World's best handlebar bag? Route Werks review
Vložit
- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- We are living through the renaissance of the handlebar bag. For decades the domain of earnest German brands and touring cyclists, this maligned bit of kit has boomed in conjunction with the advent of ‘gravel cycling’.
Now, touring has become bikepacking, the earnest Germans look like prophets, flannies and baggy shorts are the new lycra, SPD sandals are back, and bar bags are the must-have accessory of this giddy age. Evolution.
There’s a problem, though. When you pair most handlebar bags with a drop-bar handlebar and all the 21st Century Shit hanging off it, you start to run out of space. The straps for the bag block your accessory mounts, your cables and brake hoses get squished, your out-front GPS computer and bike light impede access, and you can’t easily get anything out of the bag whilst you’re on the move.
Sure, you’ve got somewhere extra to put things and it’s overall a net gain compared to overflowing jersey pockets, but it’s hardly the epitome of function.
Route Werks, a small firm based in Rhode Island, USA has spent the last two years trying to come up with the ideal handlebar bag - one that would overcome the compromises of most options on the market. They’ve just unveiled it on Kickstarter, where it was funded in six hours. At time of writing, over a thousand people had pledged to help bring it to life. - Sport
Excellent review! Just taken delivery of mine and out of the box it's AMAZING! Kudos goes to Rhode Island 🙌
Excellent review: lots of info, clear and succinct, with pros and cons objectively presented. Thank you!
Much appreciated!
Looks like the handlebar bag is slowly evolving back to the front basket. Well done designer's. That must've been tough to come up with.
Really??? So you prefer a roll-out design that cinches to the handlebar with primitive velcro straps and wobbles like mad, can't take anything of solid shape (i.e., is only meant for pliable luggage, i.e., clothes), takes as much or more handlebar real estate as any proper handlebar bag bracket, and in some cases takes up to 2-3 minutes to attach / detach? Over a proper, shaped / semi-solid bags with a dedicated bracket and a headlight and a cycle computer mount built in? Interesting logic.
…and then you want for everyone to share your sentimental, highly impractical point of view? Terrified that, beside the hundreds of various largely useless backpacking type bags, infesting the market, a company decides to launch a handlebar bag that is practical and doesn't comply with the idiotic bikepacking protocol that you've grown fond of since its unfortunate inception some 6-7 years ago? I hope that useless fad doesn't last much longer, thank you.
@@LeoInterHyenaem You may have took it a bit too literally. I'm guessing the OP's point is that for so long industry has been more interested in doing what's different, for the sake of vanity, instead of what works.
@@cup_and_cone In that case, the OP surely concurs with me on the practicality of proper handlebar bags and the obsolescence of so-called "bikepacking" bags. Likewise, I can't imagine anyone would pick a seatpost bikepacking bag to the TailFin X or S series racks. The latter may weigh a couple of hundred grams more (and area expensive!), but, in practical terms so much better than bikepacking seatpost sacks. Same as the RouteWerks bag, compared to a bikepacking counterpart.
Thanks
Saw this the other day and ordered one today. Mainly use it for commuting and possibly big ride days. It is heavy but it does tick a lot of boxes for commuting and space saving on the bars. I think it will evolve over time and maybe come in different sizes and according to a promo video all parts are replaceable if they wear out
Great review Comprehensive . Bag is pricey , but as well designed as they get
My problem is multiple bikes, a first world, champagne problem admittedly.
Part of the challenge for commuting or even just shopping/dining on a road bike is dismounting accessories when securing the bike.
Seems like they use a well thought out series of ideas in a clean design.
Great review, now I am even more stoked. I got in on the Kick Started and should be getting my bag in the next couple of weeks. Thanks James!
Love the front side mount for the light ! Ride safe..
