Bikepacking bags in the testRelevate Designs impresses with robustness and storage space

Bikepacking bags in the test: Relevate Designs impresses with robustness and storage spacePhoto: Matthias Borchers
The American manufacturer Revelate Designs has made a name for itself with robust and well thought-out bikepacking bags. We took a close look at the four-pack consisting of Spinelock, Tangle Frame Bag Medium, Mag Tank Bolt-On and Handle Bar Mount with Saltyroll.

Revelate Designs from the USA delivers a robust and well thought-out set that is one of the most spacious in the test with a total volume of 36 litres. Ultracycling athlete Lael Wilcox relies on the bags from Revelate Designs - the exceptional athlete wants to set off on 7 June to beat the men's world record for cycling around the world. The centrepiece of the set is the Spinelock saddle bag: thanks to the eponymous Spinelock holder, it sits absolutely wobble-free while riding - a clear advantage over many competitors. With a total weight of 1.8 kilograms, the set is comparatively heavy due to its robust construction, but this is bearable in view of the generous storage space. The frame and top tube bag have some minor weaknesses, which could protect their contents better from moisture and dust. The set price of € 695 is the highest in the test. The set score is 1.7.

The bags in detail

1st Revelate Design Spinelock - Grade 1.4

Price260 Euro >> available here
Volume16 litres
Weight711 grammes
Watertightness1,5
Equipment1,5
Assembly/stop1,0
Handling1,5

Strengths

  • Spinelock bracket ensures a wobble-free hold while travelling
  • Many clever details for additional fastenings

Weaknesses

  • Relatively heavy

2nd Revelate Design Tangle Frame Bag Medium - Grade 2.0

Price150 Euro >> available here
Volume4 litres
Weight280 grammes
Watertightness2,5
Equipment1,5
Assembly/stop2,0
Handling2,0

Strengths

  • Two zips on the left and right
  • Lots of pockets for good organisation

Weaknesses

  • Becomes somewhat bulbous when fully loaded

3rd Revelate Design Mag Tank Bolt-On - Grade 2.9

Price85 Euro >> available here
Volume1 litre
Weight152 grammes
Watertightness4,0
Equipment3,0
Assembly/stop2,5
Handling2,0

Strengths

  • Stiff bag holds well and sits wobble-free
  • Easily accessible when stationary

Weaknesses

  • Raised lid offers hardly any protection from dust and rain from the front when travelling

4th Revelate Design Handle Bar Mount + Saltyroll - Grade 1.5

Price200 Euro
Volume15 litres
Weight636 grammes
Watertightness1,5
Equipment1,5
Assembly/stop1,5
Handling1,5

Strengths

  • Robust and large
  • Protects contents from rain and dust without wobbling
  • Many belts can be lashed cleanly

Weaknesses

  • -

Overview of all bags

Revelate Designs SpinelockRevelate Designs Tangle Frame Bag MediumRevelate Designs Mag Tank Bolt-OnRevelate Designs Handle Bar Mount + Saltyroll
Price260 Euro150 Euro85 Euro200 Euro
Volume16 litres4 litres1 litre15 litres
Weight711 grammes280 grammes152 grammes636 grammes
Watertightness1,52,54,01,5
Equipment1,51,53,01,5
Assembly/stop1,02,02,51,5
Handling1,52,02,01,5
Grade1,42,02,91,5
How do you like this article?

Set price: 695 euros | Total volume: 36 litres | Total weight: 1.8 kg | Set rating: 1.7

Matthias Borchers is an expert for clothing and accessories in the test department of TOUR. As an amateur cyclist, he has completed the TOUR-Transalp and the TOUR-Trans Austria. His reportage trips from San Francisco to Sakai and 17 trips to the Tour de France with around 30,000 motorhome kilometres are also formative.

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