Home / Bike Accessories / Bags / Frame Bags / Restrap Downtube Bag / Review
Restrap Downtube Bag review
Restrap downtube bag: The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High Capacity: It offers 1.2L of storage, perfect for tools and essentials.
- Waterproof Construction: The roll-top closure keeps your items dry in various weather conditions and it is 100% waterproof.
- Easy Attachment: The velcro strap allows for quick and secure installation, letting you switch bikes easily.
- Versatility: It fits a wide range of downtubes, accommodating different bike frames.
- Stable Positioning: The stitched grip pad minimises movement, ensuring items stay in place during rides.
Cons:
- The price point is higher than similar competitor products
- It may not fit well on very thick downtubes, recommended for tubes up to 19 cm thick.
- Only available in one colour – Black.
- Careful packing is required to maximise space effectively.
When searching for a dependable storage solution for your bike, the Restrap Down Tube Bag is a popular option to consider. With a capacity of 1.2 litres and crafted from waterproof materials, it promises to keep your essentials safe and dry. While it features a roll-top closure and a sleek aesthetic, it’s important to evaluate its performance in different conditions. Let’s delve into the characteristics of this bag and determine if it truly satisfies your biking needs.
Overview
The Restrap Downtube Bag is an innovative solution for cyclists aiming to enhance their bike’s storage capabilities. By taking advantage of the often neglected space beneath the downtube, this bag offers an extra 1.2 litres of storage, making it particularly useful for smaller frames or riders in need of additional space.
Attaching the bag is a breeze, thanks to a single integrated velcro strap that wraps around both the downtube and the bag, providing a secure fit while reducing rattling during your ride. With a stitched grip pad, the bag stays firmly in place, even on rough terrain.
This bolt-free design allows for quick and easy switching of the Downtube Bag between different bikes, making it a practical choice for any cyclist. It’s perfect for holding tools, spare parts, and heavier items, helping to keep your bike’s centre of gravity stable.
Handcrafted in Yorkshire, each bag reflects the quality and craftsmanship that Restrap is renowned for.
Essential Specs of the Restrap Downtube Bag
When examining the key features and specifications of the Restrap Downtube Bag, several important aspects contribute to its overall functionality and usability.
Material and Build Quality
The Restrap Downtube Bag stands out with its impressive material and build quality, tailored to endure the challenges of cycling. Constructed from a unique mix of VX21 and 1000D textured nylon, it offers a waterproof barrier against the elements.
Design and Aesthetics
The Restrap Downtube Bag stands out for its blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal. Constructed from high-quality, vegan-friendly PU, this bag features a sleek, minimalist design that seamlessly integrates with any bike style.
Its roll-top closure adds a contemporary flair to the overall appearance. Designed to hug the downtube, the bag’s streamlined shape significantly reduces wind resistance during rides.
It’s secured with a single integrated velcro strap, minimising rattling and ensuring stability no matter the terrain. Additionally, a stitched grip pad effectively prevents any sliding, providing confidence that your essentials remain securely in place.
Storage Capacity and Accessibility
With a generous capacity of 1.2 litres, the Restrap Downtube Bag offers plenty of room for essential items such as tools, spare parts, and heavier gear. This bag is especially useful for cyclists with smaller frames or those looking for extra storage without sacrificing bike stability.
The design accommodates downtubes with a circumference of up to 19cm, making it adaptable to various bike styles. By keeping weight low and centrally positioned, the Restrap Downtube Bag helps maintain your bike’s natural centre of gravity, which is crucial for stability. This is particularly advantageous for riders using a dropper seat post or those engaged in bikepacking, where storage options may be limited.
Waterproofing and Durability
Crafted from high-quality materials such as VX21 and 1000D textured nylon, this bag is built to endure various weather conditions. 100% waterproof, it does an impressive job of keeping your belongings dry.
Mounting and Stability on Rides
The Restrap Downtube Bag is secured with a single integrated velcro strap that wraps snugly around the downtube, ensuring it remains firmly in place. This design significantly reduces rattling, allowing you to concentrate on your ride without distractions.
The bag features a stitched grip pad that prevents it from sliding, which is vital for maintaining stability throughout your journey. By positioning the bag low and centrally on your bike, you effectively lower the centre of gravity, which enhances balance and control. This aspect is particularly advantageous if you use a dropper seat post or have limited storage options on your bike.
Is the Restrap Downtube Bag Worth the Price?
Retailing at £49.99, this bag positions itself at the higher end of the market for frame bags. While this may seem steep, you’re getting excellent value when considering the craftsmanship and features it offers.
For comparison, Ortlieb’s equivalent bag comes in at around £115, but it includes a full waterproof IPX rating. The Restrap Downtube Bag, however, boasts robust build quality and a lifetime warranty, which adds to its appeal.
The Restrap Downtube Bag’s Performance
When it comes to performance, the Restrap Downtube Bag excels across various terrains.
On-Road Performance
Typically, the Restrap Downtube Bag excels in on-road performance, providing a stable and secure storage solution without compromising your bike’s handling. Its design ensures that the bag sits low and close to the frame, which helps maintain your bike’s centre of gravity.
Off-Road Performance
Off-road performance is greatly enhanced with the Restrap Downtube Bag. Its low-profile design ensures a secure fit, keeping your gear stable even on the roughest terrain. Its robust construction is designed to withstand the rigours of off-road cycling, making it a reliable choice for any adventure.