I just received mine! The bag is heavy! it’s heavier than my rear pannier rack... I weighed it at 730g, then I took off the stuff that I won’t need - the top bungee, the metal clamp and shoulder strap, the zip bag. Now it’s down to 613g which is more realistic as a handlebar bag. TBH, I think the metal poppers buttons inside are overkill, Velcro will be easier to undo / redo on the fly, the tiny side pockets randomly attached with bungee cords could also be done up with a magnetic or velcro closure.
TBH, I'm not sure that the heaviness of it is really going to be a downside for it's intended use. It's going to be a whole heck of a lot heavier loaded up with gear. I have a Surly with a front rack and basket that is so heavy I haven't bothered to put it on a scale, but I still have no problem keeping up with people on it. I can't imagine this would be any worse.
After using it a few days for my 60km round trip commute, it’s now apparent that the outside pockets are not accessible while on the move as they’re hooked down by bungees. The poppers inside can be opened while on the move, but it’s not possible to to do them up again. The bike computer mount on top, however is perfectly positioned.
Yeah poppers probably aren't the best solution. Velcro is much easier. It doesn't wear out if you get good quality.
The small pockets are too fiddly - good on paper but not in real life. Should have asked some cyclists.
Great review, I was fortunate enough to be an early backer. Looking forward to putting a jacket in there for winter rides!
It obviously isn't big enough for a jacket. Or at least without anything else, which is equally no use.
Thanks for the vid. It looks really good. Too bad I missed the kickstarter. It's nice to hear people are getting their kickstarter purchases. I'm still waiting for my kickstarter Powermeters (iQ2), 3 years going on 4 years. We are not even getting what we backed. If you are looking for some content , for the podcast, or website, you could check how iQ2 are doing.
I got one! Very nice. I love the green color because it matches my handlebar tape. Visually the bag looks a bit small, but my handlebars are 42s so spacewise I couldn't afford a bigger one anyway. Yes there is a rattle so I will apply the felt stickies. With my cell phone, my Wahoo, wallet, and a few other small items, I cannot complain that I feel it's weight at all. I really looked long and hard for a bag. This one ticks all the boxes for me. Expensive, but I plan on keeping it for a while. Perfect for my evening rides when I just need a handful of things to bring along and I don't want them stuffed in my pockets. Just so you know, it shipped from Hong Kong. At its price point, it might just as well have been made in the USA. Someone is making some serious dough.
Squiddle was treated with utter and wanton brutality.
An elegant solution for road riding. If you have stem-level suspension such as a Redshift stem or Specialized FutureShock, though, the weight drawbacks would be even greater of course. I am fascinated by our human compulsion to find ever more ways to carry more stuff on our bikes. I think it's a good thing. I can't tell you how many hours I've contemplated it myself. My solution is to have a town bike with a front basket and a touring/adventure bike that can carry a ton of stuff. Still doesn't stop me from obsessing about getting more stuff on my gravel bike though.
A bar bag obviously won't affect the suspension. Strange comment about 'human obsession'. It's useful having stuff to hand while you're riding. That's it.
I like the concept of the bag especially the quick access when riding and the top computer mount. But on the other hand though I start with a saddle bag, if that isn't big enough I take the frame bag next, and if I still need more space then the last option is a handle bar bag. Here I typically put my DSLR camera which of course I don't access while riding. But to fit my Ortlieb handle bar bag and my bicycle computer I had to get already an extension to mount the handle bar a little bit further away to give space for the computer. But I assume with a heavy DSLR in the new bag you will also not be able to avoid some vibration which might be annoying when your computer is mounted on that. But again, the concept is excellent.
Dude. That's totally legit. Super nice.
$179 sounds reasonable? You and I have different cycling budgets. Cool bag tho!!!
Could be 30% of the bike cost for some
I like the concept, a worthy solution regardless of how many bags one may have. The little things like rattle can be annoying, but manageable. Price? Sorry too expensive, I'm not seeing the value. Excellent review as always though!
Our dollar is weak, it takes more dollars carry the load.
