The Alpkit Gravel handlebar bag provides 5 litres of handlebar mounted storage space to keep the essentials close to hand. Adopting a similar construction to the Glider frame bag, the Gravel bar bag claims to be weatherproof so it should be able to shrug off a shower but don’t expect the contents to be dry after a torrential downpour.  

 3.5/5

£59.99 | Buy from Alpkit

Highs

-       Adds handy extra storage

-       Large side pockets and front webbing

 Lows

-       Cumbersome to access on the move

-       Needs to be packed full to provide structure

The Gravel bar bag mounts to the handlebars using Velcro straps and the webbing on the back of the bag allows for the straps to be placed almost anywhere across the width of the bag, making it easier to dodge handlebar furniture such as lights, GPS units or bells. The webbing extends vertically down too so the bag can be secured against the headtube of the bike, however depending on the length of the stem this might tip the bag forwards.

Two large mesh pockets on each end and a web of elastic across the front provides ample storage space for snacks and other things that need to be slode to hand. The roll top closure of the bag means that it’s possible to stuff an extra three litres of kit into the top of the bag and still be able to cinch it down with the strap.

Some will appreciate the soft sided nature of the bag but I would prefer more structure as I could feel the bag wobbling about when it wasn’t packed full. I also found the roll top closure to be cumbersome to access on the move however it provides a good amount of storage for drop bar riders who are limited in bag size by the width of their handlebars.