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Review: Could Deuter’s Superbike 18 EXP be the perfect commuter bag?

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Deuter’s Superbike 18 EXP is a simple, moderate capacity, commuter-oriented pack.  Sounds simple, right?  A cavernous main compartment, a couple of small organization pockets, foam against the back, and provision for a hydration bladder.  Pretty standard stuff.  People don’t even get excited about a hi-vis raincover, reflective piping, or mesh side pockets any more.  Granted, the built-in wind vest is interesting- but it’s hardly anything most of us would think to seek out.

What is exceptional is when all of these features come together in a well-made, attractive, and essentially flawless package.  Over a year’s worth of daily commutes, in temperatures from 20-95 degrees, Deuter’s Superbike 18 EXP has proved itself to be a capable, low-maintenance companion.  Cross the line for the details.

At 2.3lb, the Superbike 18 EXP isn’t a superlight bag, though it does weigh a fair bit less than messenger-inspired Cordura packs.  The body’s blend of midweight ripstop nylons, shared with the Compact EXP 12, has worn extremely well and the white panels, like the Compact’s, are impressively stain-resistant.  In order to provide a comfortable, stable, and cool interface with the rider’s back, Deuter have used their Airstripes system for this pack, which consists a tube of dense, breathable padding on either side of the spine.  Beneath each Airstripe is an aluminum stay, which can be bent to fit the wearer’s back.  Where the bag initially felt perched on my curved cyclist’s spine, a quick bending session had it hugging my back, where it’s been stable and comfortable ever since.  Coming from a bow-style back system, I was concerned that the Airstripes wouldn’t be up to summer desert riding- but was surprised to find them nearly as comfortable as the bow well into the 80s, without a bow designs’ packaging issues.

The waist belt are made of an open rubber-coated mesh for breathability and grip and their zippered pockets easy access to keys and small tools.  The 3D mesh shoulder straps are more than able to handle the loaded pack comfortably but aren’t overly wide or bulky.  Hydration tube routing is provided–but a bladder is not–and a removable sternum strap helps keep things stable when loads are heavy.

The waterproof rain cover has saved my clothes and laptop from numerous downpours and is easily removed for cleaning- a nice touch.  A helmet carrier deploys from its own pocket if needed and the blinky tab has held my backup light for a year without complaint.  The bag has hung, often heavily loaded, from sturdy grab handle whenever not on the road.  Inside, the 18L capacity is just about right for a full change of clothes, lunch, and a mid-sized laptop.  A 13in laptop in its sleeve, and letter-size file folders, or magazines fit comfortably in the hydration bladder area and with some careful packing a pair of shoes will fit as well.  The additional 4L promised by the “EXP” in the Superbike’s name allows the bag to swallow bulky winter layers for warm afternoon commutes.

Is there anything about the Superbike that isn’t just about right?  To be honest, I’ve never had the occasion to use the wind vest on my commutes.  Not that it doesn’t get windy- far from it.  It’s just not that easy to deploy and I usually have a proper windbreaker or wind vest along instead.  I’ve thought about cutting it out, but as it doesn’t add much weight or consume much space, it’s better to have it for that one unexpectedly cold commute.

On the occasions that I’ve used it off road, the Superbike has been similarly excellent.  As on the Compact EXP 12, Deuter’s Airstripes system keeps the pack stable and cool.  The addition of padded shoulder straps (and 50% more carrying capacity) make the Superbike a good pack for bigger days- but it isn’t nearly as massive as the company’s Trans Alpine series.  Fastidious packers will need to provide their own organization, however.

Anyone looking for a well made, well thought out pack for commuting and/or big days on the trail will be well served by the Superbike.  It may not be as flashy as some packs, but given the Deuter’s build quality and longevity, it’s probably best not to be too trendy.  Given the pack’s performance so far, the $120 retail price is more than reasonable.

marc

www.deuter.com

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King County
King County
11 years ago

For years, I have used another Deuter, and have done mountain, commuting, long road rides, with it. Great product. No problems.

Wasaaaaaabi
Wasaaaaaabi
11 years ago

Wow, way too expensive. My Columbia Mobex bag was a quarter of that price, weighs nothing, and somehow looks… better. Been through a few typhoons with it too.

Ryan
Ryan
11 years ago

Looking over their bags, I will definitely have to keep these in mind during my search for a hiking, biking, hydrating, camera bag.

slippy
slippy
11 years ago

I’m still using a Superbike bag I bought in 2002. I have beat the thing within an inch of its life (salt water immersion, drying in the sun, left for dead) and its still rocking.

Darren
Darren
11 years ago

How low does the bag sit? I have a WingNut Which I like for that reason, but have found the top of the back harness goes too much against my neck. Was thinking of trying one of the lower new Camelbaks but I don’t think they carry much.

Velo
Velo
11 years ago

Perfect commuter bags should be in high-visibility orange or high-visibility yellow.

Bob Loblaw
11 years ago

@velo I’ll take neutral (but bright) colors and reflective materials any day.

qupid
qupid
11 years ago

@velo Did you know it has a raincover that is bright with reflective logo? Looks like this:
http://onedata.deuter.com/img/hotspot_images/165xauto_2137_Regenhuelle_Bike.jpg

Wasaaaaaabi
Wasaaaaaabi
11 years ago

Marc,
Yeah, you are right, I just think its too much.

A more accurate comparison is the Seagull messenger bag I got 3 years ago for $150. I use it every day and it turns out I can sit in it and with a paddle row across a lake, or invert it and use it as a tent. Ive collected water in it to drink, and used it as a cooler. It makes a great parachute if something ever goes wrong on a plane.

Sarcasm aside, good review, great bag, I’m just an unemployed graduate who whines too much 🙂

JonDanger FTW
JonDanger FTW
11 years ago

Looks flexy.

Nick
11 years ago

Great review! If I wasn’t already using the Deuter Speedlite 20 for my commutes, this would definitely be on the list. Only thing I’m missing that could come in handy is the built in raincover.

Jon
Jon
11 years ago

How do you recon this pack would be on a day hike? Is it too curved to fit the riding position?

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