"I like the concept". It's a box to fix to your bike??
It's excellent. Resolves the issue of handlebar real estate that usually precludes the use of a handlebar bag - headlight - cycle computer combination. The workmanship appears to be good, too.
The problem is - it's way too expensive, especially for European customers. I'd happily pay ca. €100,- for one; €200,- is out of the question. I'd also like a couple of external pockets and a couple of litres greater capacity for a camera, a strobe and at least two lenses.
Another issue is the clamp isn't carbon-friendly; not recommended by RouteWerks for use on a carbon bar.
With all that said, I still regret having found out about it only after the expiration of the KickStarter (Super Early Bird) backing phase, as, even with a discount of 20-30%, it's too expensive with the VAT and import duties added.
Thanks for the review, and nice bag 👌
I think I’ll be looking for a cheap copy cat real soon 😋👍
Good coverage. I found the close-up of the felt stickies very helpful. In my situation, I have a twist shifter with two cables exiting forwards which I believe would interfere despite the good hand spacing. I could try to move the shifter outwards away from the stem a cm or two at most. I might also be able to rotate it so that the cables exit more downwards instead of straight forwards. Otherwise the bag seems perfect.
Super nice bag. I’m not spending $180 on it though.
$80 tops
Looks a lot like slightly improved Ortlieb. The lights and computer mounts are nice. Klickfix mount for handlebar would be more universal.
Thank you for the review.seems like a really good bag )
That has what I want in a front bag plus more. But for that price I think the majority of riders would be better served using a Timbuk2 messenger bag.
Thanks for the raddle hack. It is the only thing I do not like about this bag. I'll give it a go.
Thanks for the review. The product looks good but a bit expensive. I ordered something similar from a Facebook ad and what turned up was nothing like the Route Werks bag. I am sure this scammer used pictures of the Route Werks bag in there advertising - $30 was too good to be true!
Great review. Thank you.
If you're eating gummy bears one at a time, it makes sense to have them at your fingertips in a bar bag, elaborately-expensive or otherwise. For most situations, a frame bag will be more aero and have more volume.
How else do you eat sweets - by the whole packet?? I tour a lot and having sweets to hand like this is the best and easiest solution by far.
I love the thought that went into it, but once the bag goes (for those rides that you don't need the capacity), so does the computer & light.
So, maybe they could offer a similar bag sans the accessories mounting points at a lower cost for those who don't want to go through the trouble of remounting their computer & light back on the bike where said mounting points won't be necessary?
That's a really heavy bag!
I just received mine. It’s both smaller and heavier than I thought but it’s still a great bag. Much easier to use than the Vaude bag it has replaced and only a slightly smaller capacity, no more fiddling with zippers, a place for my computer, more robust mounting with no sag, etc, etc. The price of a quality item disappears with its superior functionality and robustness. This bag is going to get a lot of use.
$55 is a fair price. No way otherwise.
Good review, thanks! For me, it's too heavy and too expensive. On a high end commuter ebike where the cost would be less, and weight is of less concern, and one stays mostly on some sort of pavement, it might be OK
That's a front basket. They put a lid on it and made it pretty but it's a basket that you put on your handlebars there's my niece has a basket on the front of her bike that holds all the stuff I just saw on this video.
If i had a gravel - i would have this
Ortlieb? 🤷🏻♂️
They should make a clip just for a computer when you aren’t using the bag.
I had that thought when I was reviewing this bag, actually. It's not a bad idea, although I'm not sure how motivated the Route Werks people would be to do something like that. I'll pass it on regardless.
Update: This is something they're already working on! "And possibly one or two" other small accessories that will use that bracket, too.
I'd been looking for something to replace my InBike brand handlebar bag; this looks like it might do the job. I particularly like that it opens forward.
All bar bags open forward.
@@garymitchell5899 Mine does not.
Just taken delivery of mine and out of the box it's VERY impressive. First ride experience was excellent too.
