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Craft Cadence Top Tube Bag
In this article: review and opinion of the Top Tube bag by Craft Cadence.
The Craft Cadence Top Tube is a waterproof bag that mounts to the top tube of any type of bike. Perfect for transporting a multitude of things, it is designed with high quality materials, has a capacity of 1.5 liters and provides ingenious solutions such as the possibility of installing a bicycle computer or telephone on its upper part or the outlet for cables.
In this article we are going to talk to you about it, taking a detailed tour of its characteristics and giving you our opinion.
Ready for adventures?
The beginnings of a great brand
Craft Cadence is a British brand that started out in London. Its creators are passionate cyclists who commute to work on their bikes. For many of them, finding quality waterproof transport bags was an odyssey. The usual brands did not meet their expectations, their designs were stagnant, and their materials left much to be desired with the rough daily treatment. Solution? Designing carrier bags from scratch with one goal in mind: to be bombproof, well… and waterproof.
Improving the state-of-the-art
The Top Tube bag is truly a breath of fresh air in the world of bicycle transportation. It brings a number of ingenious solutions, the result of people who have tried (and suffered) many other bags before.
First of all comes the question of the zipper. Are you sick of watching them break? Well congratulations, this bag does not have. Instead it has a magnetic closure and a Velcro, something so simple and that works so well, why had no one thought of it before? It’s awfully easy to open the bag, even on the go, with just one hand.
The bag has 3 fastening points, one that grabs it to the head tube and two lower ones that fix it to the upper tube of the frame. They are covered in rubber and are installed very easily thanks to Velcro. We were careful to use transparent protection stickers on the frame, thus avoiding chafing from the straps that will inevitably happen with this and any bag.
The material of the bag reminds us a lot of cordura fabric, resistant to abrasions, tears and chafing. Its construction is also robust, with sealed seams, waterproof. It looks like it will last forever.
Another good detail that shows how well thought out its design is is this small upper tab on which we can install a bicycle computer or mobile phone support and pass its rubber bands or flanges through it. It can be a great ally in the event that we have a handlebar full of lights and gadgets and we need more space.
On the front we have a hole with a rain cover through which we can pass a cable inside. If the route is very long or several days, we can carry a portable battery inside to recharge our bike computer, headlights or mobile phone on the go:
As for the interior space, it is generous, being able to store a multitude of tools, accessories, gels, energy bars or even a good sandwich. We also have a small interior zippered pocket to store money, documents and small things:
On Route
We have been using the Top Tube bag on our regular gravel rides and couldn’t be happier with it. The bag is very well fixed thanks to its 3 anchor points, without moving or turning. Opening it is addictive, the magnet and Velcro system works like a charm and we can do it with one hand, even on the go.
His storage capacity is outstanding. We’ve managed to fit all the tools and energy food that used to fill our jersey pockets and there’s still room!
As for its resistance and protection against water, we can say that it is spectacular. The material is reminiscent of army bags. In addition to being waterproof, it has welded seams to seal them so that no water penetrates inside.
In short, a fantastic bag that is well worth the price. You can buy cheap, but as my grandfather used to say, you will buy twice. With this bag, you will have years and years of good service guaranteed..
We make a summary of the most outstanding points and that have most caught our attention:
- No more broken zippers: zipperless design with magnetic closure allows for full waterproofing and easy access.
- Generous capacity: at almost 1.5 litres, perfect for food, tools, gadgets and documentation.
- Phone and bike computer mounts: a loop on the top allows you to install phone and bike computer mounts.
- Ease of access while driving: simply open and close the bag with one hand.
- Cable outlet: with waterproof cover to be able to charge devices on the go.
- Sticky straps: covered with rubber to improve stability and grip.
And the technical data:
- Dimensions: 20.5 cm x 11 cm x 5 cm (length, height, width).
- Weight: 150g.
- Materials: 600D TPU coated polyester, seamless construction.
Good route!
Any question? Find me on Instagram: @llargobike
