Bikepacking bags in the test: New bags for handlebars & saddle from BBB Cycling

It's finally time for the first bikepacking tour of the year! BBB Cycling, a manufacturer that produces practically everything to do with cycling, offers a wide range of bikepacking bags to match. This company from the Netherlands was founded by former professional cyclists Chris Koppert and Frank Moons and is characterised in particular by its fair pricing policy. As far as quality is concerned, we can say - at least for the two bags we tested - that it is good.

Basic bikepacking equipment: handlebar bag and saddle bag

Anyone exploring the great outdoors on a gravel bike has his or her own preferences regarding the panniers on the bike frame. This mainly depends on the amount of luggage you want to take with you for a day trip, a short overnight trip or even a whole week. We have therefore focussed on the universal bags: the handlebar bag, which practically always fits, and the large saddle bag. BBB also offers a wide range of bags, from small top tube bags to large frame bags. Only the classic pannier rack bags are currently not in the range.

BBB "Front Fellow": the handlebar bag with the big flap

The Front Fellow handlebar bag from BBB consists of two components. Firstly, there is a waterproof bag with a capacity of 10 litres, which is sealed with a roll-top closure. This bag can be removed from the holder, which forms the second part of the set, and can be filled and emptied. A wide Velcro strap ensures that the bag sits securely in the holder, which is open at both ends, as it is firmly attached to it. However, you should be aware that a fully loaded bag may no longer fit between the hoods of a gravel bike handlebar. When unfolded, the bag measures around 60 centimetres in length and 27 centimetres in width.

To stow the pack sack, the holder is folded down and pulled tight with two or four straps. Two of these straps are firmly attached to the bracket. Another strap can be placed around the stem for additional support and fastened to the bracket with two buckles. The Front Fellow bracket is also mounted to the handlebars and the steering head using three straps. Firstly, two Velcro strips help to hold everything in the correct position before the straps provide the necessary stability. BBB also provides foam rubber spacers so that everything fits perfectly to the handlebars and steering head.

Rating BBB Front Fellow handlebar bag

Everything looks sturdy, well-made and durable. The bag is made of rather thicker material, which is why the handlebar bag, holder and spacer together weigh 365 grams. However, the price of 70 euros is also attractive for those who do not attach luggage to their bike every day or go on trips lasting several days. One advantage is that you can replace the supplied pannier with other bags or, for example, a tent bag.

Details of the BBB Front Fellow bikepacking bag

• Lightweight handlebar bag with waterproof carrier bag/packing bag
• 3 attachment points for stability
• Quick-release buckles for the carrier bag so that the holder remains attached
• Spacer for the handlebars
• Works well with various dry bags and tent rolls
• Reflective applications
• Volume: 10 litres
• Bracket dimensions: approx. 280 x 210 mm (self-measured)
• Pack sack dimensions: approx. 600 x 270 mm (self-measured)
• Weight: 365 g (self-weighed)
• Price: 69.95 euros (RRP) >> available at Bike-Components at a reduced price

BBB "Seat Sidekick": bracket + pannier bag

The BBB saddle bag, which bears the witty name Seat Sidekick, consists of a holder and a cone-shaped pannier with carrying strap. This means that the holder can also be used for other bags.

The Seat Sidekick is traditionally attached with two straps to the seat stays and two wider straps to the seat post. At this interface, the bracket is fitted with a rubber cover, which is also partially incorporated into the straps to prevent slipping and rubbing on the seat post - a clever solution! This makes fitting to the bike quick and easy. To stow the contents safely, the large opening of the holder is secured with another strap. This strap is sufficiently long and can be conveniently rolled up into an elasticated band to prevent it from flapping. The inside of the holder is made entirely of robust plastic walls, which makes it very sturdy, but not particularly light. Large reflective strips are attached for better visibility from the side.

This pannier looks very similar to the handlebar bag, but has the conical shape typical of an arse rocket. It is made from the same material, which makes it waterproof and presumably very hard-wearing. In addition, this bag can also protrude far out of its holder.

Rating BBB Seat Sidekick saddle bag

The Saddle bag from BBB Cycling looks stable, robust and durable. One advantage is that the straps for attachment to the saddle rails are not firmly sewn to the bag, so the seams do not directly bear the weight. The bag also offers three different positions for threading the strap through, allowing flexible positioning of the holder between the saddle and the seat post. A practical and well thought-out solution!

You can find out more about bikepacking bags here:

>> Osprey Escapist on-bike panniers: Lightweight luggage - Osprey's new bikepacking bags

>> Bikepacking bags: Deuter Cabezon in a practical test

A Special featureHowever, we did not use it in our test is the additional bracket for the saddle (100 g; weighed by us). This is designed to prevent the saddle bag from swinging when heavily loaded or while pedalling. It can be attached to the saddle rails either instead of the usual straps or in addition to them (no information available on use with carbon saddle rails). A strap is placed around the Seat Sidekick and the arms of the additional bracket ensure that the bag sits securely and firmly.

Details of the BBB Seat Sidekick bikepacking bag

• Lightweight nylon saddle bag with waterproof carrier bag/packing bag
• Easy attachment to seat stays and seat post
• Quick-release buckle for the carrier bag so that the holder remains attached
• Robust, easy-to-clean base on the outside - also serves as a mudguard
• Reflective applications
• Volume: 10 litres
• Holder dimensions: approx. 380 x 170 x 170 mm (self-measured)
• Pack sack dimensions: approx. 600 x 350 mm (narrowing to 160 mm; self-measured)
• Weight: 498 g (self-weighed)
• Price: 91.95 Euro (RRP) >> available here