I do wonder how the rigid structure and lid which is a benefit, would handle an impact/crash. Hopefully I never have to find out!
With the front wheel and handlebar the box won't be touched in a crash.
would love to see this done in a smaller size.
I dare say this probably won't be the only bar bag this company comes up with. An expanded range based on the existing architecture and handlebar clamp seems like it would make sense.
Fantastic review. Thank you. What is the name of your bell?
Thanks god bless
that price turns me off every.single.time I look at it
I’ve been waiting for mine now for months and months. Getting kinda frustrated....
Did you ever get it?
Good review. So can these be used on carbon handle bars?
one other question about taking it off...means you then need to add your computer mount back in or strap it to your stem....nice review though, thanks
Routewerks will soon be coming out with a computer mount that attaches to the bracket for when you are riding without the bag.
Nice review from the Angry Asian! 👍🏼
LV of bike pouches. LoL
Err no mention of light fitting or whatever it is ?? Doh......
Bag is heavy maybe they could use carbon Fibre material? I would only use this for a long travel going under 25km speed this would be my last option if I need more space. I would use frame bag or saddle bag instead as for the price it's too expensive I don't see spot to mount go pro
Great bag, but 179usd. 😔
I can see this being super useful for oddly shaped items that don’t fit in my frame bag. Like maybe my camera.
Very nice for a commute bike. But the wallet stops me putting a 180 dollars bag in front of my bike.
Pretty much a Ortlieb ultimate 6
Except for the rigid hinged top, the computer and accessory mounts, all the additional pockets, the aluminum mounting bracket, the shock cords...
other than being a handelbar bag ...NO!
@@jameshuang4205 forgot to mention also the price, Ortlieb is less than half, it has larger payload and capacity, it's lighter and let's not mention that it's a tried and tested design for decades and is waterproof
@@mesere7 All fair points, but they're still very different bags, and I'm quite confident that Route Werks isn't trying to compete with something like that. If you want more capacity and a lower price, there are obviously a number of very reasonable alternatives.
@@jameshuang4205 Thank you James! I am so tired of these retrogrouchers!
Did you happen to do any rainy rides to test out the fully weatherproof claims on the bag?
Aside from generous applications of mud and a bunch of road spray, no, unfortunately (it doesn't rain much here in Colorado).
But, it's not arrow!
Actually sounds like a good price and good product!
but will it rattle, like my +10y old Carradice Super C click-fix mounted. My guess is: yes.
At the mount? I don't think so. This basically uses an cam-operated aluminum dovetail for the interface, and it's adjustable for wear.
I just don't understand the hipe. Just for gravel riding (single bag setup) a frame bag seems a much better solution... more room, very low effect on handling, no effect on lights, no rattles, lower frontal area, etc, etc.
I don't think this is trying to replace a frame bag. It's just another option. But having used a bunch of frame bags myself, I'd argue this is easier to access on the fly, and I like how there's no frame contact. Frame bags invariably wreck the paint after a while unless you take the time to apply a bunch of vinyl tape first (which most people don't bother to do).
I‘m sure the intention is not to replace a framebag but to have an extra space for easy access.
The main idea is to offer an integrated cockpit solution. This is superneat in my opinion. Chapeau!
I want to buy this but its $200.00
And I dont know if it will work with my mtb and my linkage wires coming out of my brakes and gear actuators.
Rats...didn't know about this one. Hey James, what is that little light you're running?
Looks like a Bontrager Blendr light
Bontrager Ion 100 R
Russ from Pathless Peddled reviewed this bag a while back when the kick starter was on. Great looking bag and his reviews are excellent.
@@brasstinmancrazy Did he actually have one on hand, or was it just covering the campaign? Either way, I can't find the link so if you have it handy, I wouldn't mind checking it out.
Placed this on my enduro bike and my friends went ape shit
What's the point of having a bag at the front instead of a more aerodynamic in-frame or saddle bag?
