Apidura’s new Racing Handlebar Mini Pack looks to solve the issue of fast, yet secure access to snacks and ride essentials on the go. In the bikepacking world, top tube bags offer some storage but can get in the way of some riders’ legs, while most handlebar bags are difficult to access. The new Racing Mini takes a lightweight, compact approach to more classic randonneur bag styling, with a forward opening flip-top lid promising accessible waterproof storage for your essentials.
Apidura Racing Handlebar Mini Pack, a small top-load rando bag
The Apidura Racing series is about creating compact, fast, efficient storage on the bike. In a self-supported race, hauling gear is often pared back to the minimum, but you also don’t have time to stop to pull something out of a pack. One of the big flaws in most bikepacking handlebar bags is that they’re almost always inaccessible while riding, even though right at your fingertips. Whether it’s a mid-race snack, a lightweight jacket, or some electronics… you probably need fast and easy, one-handed access to whatever you’ve packed inside. The same applies whether multi-day racing, or just weekend adventure rides.
Handlebar Mini Pack – Tech details
So, the Handlebar Mini provides just that… 2.5L of waterproof internal storage under a flap that folds forward to open the entire top of the bag for easy access. That nylon-reinforced flap top overlaps down both sides and back against the bar, held shut with a single central velcro closure so it will keep its contents dry in almost any weather. Inside, a mesh pocket keeps smaller items organized & a light plastic structure helps keep its shape. And on the outside, slots on either side allow you to hand a light or lash on some more gear.
The new bag shares the same construction & detailing as the rest of Apidura’s latest Racing line of lightweight bikepacking bags.
It’s made from Apidura’s own tough black Hexalon fabric, a TPU+nylon laminate, with welded seams and white & yellow reflective detailing.
The 22.5cm wide, 160g bag uses a simple pair of straps to attach directly to the tops of your bar, but Apidura also includes secure, shaped EVA foam stand-off spacers if you don’t want to limit hand positions on the bar.
Handlebar Mini Pack – First Thoughts
One limitation of the Handlebar Mini beyond hand positioning, is that you can’t use any out-front style accessory mounts, namely no forward GPS, light or action camera setups in front of the bar. The same can be said for most larger handlebar bags, too. And Apidura acknowledges it’s something that many bikepackers have already adapted to, mounting accessory over their stem or directly on top of the handlebar itself.
With the Mini Pack on a relatively standard 44cm gravel bar, we appreciate the quick access to gear on the go, and there’s still plenty of room on the tops for our hands. Strapped back to the spacer stack (on this relatively tall cockpit setup), the Mini Pack hangs steadily in place with a slight rearward angle, making it easy to get into the top of the pack and not pushing too hard on the brake lines.
Apidura Racing Handlebar Mini Pack – Pricing & availability
The £72 / $95 / 84.50€ Handlebar Mini is a purpose-built bag that will appeal to riders looking for less storage on the bar than many other handlebar bags, but with the rare combo of waterproof protection & easy access. Available now direct from Apidura, the simple 2.5L Mini Pack is meant more for quick adventure rides, rather than long-distance fully-loaded bikepacking trips.