Weather Resistance
The Restrap Downtube Bag is a reliable choice for cyclists dealing with unpredictable weather. Made from advanced materials such as VX21 and 1000D textured nylon, this bag effectively repels water.
Customising the Restrap Downtube Bag
When it comes to aesthetics and customisation, the Restrap Downtube Bag truly shines with its sleek design and versatile options. Its minimalist profile integrates seamlessly with any bike frame, offering a stylish touch to your ride.
The bag is designed to fit various downtube sizes, accommodating frames with circumferences up to 19 cm. This adaptability allows you to use it on multiple bikes, enhancing your cycling experience.
Best Uses for the Restrap Downtube Bag
For cyclists seeking versatility and convenience, the Restrap Downtube Bag is an ideal addition to your setup. This bag excels in multiple scenarios, making it perfect for riders of all types.
If you’re embarking on a long-distance bike tour, you’ll appreciate having secure storage for essential tools and spare parts. With a 1.2-liter capacity, it keeps what you need close at hand without cluttering your frame.
It’s particularly beneficial for smaller bike frames that lack sufficient storage options. For those riding with a dropper seat post, the Downtube Bag offers a great alternative for carrying items that would otherwise go under the saddle.
If you’re into bikepacking, this bag can accommodate heavier items while maintaining your bike’s centre of gravity. Its waterproof construction protects your gear from the elements, ensuring your tools and spares stay dry.
How the Restrap Downtube Bag Stacks Up Against Competitors
Restrap Downtube Bag vs. Apidura Expedition Downtube Pack
The Restrap Downtube Bag and the Apidura Expedition Downtube Pack both offer practical solutions for carrying essential gear on the frame, but they cater to slightly different cycling needs.
The Restrap Downtube Bag is crafted with durability and simplicity in mind, featuring a secure strap system and a waterproof build for weather resistance, making it ideal for daily commutes and casual rides.
In contrast, the Apidura Expedition Downtube Pack is specifically designed for longer, more adventurous rides and expeditions. It offers additional water-resistance features, including a roll-top closure, and is known for its lightweight, streamlined design.
While the Apidura Pack may offer greater capacity and waterproofing, the Restrap Downtube Bag stands out for its balance of rugged durability and easy accessibility for shorter trips.
Restrap Downtube Bag vs. Topeak FastFuel Tribag
When comparing the Restrap Downtube Bag to the Topeak FastFuel Tribag, the two options have distinctive designs suited for different purposes.
The Restrap Downtube Bag is a compact, frame-mounted option designed to sit securely on the downtube, offering a minimalist storage solution for essentials like tubes or tools. Meanwhile, the Topeak FastFuel Tribag is designed to mount on the top tube, positioned within easy reach for quick access to items like nutrition gels or small accessories while riding.
The Restrap bag’s durable, water-resistant build makes it better suited to rugged conditions, while the Topeak FastFuel Tribag focuses on speed and convenience during rides, ideal for road cyclists and racers who need on-the-go access without stopping.
Restrap Downtube Bag vs. Salsa EXP Series Downtube Bag
The Restrap Downtube Bag and the Salsa EXP Series Downtube Bag both offer dependable storage options for bikepacking and off-road adventures, yet they each bring unique features to the table.
The Restrap Downtube Bag emphasises a streamlined, minimalist profile that keeps essentials secure on the frame with an effective strap system, which is easy to install and remove. The Salsa EXP Series Downtube Bag, however, is designed with rugged exploration in mind, featuring a wider, reinforced build that offers additional space for bulkier items. The Salsa bag also includes extra grip patches for better stability on rougher terrains.
For cyclists seeking a lighter, lower-profile option, the Restrap Downtube Bag may be preferable, while the Salsa EXP Series shines for those needing added space and stability on technical trails.
Why We Recommend the Restrap Downtube Bag
The Restrap Down Tube Bag stands out as a dependable option for cyclists in need of a sturdy and practical storage solution. Constructed from waterproof materials, it ensures that your essentials remain dry, even in the rain. The bag features a secure attachment system, which keeps it firmly in place during rides, offering peace of mind on various biking adventures.
With ample storage capacity, this bag is versatile enough to accommodate a range of biking needs, making it particularly suitable for bikepacking and long-distance tours.
This bag is a worthwhile investment for cyclists looking to improve their riding experience. Its durability, practicality, and thoughtful features make it a valuable addition to any cyclist’s gear.
FAQ
What are the dimensions of the Restrap Downtube Bag?
The Restrap Downtube Bag is designed to be compact and unobtrusive, with dimensions approximately measuring 20 cm x 10 cm x 7 cm. This size allows it to fit securely on the downtube of most bikes without impacting pedalling clearance or bike handling.
How much storage capacity does the Restrap Downtube Bag offer?
The Restrap Downtube Bag provides a storage capacity of 1.5 litres, which is ample room for carrying essentials like a spare tube, mini pump, multi-tool, or snacks. Its size strikes a balance between convenience and capacity, making it ideal for shorter rides or as additional storage on longer bikepacking trips.
Is the Restrap Downtube Bag waterproof?
Yes, the Restrap Downtube Bag is made with waterproof materials and features a roll-top closure to keep contents dry in various weather conditions. While it is water-resistant enough to protect against rain and splashes, it is designed for general riding conditions rather than full submersion in water.
Where are Restrap bags made?
Restrap bags are handmade in the UK, where the brand prides itself on high-quality, locally sourced materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Each bag is assembled with attention to durability and functionality, aligning with Restrap’s commitment to reliable bikepacking gear.
