Evoc has completely revised its bikepacking series and expanded it in terms of sizes and models. Part of the revision is that all seams are now welded, making the bags completely waterproof. Evoc has also tweaked the BOA system so that the handlebar bag now has more room for the cables on the handlebars and the gripping system does its job better.
The bag for the top tube can now be screwed on or attached with Velcro straps. Together, the new bikepacking bags have a volume of around 25 litres - roughly the same as a large Transalp backpack. The new large "Arschrakete" from Evoc alone takes up 16 litres. All new models as well as the existing ones will be available from autumn in the new colour Steel.
Incidentally, the set-up on the bike above was tested by Evoc's head of marketing, Jan. He cycled the 420 km from the company headquarters in Munich to Eurobike with this bike and the bags. His test judgement was at least very positive. We have yet to find out whether he returned safely to Bavaria with the bike.
At Eurobike 2022, Ortlieb presented several innovations from bikepacking to commuting.
A long-awaited frame bag has become a reality: a shorter version of the frame pack that also fits into smaller frame triangles. At three litres, the volume of the bag is one litre smaller than the large version. Some people may wonder why Ortlieb is only now introducing a shorter frame bag. In this case, the answer is because it was not technically possible with the previous devices. After welding, part of the device had to be pulled out of the bag again and the opening of the bag had to have a minimum length, which is why the bags could not be made shorter. The problem was solved and the bag manufacturer was able to present shorter frame bags for 2023. As with the large version, there will be two closure options: Zip and roll-top.
The previous Ortlieb top tube bag was fitted with a circular zip: Impractical for quick access while riding. The magnetic fastener on the new bag is designed to make snacks and other small items accessible more quickly and still stow them safely.
Thanks to the magnets, the newly introduced backpack with its boxy look can be closed in a flash and opened quickly. However, the fastening system is secured so that it cannot simply be pushed open from behind. There is a laptop compartment in the rucksack. There is also space for a change of clothes, for example. It is conceivable to use the rucksack for the daily commute to work. There is a zip pocket for small items such as the front door key.
With the Scape Frame Bag Large, Brooks presented a frame bag with 3.5 litre packing volume for all cycling adventures at the Eurobike. Features: waterproof and hardwearing. The bag is made from two-colour 600D polyester. The bag has two side pockets, one with a zip, and a large compartment with an organiser. A cable outlet ensures that the sat nav never runs out of power when it is connected to a power bank in the frame bag. The bag is designed for a maximum load of three kilograms, should fit most standard frame sizes and is fastened with Velcro straps.
Top tube bags are usually used for snacks and the most important items. The newly introduced top tube bag Scape Top Tube Bag from Brooks comes in two versions: one long and one for bolting to the top tube. What both bags have in common is that they are waterproof and have padded side and base pads to protect the frame and bag contents. The padding also reduces rattling noises that can occur, for example, when multitools or other items bounce around in the bag during gravel tours or on bumpy roads. The bags also have a TPU cable opening at the front.
The long version of the top tube bag can be loaded with a maximum of one kilogramme and, like the frame bag presented above, is attached to the bike with Hypalon Velcro straps.
The smaller version of the Brooks bag, the Scape Top Tube Bag with Bolts, can either be bolted to attachment points on the top tube or attached with Velcro straps.
Topeak also presented a new bag at Eurobike, the Tubular Barbag. The cylindrical bag is attached to the handlebars with Velcro, while an additional strap around the head tube stabilises the bag. The inside of the bag can be accessed via a zip. Bars, gels or similar items can be stowed in the two mesh side pockets. There is an elasticated cord on the front of the bag that can be used to attach a rain jacket or wind waistcoat, for example. The bag is designed for a maximum load of three kilograms. The bag is compatible with handlebar diameters of 30 to 35 millimetres and a head tube diameter of 35 to 100 millimetres.
The accessories and components brand Syncros, which belongs to Scott, presented a new bikepacking bag series for 2023 at Eurobike. The bags are all waterproof and very light and minimalist. In addition to a saddle bag and a handlebar bag, Syncros is also launching a frame bag (in two sizes) and a top tube bag that can be bolted directly to the top tube of bikes with mounts. Syncros uses a two-part construction for the saddle bag and the handlebar bag: the mounts remain fixed to the bike and the bags can be removed for packing and unpacking. Prices and weights of the four-part Syncros bag series were not yet available at Eurobike. However, we were able to see on a gravel bike how the bags look mounted on the bike.

Editor