Topeak is riding deeper into the bike packing scene with a collection of new frame bags and an updated bike-as-tentpole shelter system. They’re also sneaking in with a comprehensive collection of water bottle cage-based tool, pump and CO2 storage solutions called Ninja, plus a surprisingly broad range of seat back cage options for triathletes.
The Bikamper tent was introduced in 2006. Remember 2006? When lots of people still rode 26″ wheels? Well, them days is gone, so it was time to update the Bikamper to fit everything from 26″ up to 700c and 29er wheels and tires. Why? Because you use your front wheel as the frame…
The main body is made of 45D ripstop nylon with several mesh panels, and the rainfly is 70D. It sleeps one, and the entire thing packs down into a small handlebar bag. Total package weighs 3.26lb (1.48kg). The only tire size they say it won’t work with are fat bike tires. Retail is $259.95.
The new Loader series of bike frame bags gives you all four traditional spots to load your bike. Capacities are noted in the photo above, other details include a waterproof dry bag for the Frontloader with a one-way air escape valve that makes it way, way easier to compress. The primary material on all of them is a water resistant nylon, and the Toploader adds a built in rain cover.
The Midloader comes in two sizes and is the place to store your heavy stuff. Full length zips on both sides give you easy access to whatever. The Backloader also comes in two sizes and comes with a waterproof inner bag with air release valve, which is a bit of a departure from the open ended design of most other brands’ rear seat bags that simply wraps around the dry bag. Bags range from $35.95 to $84.95.
Topeak’s Ninja series of tools launched last year, and now they’ve added bottle cages with various integrations to carry those and other tools…and your drink. Choose the cage with or without the integrated tire lever attachment, and bag sizes vary.
Or forgo the pouch for a hard case tool holder or CO2 caddy. Prices range from $9.95 for a basic cage with strap to mount on upper portion of your frame all the way up to $50 for the CO2+ model that includes two CO2 cartridges and the air chuck.
For triathletes, the all-new Tri-Backup series of bottle cages is aimed at races of different lengths, offering more or less storage as needed. Each uses a different mounting system, but all attach to your saddle’s rails and then offer accessories for mounting a tube, pump, CO2, a tire bag, and more…or any of those Ninja bottle cages.
The Tri-Backup Pro I (left) clamps to the horizontal part of the rails and creates a storage hook for hanging the rear of your bike in the stands to save a couple seconds getting it out during T1. The Pro V does the same, but mounts to the upward angled part of the rails. The Elite (right) clamps to the angled part of the rails and builds in CO2 holsters with an air chuck and lets you adjust the angle of the rear section, which is where you attach the bottle cages or other accessories. Mounts range from $50-$60 each, accessories from $13.95.
Lastly, they’re now offering wall-mounted bike storage that flips up and lets the bike swivel away.
