Image: MomJunction Design Team
Top tube bag is a handy, time-tested accessory that you can attach to bikes or bicycles to store mobile, snacks, gadgets, or repair tools while biking, taking long road rides or gravel racing. Here’s our list of the best top tube bags to help you choose the right one. Triathletes and roadies also call it a bento box and use it to store their essentials. With various designs and features, choosing the right top tube bag can be challenging. So, explore our list of best-selling options to make the right pick.
Top Picks
11 Best Top Tube Bags
1. Best Compatible:Wild Man Bike Top Tube Bag
Wild Man mount bag has three Velcro straps on the handle to keep it in place. When cycling on a bumpy road, the double-thick Velcro inside padding provides excellent shockproofing for the phone. It has a transparent, highly sensitive touch screen for using the phone while biking. Also, this all-weather bagis compatible with a wide range of bicycles. To get a better understanding of this touring top tube bag, you can check out this video on YouTube.
Pros
- Waterproof design
- Made of EVA material
- Easy to install
- Has good storage space
Cons
- Paint may peel off after some time
"Its generous size has caught my attention, and I like how it offers a neat solution. The clear screen visibility and waterproof protection are bonus features. Its straps do need additional reinforcement when storing heavier contents though."
2. Best Water-Resistant:Rockbros Bike Top Tube Bag
The widely tested and trusted road cycling top tube bag from Rockbros is made of 840D nylon as one of the main abrasion-resistant and long-lasting materials. Its clever design with stiff sides helps it keep its shape for stability. The body of the front bike bag is long and slender. A well-designed and lightweight bag allows you to ride more smoothly and comfortably.
Pros
- Large storage space
- Hook and loop design
- Fits most bikes
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Straps may leave a mark on the bike
- Limited range of colors
"This bag perfectly accommodates all my essentials with ease, and its sleek design and sturdy build make it apt for my single-tube frame cycle. While assembly is a breeze, I feel the zipper and Velcro could use some improvement."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 1,906 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
3. Best Durable:SLS3 Top Tube Aero Bag
The two micro-adjust rail systems and strong straps tie the SLS3 aero bag to the top tube beneath the stem. The aero box is exceptionally solid and safe due to this system configuration, which prevents the bag from falling off the frame. The main pocket is secured with a zipper and is made of water-resistant 600D fabric. This tube bag option has enough storage space to hold a phone, charger, and other bulky items. Check out the review of this commuter top tube bag for more information.
Pros
- Durable
- Long Velcro straps
- Lightweight
- Can be customized
Cons
- Some may find the size too small
"I�m impressed that it allows me to carry snacks and even a small repair kit without the requirement of detaching it. Its slim design prevents leg contact during aggressive riding, and the long straps can be trimmed for a custom fit."
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 571 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
4. Best Padded:Roswheel Race Series Bike Frame Bag
The high-quality frame bag from Roswheel is lightweight, aerodynamic, and available in three styles. It is water-resistant, insulated, and padded, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The bag weighs only 100g and has a 0.4l capacity. This lightweight frame bag is made of anti-tearing, non-slip jacquard cloth, making it strong and durable. Due to its Velcro straps, the bag can be easily installed and removed. If you want to know more about the benefits of this compact storage bag for bikes, check out this quick review on YouTube.
Pros
- Compact and concise
- Effortless design
- Secure fastening
- Reflective components
Cons
- Does not offer much storage space
"I�ve been using this bag for a while and found that it resists moisture quite effectively. It's impressive that it doesn�t interfere with my overall bike handling. And despite its compactness, it lets me store my much-needed essentials."
5. Best Shockproof:Rhinowalk Bike Top Tube Bag
The waterproof biking bag from Rhinowalk is made from soft, non-slip leather for a stable fit and to reduce friction between the tube and the bag. It can be opened easily owing to the double zip design. The straps of the bike frame pouch are long enough to secure it against the front and top tubes. This bikepacking bag has a shaped body and is 2.4in wide, fitting on your bike frame perfectly. Your legs would not touch the bag while pedaling.
