When we’re out biking in the wild, there are a lot of essentials to which we need quick access. A map, a phone, money, and most importantly, a water bottle. A top tube bag is specially designed to attach to the top tube of your bike. It provides quick and easy access to your valuables. And may let you interact with your phone and even rotate it in real-time.
But which bag is the best top tube bag of all time? And how can you decide that for yourself?
We take a closer look at which bags are the most recommended, and how to choose the right one.
10 Best Top Tube Bags 2022 Comparison
| Picture | Seat Name | Weight | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Topeak Top Tube Bag | 0.26 pounds | 5L | |
 | ROCKBROS Bike Top Tube Bag | 0.18 to 0.26 pounds | 5L | |
 | Roswheel Top Tube Bag | 0.2 pounds | 1L | |
 | Roswheel Bike Frame Bag | 0.22 pounds | 1L | |
 | Top Tube Bag Bike Phone Case Holder | 0.375 pounds | 0.8L | |
 | Revelate Designs Mag-Tank 2000 | 0.325 pounds | 1.4L | |
 | Bell Stowaway Series Bike Bags | 0.27 pounds | 1.5L | |
 | Rhinowalk Top Tube Bag | 0.22 pounds | 5L | |
 | Sireck Phone Holder Bike Bag | 0.6 pounds | ||
 | VUP Bike Front Frame Bag | 0.46 pounds | 2L |
Recommended Best Top Tube Bike Bags Reviews
With the overwhelming number of products available, finding the right top tube bag can be very difficult. We’ve prepared a list of the top 10 best top tube mount bags for your bike. You’ll find each has its use and unique features, so pay close attention.
1. Topeak Top Tube Bag Fuel Tank with Charging Cable Hole
Topeak features an innovative top tube bag that comes with a charging cable hole for your smartphone. In the digital age, also it all top tube bags come with a charging hole. This is a great bag for keeping your bottles and valuables. It has an internal capacity of 5 liters and is made from 420 denier nylon.
Denier is a measure of the fabric’s weight. The 420-denier can resist tears, abrasions, and doesn’t shrink when exposed to water or sun. It also tends to maintain its color for a long time.
Moreover, the Topeak top tube bag has been waterproofed right down to the zipper. This means all of your valuables are safe from rain and mud. The only problem is the Velcro strap can easily be dropped and lost. So you’ll have to use the zipper only.
- Large top tube bag
- Includes charging cable hole
- Resistant to tears and abrasions
- Safe from rain and mud
- The velcro strap is not secure
2. ROCKBROS Bike Top Tube Bag Bicycle Waterproof
The ROCKBROS Bike Top Tube Bag is a sturdy storage unit that can store your wallets, keys, inner tube, and even a mobile phone.
It’s made from 840 denier nylon, which is ballistic nylon meant to prevent tears and rips. It’s highly waterproof and the most durable forms of nylon there is. So your bag will readily survive not just the elements but your riding mishaps too.
The bag is designed not to interfere with pedaling. It’s highly slim and doesn’t extend even a tiny bit over the top tube. It features an easy-to-install hook and loop design.
However, it may cause some discomfort when mountain biking. The bag’s straps may interfere with your steering, depending on how you set it up.
- Strong ballistic nylon
- Does not interfere with pedaling
- Easy to set up and takedown
- Large capacity bag
- Not good for mountain biking
3. Roswheel Top Tube Bag
Some top tube bags tend to sag and cannot hold their shape but this is not the case with Roswheel. This specialized top tube bag has been laced with closed-cell foam to maintain its internal structure. So, the Roswheel top tube bag will stay just the way it is and not interfere with your cycling.
What’s more…! it features two mesh pockets that are rarely seen. It also features simple hook-and-strap installation and can be installed onto any bike top tube.
Unfortunately, it has a smaller capacity, of just 1 liter. But it features a nylon that is coated with polyurethane. The PU coating makes it more waterproof, as nylon isn’t the best against rain.
- Maintains shape and structure
- Does not interfere with cycling
- Easy installation
- Two mesh pockets
- Waterproof design
- Lower capacity (1 liter)
4. Roswheel Bike Frame Bag
The Roswheel Top Tube Frame Pack is a long storage bag that is made from PU-coated rip-stop nylon. It’s designed to distribute weight equally over the top tube and doesn’t interfere with your pedaling at all.
The PU coating on the nylon helps it resist water and rain damage. So don’t be afraid to pop your phone in there. The straps are simple hook-and-loops and can be adjusted individually for a snugger fit.
This bag has a small capacity – 1 liter. So you can only store a small water bottle there. It’s easy to install this bag, and it’s ideal for mini tools, spare inner tire or your phone.
