Apidura’s Racing Series bikepacking packs get a nice little update with a new bolt-on version of their 1L Top Tube Pack, something we’ve seen in development for some time. Plus, the Racing family takes another step in the ultra-lightweight bikepacking arms race, adding a new smaller and lighter version of the standard strap-on original to form Apidura’s lightest-ever combination setup of handlebar, top tube, frame & saddle packs…
Apidura Racing Bolt-on Top Tube Pack, direct mount bikepacking bag
Apidura have toyed with bolt-on top tube packs before with the rise of direct mounting points on the toptube of many modern gravel & adventure bikes, releasing a limited run of the quick-release magnetic bag we spied as a prototype. But now their 1L storage Racing Top Tube Pack is the first to make a bolt-on option official.
Outwardly, the new bag is functionally the same as the original (10cm tall x 4cm wide x 23.5cm long for 1L of internal storage), which I would say is good to hear…
We’ve spent a good bit of time with both the original and prototypes of this bolt-on version. And with the easy-to-use one-handed magnetic flap latch, this has become my favorite place to store easy access items like snacks, a mobile phone, or back-up battery powerbank. In fact, it also has securely hauled my personal Mavic Mini drone over many technical gravel/trail rides. While it isn’t “dip in a river waterproof”, the pack uses the same seam-sealed waterproof Racing Series black Hexalon laminate fabric and the overlapping flap construction to keep rain water out.
What’s new in the Bolt-on Top Tube Pack?
The new bit is a reinforced inner plastic liner/support with two sets of mounting holes. You figure out which is best for your bike (white or yellow lines) to tuck the pack up close to your stem, then you punch out only those two holes in the outer fabric. After testing out several variations over the wet UK winter, Apidura has devised a special combination of multiple washer types that stack together to seal out water and provide a stable connection to the bosses on your bike.
The £52 / 61€ Racing Bolt-on Top Tube Pack is available now. It includes a protected cable port, Racing Series reflective graphics, a single velcro strap for additional support around your steerer spacers, and a removable foam-padded internal liner. The bolt-on pack is said to weigh just 100g, and comes with all the necessary mounting hardware including low-profile bolts.
Smaller 0.7L Apidura Racing Top Tube Pack lightweight bikepacking bag
At the same time, Apidura also now have a smaller version of the Racing Top Tube Pack – with 0.7L of storage (compared to the 1L original). Intended for the absolute minimalist of adventure racing weight weenies, it sheds 30g off the original while retaining enough fast-access storage to keep race snacks at the ready. All the details are the same, the bag is just 6.5cm shorter to pare back to the essentials.
The new £45 / 51€ small Racing Top Tube Pack is 10cm tall x 4cm wide x 17cm long for 0.7L of internal storage. It uses the same tapered/chamfered trapezoid shape, which means that even though its overall dimensions suggest otherwise, it’s not likely to fit most larger modern mobile phones inside (mid-sized phones will probably fit if angled.) There should still be room more plenty of mid-ride snacks, though. While designed to tuck behind the stem, it can also offer a little extra storage on the other end of the topttube against your seatpost.
The smaller Racing Top Tube Pack (0.7L) allows ultralight adventure racers the ability to carry a minimal 10.6L of gear at just 580g [Racing Series 0.7L Top Tube Pack at 75g + 2.4L Frame Pack at 145g + 5L Saddle Pack at 200g]. Or for longer races, you can almost double carrying capacity with 17L of gear at only 785g [Racing Series 1L Top Tube Pack at 105g + 4L Frame Pack at 205g + 7L Saddle Pack at 210g + 5L Handlebar Pack at 265g]. Then mix and match as needed.
You don’t need to be racing the Transcontinental, though, picking one or more of these smaller Racing Series bags is a nice way to haul the essentials on regular gravel and adventure rides without feeling bogged down with unnecessarily giant bikepacking bags.