Pros
- Reflective logo for night biking
- High-quality nylon zipper
- Shockproof
- Anti-attrition
- Great mountain biking frame bag
- Can be used to store heavier items
Cons
- May not be durable
"I find this bag to be a perfect choice for my biking adventures on different terrains. It has plenty of storage space to organize my stuff and is solidly built with a zipper closure that lets me enjoy worry-free riding."
Quick tip6. Best With Roomy Compartment:Topeak Fuel Tank Tube Bag
Charge your smartphone with ease while riding your bicycle with the Topeak fuel tank tube bag. It has a dedicated opening for the charging cable, and the padded design keeps your belongings secure during impacts. The bag is made of 420 denier nylon with a 0.75L capacity, allowing you to store your phone, energy bars, a wallet, a power pack, or other essentials needed for your outdoor adventure. Furthermore, its nylon straps hold the bag tightly to the bike rod for a fret-free ride.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Roomy compartment
- Suitable for long rides
- Rigid and durable construction
Cons
- Zip may not last long
- May not allow easy access to the phone
"This bag is compact yet spacious enough to store my items, including a spare battery. The side port design is super convenient, and its water-resistant material has held up well."
Do remember7. Best With Mesh Pocket:Blackburn Outpost Top Tube Bike Bag
The Blackburn outpost tube bag is tailored to store your essential gear in one main compartment, and its side zipper pocket accommodates handy items. The padded body ensures your essentials are safe from damage during impacts. Additionally, the dedicated mesh pocket helps store your smartphone for easy access. You can attach this tube bag with the support of bolt-on straps.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Loop-style zip handle
- Waterproof fabric
- Reinforced grommets
Cons
- Bolt holes may not be well-aligned
"I'm impressed by this bag's versatility in terms of mounting options�it comes with robust straps and well-aligned bolt holes. It holds my iPhone 13 smoothly, and while it is perfect for my extended rides, it is slightly bulky for daily use."
8. Best Slim Design:Tofern Bike Top Tube Bag
The Tofern top tube bag’s outer material is sturdy, wear-resistant, and durable premium double TPU nylon. Although it has a storage capacity of 2l, it can be expanded to 4l owing to its expandable bottom zipper compartment. The adjustable top tube bag has Velcro straps to keep it in place with two mesh pockets on the side to store small essentials. The laminated zippers make it easy to access the content inside.
Pros
- Reflective logo
- Lightweight, tapered design
- Expandable frame bag
- Adjustable attachment system
- Can hold most smartphones
Cons
- May not have a completely waterproof design
"I love that it conveniently fits various frames without needing additional tools to install. It's my favorite option during rides, as it prevents me from carrying a backpack to hold my things."
9. Best Ergonomic:Electop Bike Phone Front Frame Bag
Here’s a water-resistant bag made of high-quality EVA material that allows you to access your phone even under sunlight or while riding. The Electop bike phone frame bag sits parallel to the frame tube and prevents rubbing on your legs while riding. This top tube bag option with a phone holder has a transparent TPU touch-screen film to let you access the phone apps. Besides, the shock-proof holder is an added advantage as it keeps your phone stable while riding.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Sun visor design
- Double zipper
- Large storage capacity to store bulky items
- Fits well on the handle
- Multi-purpose top tube bag
- Includes three sturdy straps
Cons
- May be large for some
"Thanks to its clever storage design, I can now easily store my small-sized essentials. I particularly like the phone holder, which lets me conveniently access my phone, and its three-strap design assures me that it is securely in place."
10. Best With Movable Straps:Evoc Top Tube Pack
The Evoc top tube pack is ideal for all sorts of mountain biking, including triathlons, freerides, downhill, and cross-country. It has an internal pocket to store all essential items, and the water-resistant double zippers on the bag make it easy to access items on the go. This portable tube top bag weighs 5.6lb and measures 9x7x4in, making it the perfect size for storing phones, keys, water bottles, tools, and snacks
Pros
- Available in two colors
- Secure-fitting Velcro
- Movable straps
- Made of solid and durable fabric
Cons
- Limited manufacturer warranty
"It allows me to store all my stuff, except my large phone, without looking bulky. It is well-crafted and compatible with any bike. The protective stickers are also an attractive option for safeguarding my cycle frame."
