for easy access to essentials, and unlike handlebar-mounted feed bags, it usually stays clear of GPS devices and my knees. While many cyclists use top tube bags for snacks, I often find myself using them as a tech pouch, stashing cables, earbuds, sunglasses, my phone, and a headlamp. My go-to bags are the Revelate MagTank and the Oveja Negra Snack Pack (XL). Recently, I tested the Ortlieb Cockpit-Pack on a long ride and was particularly impressed with its waterproof construction, offering peace of mind during unexpected rain showers.”