- Elegant and compact
- Resistant to water and mud
- Goes underneath the top tube
- Distributes weight equally
- No charging cable or pockets
5. Top Tube Phone Bag Bike Case Holder
Top Tube Phone Bag from ROCKBROS has a unique design and you can secure your phone while in use. This makes navigation and communication a whole lot easier.
You don’t have to worry about your phone getting wet or damaged. The phone stays inside the bag at all times, with a TPU film window letting you interact with the screen. The screen won’t work with touch ID though, so it can make quick access a bit difficult.
As for the bag itself, it’s quite small, with just 0.8 liters of internal capacity. However, you won’t be putting your phone in there, so it leaves just a bit more space for your valuables.
It’s made from composite carbon polyester, which is lightweight and durable.
- The phone is easily visible
- Great for navigating and answering calls
- Extremely lightweight
- Does not get your phone wet
- Low capacity (0.8 liters)
- Touch ID does not work
6. Revelate Designs Mag-Tank 2000 Top-Tube Bag
The Revelate Mag-Tank 2000 is a highly composite nylon bag which offers up to 50% more capacity than the Mag-Tank. However, even with that, the internal capacity is low as compared to other products, at just 1.4 liters.
It features a composition of multiple layers. The outermost layer is made of 420-denier rip-stop nylon. And underneath that, you also have a closed-cell foam padding. This allows it to retain its shape and provide support to your valuables.
Along with that, the side panels have additional strengthening with an HDPE plastic sheet padding. The interior has a yellow and red inner lining so you can see your objects more clearly.
- 50% more capacity than Mag-Tank
- Easy interior visibility
- Retains shape and structure
- Additional side reinforcement
- Low capacity (1.4 liters)
7. Bell Top Tube Bag Stowaway Series
The Bell Stowaway Series Bag allows you to securely store your phone. As stated before, this is essential for looking at maps and answering important calls.
This Bell top tube bag features a clear TPU film that lets you interact with your phone while keeping it dry and safe. The side of the bag has reflective trim, so it stays visible even in the dark. What’s more…! this bag can convert into a fanny pack that you can carry with you at all times.
It’s made from rip-stop nylon that’s been water-treated and tested multiple times. The only downside here is the bag can only hold a few models of phones.
- Reflective strip for visibility
- Phone holding case
- Great for finding your way in real-time
- Converts into a fanny pack
- Only made for a few phone models
8. Rhinowalk Waterproof Top Tube Bag
What makes the Rhinowalk bike bag so special is its unique composite-layer design. It is known as “Twill fabric”. This fabric is essentially a blend of three different kinds of fabrics. The top and inner layers are made from a special water-resistant coating. The middle layer is a Twill-woven nylon mesh that keeps your valuables safe and secure.
If you’re tired of bike bags constantly slipping, you might like this one. The strap and Velcro systems have been designed to provide a non-slip leather grip on the top tube. It’s big enough to fit a large smartphone screen of 6-inches and below. It also has an inner neoprene foam layer for added water protection.
The only negative here is that items can fall out when you open the bag.
- Highly waterproof and tear-resistant
- Includes a neoprene foam layer
- Made to be anti-slip
- Can fit large phones
- Items may fall out when you open the bag
9. Sireck Bicycle Top Tube Phone Bag
If you want a bike bag that can fit phones up to 6.5″, this large-capacity phone holder will be the perfect pick. This is a nylon-based phone bag that can hold larger Android and iOS devices such as iPhone 11 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy s8, and Huawei P20.
The Sireck bicycle top tube bag has a clear vinyl layer that allows you to not only see the screen but also use it. The sides feature Velcro straps to keep everything secure. It has several pockets with zippers and reflective trim. All of this makes installation and use exponentially easier.
Additionally, the Sireck Mountain Bike Top Tube Bag uses a nylon that’s been water-resistant, but it’s not 100% waterproof. The bag tends to interfere with your pedaling to some extent but that also depends on your pedaling style.
- Made from Polyester + TPU
- Great for larger phones
- The touch screen can be interacted with
- Easy to use and setup
- May interfere with pedaling
10. VUP Bike Front Frame Bag
When reading off from maps, we like to rotate our phones to better match our direction. With the VUP Bike Top Tube Bag, you can not only use your phone but also rotate it 360 degrees. This is due to the special silicone holding pad that is highly flexible and rotatable.
It fits phones as small as 4.0” and as big as 6.5”. The bag is equally distributed over the two sides of the tube and made from waterproof 600D polyester. However, there are two major flaws in its design.
Firstly, the bag tends to interfere with pedaling. It rubs your knees and stops you from going at a high speed. So avoid it for mountain biking.
Secondly, the phone doesn’t have a protective film over it. It’s completely open to rain and dust. But the good part is, you still get to use Touch ID and Face ID.