11. Best With Zipper:Lezyne Energy Caddy Bicycle Bag
The EVA-foam-constructed Lezyne bicycle top tube bag has a capacity of 0.8l. It has an organizing compartment to store all kinds of small items, including keys or snacks. This all-weather bike handlebar bag comes with three Velcro straps to fit on the cycle’s front handle and top tube. The Velcro-mesh-covered pockets are secured with water-resistant zippers with side sleeves to keep the materials securely organized.
Pros
- Reflective frame bag
- Fits most smartphones
- Available in a range of sizes
- Easy to install
Cons
- Zipper not included
"After testing this caddy for a while, I found it a dependable option for my cycling adventures. Though it is smaller than expected, it proved useful in organizing my stuff, and the Velcro closure allows quick access to my items."
How To Choose The Right Top Tube Bags?
Top tube bags are an excellent addition to any biker’s accessory addition. Here are a few tips to choose an ideal top tube bag.
- Mounting type: The hook-and-loop Velcro attachment technique is seen on most top tube bags. There will be at least one strap holding the bag to the top tube and another securing the bag to the tube junction, but it may vary from one bag to another.
- Capacity: The capacity of the top tube bag is arguably the most important feature to look for, and it is entirely dependent on the purpose for which it will be used. Many riders like to carry photography equipment in a top tube bag, while some keep snacks.
- Access: Most top tube bags use a zipper mechanism to open and seal, with each design having significant variances. No matter how wonderful a top tube bag’s other features are, it won’t be of any use if you can’t unzip it with one hand while riding.
- Weatherproofing: A weather-resistant option is required if you want to ride with pricey photographic equipment or mobile in your top tube bag.
- Durability: Choose bags made of expert-approved durable materials that can withstand the test of time and harsh conditions. Field-tested bags by trusted brands could also be a good option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I get a saddlebag instead of a top tube bag?
The rider must dismount the bike to access the saddlebag’s items, whereas a top tube bag wouldn’t require you to do so. Depending on the capacity of items you need to store, choose between a saddlebag and a top tube bag.
2. How should I install a top tube bike bag?
Velcro straps attach most top tube bike bags to the top tube, stem, or head tube. Some gravel and mountain bikes include fittings that allow bolt-on top tube bags to be mounted without the need for straps.
3. Are top tube bags secure?
A top tube pack is positioned behind the head tube and fastened to the top tube and head tube with two or three Velcro straps (or bolts) to stabilize it against the side-to-side movement, thus making it secure.
4. Do top tube bags get in the way while cycling?
No, top tube bags do not get in the way while you’re cycling because their structure is quite slim and compact, and they are secured perfectly to your bike with a hook and loop Velcro attachment.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have put up a list of the finest top tube bags to store essentials when cycling. After conducting thorough research and adhering to the highest editorial standards, we made this selection to ensure our evaluations are honest and genuine. We have also included features of each best-selling product and a shopping guide to help you select the right option that meets your requirements.
Top tube bags come to the rescue when you need additional storage space during your bike rides. Not only can you store nick-nacks like treats and nibbles, but they can also hold your essentials like keys, smartphones, and other accessories. When looking for the right one, consider the mounting type, the available space, accessibility, durability, and other features. Also, ensure the top tube bag is suitable for your bike and offers adequate padding to protect your phone from damage. So, attach a bag to your bike and explore new terrains hassle-free.
Infographic: What Are The Various Kinds Of Top Tube Bags For Bikes?
Top tube bags for bicycles are compact and versatile accessories that provide convenient storage space for essential items during rides. With their easy attachment and accessibility, these bags are ideal for carrying snacks, tools, and other small necessities, enhancing your bike’s functionality. Explore the infographic below to discover different types of top tube bags and their features.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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