My Restrap top tube bag doesn’t have enough rigidity to hold its shape and I hit my knees on it when climbing on my gravel bike. Anyone have favorites for a (bolt on preferable) top tube bag that is just enough for a couple of gels and bars?
The bolt-on bento box that comes with the Cervelo Aspero is pretty good….and I believe you can buy it separately.
For a strap option, look at the Zipp backs, which are made from an EVA foam and relatively stiff. Very narrow, too.
Tailfin is the best I’ve tried.
I dig the short Apidura racing series toptube bag. Rigid, easy to open thanks to the magnetic closure, waterproof, durable, slim enough.
Another vote for Tailfin
I’d suggest to look at the Topeak FastFuel TriBox as well. It cannot be closed if that’s an issue but works really well.
If your Restrap bag is the standard one, not the race one, then a) I had the same issue, and b) try their Race series, which are much better as they have internal rigid support.
I might try this because Restrap is easy for me to get in wholesale. They didn’t have the race editions when I bought my bag. ![]()
+1 for Tailfin. 3 sizes each with zipper or magnetic flap, respectively. I have a bolt-on zipper version on my gravel bike and it doesn’t move at all. I have another mounted with strap on my MTB, which also keeps its shape but can rotate a bit when it’s bumped.
I’ve been a bit disappointed with my tailfin toptube bag, bought the smallest size and it still manages to rub my knees. It’s really wide too, I thought it would be much more narrow. I’m probably just someone that can’t get on with top tube bags but check the width, I reckon the bag could be half as wide and it would still fit my needs.
+1 more for Tailfin. I have the smallest zipper bag, it has a very well-considered shape, and enough structure that it stays perfectly in place with no strap around the steerer. I have knee-in pedaling dynamics and have had issues with knee rub on other TT bags, but the Tailfin works great in this regard for me.
Another vote for tailfin. The rubber mounting points under the bag make it stay perfectly in place despite me not having any top tube bolts. It’s really fantastic
The Profile Design Top Tube Mounted Flask might be my favorite piece of kit I’ve ever bought for my gravel bike. I fill the flask with gels, and for longer events I have a second flask to trade out at feed zones. It’s nice to no longer have to deal with gel wrappers while riding.
Arundel Junior Tycoon. Rigid with bolt on mount and megnetic closure. Perfect small back for a couple gels or CO2, dynaplug etc.
i had decent luck with the revelate magtank, tho it might be larger than you’re looking for, and the magnetic closure can be a bit polarizing. i have a bolt-on one that no longer has a frame to live on, i’d be happy to cut you a steep deal for it if you’re interested.
Cyclite may be an option. Nice magnetic cover
BMC make a nice tidy (bolt on) one, I use it on my Scott gravel addict
Check out the Dark Speed Works 483D. As a bonus, it looks cool too. I’ve enjoyed mine with no issues.
I’ve been really happy with my Orucase. Magnetic closure is sweet.
I have an apidura that I used at Unbound and lost some skin on my knees … it can be tightened down but does tend to move. Recently got a Tailfin that connects to the seatpost and it’s very stable in comparison. Also if you do rub, it’s on the bib vs skin. All based on how you pack it .. believe both brands offer two sizes