Anyone who regularly spends long days in the saddle is familiar with the problem: the longer the ride, the fuller your jersey pockets and saddle bags get. Energy bars, gels, your smartphone, a power bank, a light battery and rain gear – storage space quickly runs out.
With the new Apidura Expedition Long Top Tube Pack The British manufacturer aims to offer a practical alternative. The bag sits directly on the top tube and is designed to keep essential kit within easy reach at all times, without having to reach into jersey pockets or stop whilst cycling.
More space for long journeys
With a capacity of two litres, the new bag is considerably larger than traditional road bike top-tube bags.
Whilst smaller models often only have room for a few energy gels or a spare tube, this one can also hold a smartphone, a spare battery, tools, a wind vest or enough food and drink to last for many hours.
This extra volume could prove particularly useful in ultracycling and in long-distance events such as brevets or multi-day races.
Direct access whilst driving
The biggest advantage of a top tube bag is not its capacity, but its position.
Provisions and essential kit are positioned directly in front of the rider and remain easily accessible even whilst riding. This saves time and reduces the number of unnecessary stops, particularly on long solo rides or during unsupported events.
Apidura has also added side mesh pockets to the bag, as well as a cable outlet through which sat-navs or smartphones can be charged whilst cycling.
Designed for bad weather
Like the other products in the Expedition range, this new bag also features a waterproof design. Welded seams and multi-layered fabric are designed to protect the contents even in continuous rain.
More long-distance than racing
The positioning of the product is interesting. Whilst many top-tube bags are designed to be as compact as possible, Apidura deliberately takes a different approach.
The Expedition Long Top Tube Pack is aimed less at weight-conscious racing cyclists than at riders who spend many hours or even several days at a time on the road. Consequently, the focus is more on functionality, storage space and weather protection than on aerodynamics or minimal weight.
To allow for greater freedom of movement, the bag tapers towards the rear. This is designed to ensure sufficient knee room even on longer journeys. The zip sits relatively flat at the back and is also designed not to come into contact with the legs.
Technical specifications: Apidura Expedition Long Top Tube Pack
| Volume | 2 l |
| Weight | 258 g |
| Design | Sealed, waterproof |
| Material | 3-ply laminate |
| Special features | Cable outlet, internal divider, mesh side pockets |
| Compatibility | Expedition Frame Packs |
| Price | 117 euros |
Editorial conclusion
The new Apidura Expedition Long Top Tube Pack It fills an interesting niche between a traditional top-tube bag and small frame bags. Long-distance cyclists and bike packers in particular are likely to appreciate the extra storage space. The combination of a waterproof design, cable routing and clever integration into the existing Expedition system is typical of Apidura.
How much storage space does a top tube bag really need? Are snacks and a smartphone enough for you, or should it have a capacity of two litres when you’re out on a ride? Let us know in the comments!
Stefan Frey
Editor