At the front is the best place. Can hold all the stuff you need easy access to, like phone and wallet etc. Plus it holds the maps for navigation, can't be anywhere else.
how well does this bag handle on a mountain bike out in the trails? not downhill type of trail or one with big jumps. Just normal mountain bike trails, will this hold?
The topeak range is better value..lighter..and comes in more size options.
$179 for a handlebar bag for bicycles is cheap in the USA where it is dangerous to ride on paved streets and auto drivers hate you?🙂
Hi Is it possible to use a Route werks washing machine?
Will this bag fits to mountain bikeS? Or it only fits to road-bike only? Thanks
179 dollars reasonable, get real lol.
Can the 31.88mm clamp onto a 35mm handlebar?
What kind of bell if that
Can I put the light Adapter on both sides or only on the left?
179 USD? Are you kidding me?
Interesting concept, could easily make my own for way less money.
$179 are you high?
Will fit with the cables of calipers bike? Someone? Thx
Route is pronounced "root", rhymes with shoot.
Rout is pronounced "rowt", rhymes with shout. It's a different word entirely, means to remove something, like the woodworking tool router, or an army routs the enemy.
Thanks for the explanation, but both pronunciations are technically correct here in the US.
@@jameshuang4205 Always strive for clarity though James!
Route like shout is a verb.
Route like shoot is a noun.
@@palicar
Route like shoot.
Rout like shout.
They are completely different words.
Confusion arises with "router", spelt the same for both, pronounced differently.
Μήπως μπορείτε σας παρακαλώ να μου πείτε που μπορώ να αγοράσω αυτή την τσάντα.δωστε μου μια διεύθυνση.και πόσα χρήματα έχει σε Γιουρο.σας ευχαριστώ και περιμένω απάντηση σας.ο θεος μαζί σου.
is the top mount compatible with garmin?
Stopped watching when you said the price...
Stopped watching when he mentioned the weight
How to order this
Still, Price do not justify value.
Is this waterproof or water resistant in any capacity?
It's claimed to be weatherproof (although not submersible like a true dry bag). I didn't get to test that aspect very thoroughly at all, but the hard overlapping plastic top by itself goes a long way toward keeping the contents dry (sort of like a built-in umbrella).
$180 for a handlebar bag??? Just wait a couple of months and you will be able to pick up a clone version for $30 at Aliexpress.
hm this bag sir?
A fabric and plastic box huh? Whatever will they dream up next? I'd love to be able to travel through time and show the people of 1980 what delights the future holds, particularly for fabric and plastic box design and utility improvements. I didn't catch the price but I would definitely pay somewhere between £10 and £12 for one. EDIT: I used to store my bedroll and bivi bag in a handlebar bag, but now I sleep on gummy bears using a child's stuffed toy for a pillow.
Curious, why didn't you pre-order one? Was it because you knew you were getting a unit to test, didn't think you would want one, or something else?
Probably because I was too busy homeschooling my kid for the past year to pay attention to what was happening on Kickstarter.
@@jameshuang4205 Yikes, just asked what I thought was a reasonable question. Struck a nerve, clearly.
@@softreset82 Ha, that wasn't meant to be mean-spirited in any way! Just the reality of the past year.
A bag of uncooked brown rice?????
You're running brown rice?! Takes so much fuel
Not trying to be negative but isnt this the worst location for your load weight? Why not put the load behind your back?
It's not that much weight, and it didn't bother me like I thought it would. Yes, it'd generally be better to have the weight more centered on the bike (and lower), but it's hard to beat the on-bike convenience of this thing. I was honestly surprised I ended up liking it as much as I did.
Gave the video a thumbs down: Ortlieb, Mainstream Msx and probably other did this stuff years ago so wtf are we talking about?
Yeah it's hardly a new idea.
Too expensive!
It cost too much 👎🏼
get a car
Looks like a fannypack for bikes. 😂