- Allows you to rotate the phone
- Strong waterproof material
- Let’s you use Touch and Face ID
- Good for many small to mid-size phones
- Interferes with pedaling
- The phone is unprotected
How to Choose the Best Top Tube Bag?
Top tube bags come in all shapes and sizes, and not to mention the vast number of features. It’s quite difficult to decide on a decent top tube bag. Here’s a list of everything you need to know to buy the best top tube bags for road bikes, moutain bikes and more.
Easy Access and Opening System
Check where the top tube bag is meant to be placed. Some are meant to go under the tube, which can make access a bit harder. Many new models also come with phone holders that let you interact with the touch screen.
Most top tube bags open using a zipper. Make sure the zipper is metal and opens smoothly. If the manufacturer mentions that there’s a strip of nylon under the zipper, then it will most likely zip up smoothly.
Also make sure the zipper is from front to back, not top to bottom. This way, your objects won’t fall when you open the bag.
Check Size and Capacity
Next, consider the size and capacity of your bag. Most bags state which types of handlebars and top tubes they are compatible with. Top tube bags, except for the phone holding ones, shouldn’t be too wide, as this will interfere with your cycling.
Capacities can range from 0.5 liters to up to 5 liters. Mostly just 1 or 2 liters is enough to secure your phone and wallet. 5 liters may be needed if you have a lot of cargo such as multiple devices and water bottles. But it’s not mandatory.
Waterproof and Dustproof Features
Many top tube bags resist water and dust damage. This is usually in the form of a higher denier of fabric, polyester fabric, or a PU coating. Some may also use a silicone sealant on the zipper for added water protection.
You should always test your waterproof top tube bag before taking it out for a ride. Put a dry piece of paper or tissue in it and completely soak the bag. If the paper or tissue gets wet, you should know it’s faulty.
This is important since you’ll be having your phone, money, and even spare batteries in there.
Materials
Also, take a look at the material of the bag. Most top tube bike bags are made of a certain denier of nylon. The higher the denier, the denser the weave will be. Some may also use polyester due to its natural waterproofing abilities.
But some use a combination of the two. Some tube bags have a special closed-cell foam padding around the sides to help the bag maintain its form. Always do your research on the benefits of the material before buying a product. They not only decide how secure the bag is but also the possessions it houses.
Top Tube Bags Weight
Finally, consider the weight of the top tube bag. This isn’t a big issue, but some bags can weigh down your bike. You want a bag that’s no more than 6 pounds heavy. Preferably, go for the one that is as light as one pound.
The weight will increase as you add more stuff into it. But a lighter initial weight will help minimize the stress your bike has to handle.
FAQ on Top Tube Bags
Can I Attach A Top Tube Bag On Any Bike Type?
Yes, you just need to find the right bag for it. Some bikes have a downward-sloping top tube, so bags that have a top to bottom zip aren’t useful there. It all depends on design and usage.
How To Install the Best Top Tube Bike Bag?
Most bags come with circular hook-and-loop straps or Velcro straps. You simply secure the straps around the top tube or near the handlebars and you’re all set.
What Can I Put On A Top Tube Bag?
Anything from phones to wallets, keys, jewelry, money, bottles, and even power banks. Just anything that fits should be compatible with your bicycle top tube bag.
Are Top Tube Bags Secure?
They can be. Good top tube bags don’t let any water in and are not prone to falling. If you get a bad product, that’s an entirely different story.
What Is The Best Top Tube Bag For Bikepacking?
The best bike top tube bag for backpacking is certainly the Topeak Top Tube Bag. It’s got a strong nylon construction with a charging cable hole.
Final Words
Cycling top tube bags make bikepacking a whole lot easier. They hold your valuables and don’t hinder the access to your phone. If anything, they make all your belongings easily accessible through the top tube.
If we were to pin down one top tube bag as the best, it’d have to be the Topeak. This is a very simple and qualitative product. It features a piece of 420-denier nylon fabric and a hole for charging your phone. It doesn’t even rub your knees when you pedal.
But as always, there’s a top tube bag made just for you. Keep experimenting with your top tube bags, and enjoy MTB season while it lasts! You can also read our guide of the best bike saddle bags if you are looking for more gear.
I think Rhinowalk is a great top tube bag. With easy to open design; it gives instant access to all the things inside. It provides enough storage space for small items and will give enough stability once installed in the bike’s top tube.
I’ve tried a lot of bags and nothing compares to this ROCKBROS Top Tube Bike Bag. This tube bag is spacious enough to store all my essentials. It holds my phone, keys, ID, cash,…. It is 22 cm long and only weighs 90 grams, which is just the right size for me. With the bag’s slim body design, the tube bag does not rub on my knees. It can store several belongings without being bulky. Besides that, the bag guarantees ease of access thanks to the smooth zipper that I can close and open using one hand. In addition, The fabric used for this bag also effectively resists wear and abrasion.