Product Review: Topeak TriBag

RRP: $29.99

Distributed by: PRV NZ ltd.

Despite the advent of the Day pack, for a long time cyclists have relied on Saddle bags to do the job of carrying essentials during shorter rides. However, saddle bags have a habit of rattling around at the slightest hint of give, sitting right in the way of any mud being flung about and are impossible for anyone short of an experienced yogi to reach whilst moving. Enter a clever piece of equipment from our triathlete cousins; the TriBag.

At a weight weenie friendly 59 grams, it’s hard to believe something so small and simple could be so useful. By strapping in firmly between the steerer tube and the top tube, the Topeak TriBag places anything that requires regular access right in front of you, out of the way of the elements. Do be careful though, without enough space underneath the stem the horizontal strap can loosen a little over time, but most bikes do not have this problem.

In use the large meshed lid was easy to open and close on the move, with a long Velcro strip at the edge making one handed opening and closing a breeze. The interior is nicely lined with a bright yellow rip-stop Nylon that promises long term durability, and is divided into two separate compartments; one main and one smaller. The smaller compartment is the perfect size to securely fit a smart phone for the Strava segments or a sneaky chocolate bar for those longer rides.

I have put this TriBag through the wringer and it has come out the other side with flying colours. It has been stuffed to the brim with tools and food, subjected to a rigorous dunking in Riverhead’s sticky winter mud and been the victim of crashes and collision galore; it is still going like new after a single rinse in the sink. It’s been amazing how much of a difference it has made; it’s easy to keep vitals on hand (multi tool, quick link, phone and gummy snakes) for whenever they are needed and has not faltered once. For endurance racing the ability to quickly access food while going full speed has proven invaluable, especially if you are like me and carry all sorts of different snacks for the various stages of a race. It also is a good way to securely stow batteries for handlebar mounted lights whilst out Night Riding.

A great piece of kit that is worth every cent for general trail use and racing.