The Bolt-On Top Tube Bag
The new version Craft Cadence Bolt-On Top Tube bag has been released. It is essentially the exact copy of the strap on version that I previously reviewed: Craft Cadence Top Tube Bag Reviewed
If you have read the previous review, you won’t find too much difference here. It’s the same great bag as before, but not it is a bolt on version.
If you a looking for the strap on version, Craft Cadence is offering 12% off if you pre-order the bag. Use straps12 at checkout.
I prefer bolt on top tube bags, but not all bikes have eyelets for attaching top tube bags. The bolt on bag is typically for gravel and touring bikes. Top tube bags are great for adding extra storage that is easy to access. This is critically important especially when riding rough roads.
There are a few different opening types for top tube bags depending on the brand you get, but the Craft Cadence bag offers complete access to the bag since it has a flip-open lid. This type of opening gives you complete access in the bag, and it lets you easily see into the bag and easily grab what you need.
It’s a great bag. If you are in the market for a top tube bag, this bag is definitely a top tube bag to consider.
I have been gravel cycling for a many years on a cyclocross bike that didn’t have eyelets to mount a top tube bag. The strap version was perfect for it, but recently, I finally got a proper gravel bike with eyelets on the top tube for a bolt on top tube bag.
Once the Craft Cadence Bolt On Top Tube Bag is bolted on it doesn’t budge. The bumpiest roads or gnarly single-track descents won’t shake this bag off. Thus, making it a perfect complement for bikepacking along with your other bags.
Though I haven’t gone on any recent bikepacking trips, I have done multiple 100-mile rides and races. These races or rides usually have spread out aid stations or places to get food/drink supplies to refuel on. This is because gravel riding usually takes place in remote locations.
To push further and go on for longer rides extra food and supplies are required. Rear jersey pockets are an option, but there is only so much you can comfortably carry inside of them. Also, comparing the ease of access of a jersey pocket and a top tube bag really isn’t comparable. To access your jersey pockets, you must reach behind your back and possibly take your eyes off the road (not very safe).
With the Craft Cadence Bolt On Top Tube Bag, you will be able to hold onto your handlebar, and with the other hand easily access the contents in your top tube bag. Craft Cadence has designed a system opens easily and gives full access to the bag.
The Craft Cadence Bolt On Top Tube Bag is also aero. It hides behind the handlebars and steer tube of the bike. I’m sure if it were quantified it would barely change your drag coefficient.
Craft Cadence
Craft Cadence is a London based bicycle bag company. They were formed by a group of cycling commuters with an approach to design waterproof bag specifically designed for commuting. Find out more about Craft Cadence.
I really like their logo and the colors they have chosen for it. They also make other products besides a top tube bag. A water-resistant wallet, waterproof handlebar bag, and waterproof pannier backpack are just some of the many products they offer.
Bag Construction
The bag is made from 600D polyester coated with TPU and has seamless welding. The dimensions of the bag are 205 mm x 110 mm x 50 mm (8.07 in x 4.33 in x 1.97 in) giving you about 1.5 liters of storage capacity.
The bag has a mass of 149.4 g and weighs 5.26 oz. For those really looking to cut weight or don’t have room around the steer tube, the front strap is removeable.
The straps have rubber “grippers” attached on them, which should help prevent the bag from slipping. The top lid uses a magnet and Velcro as the closure system.
Inside the bag you will find a small pouch to help with organization. The pouch has a zipper on it, ensuring small items won’t fall out.
Waterproofness
The Craft Cadence Top Tube Bag has fully welded seams. The lid overhangs the side walls of the bags, which prevents any water that rolls over the sides to enter the bag.
This bolt on top tube bag is waterproof, but don’t expect it to keep water out if it is completely submerged. Obviously, this isn’t a dry bag, and if you plan on caring water sensitive items (ex. papers), I suggest using one of their backpacks or handlebar bag.
It’s not that I don’t trust the waterproofness of the bolt on top tube bag, to me a bag like this that offers easy access is meant for constant use on the bike. Thus, the items I would store inside this bag are items like prepackaged food (gels, bars, etc.) that won’t be damaged from water.
The cable opening on the front has a rain cover over it to prevent water intrusion. See comparison of strap version to bolt on top tube bag version. not too much as changed.
Initial Thoughts
My initial observation when I first received the bag was the high quality in the materials and the construction. It’s not just a flimsy bag that is going to flop around while riding.
The bolt-on design has multiple holes on the bottom of the bag to allow mounting to many bikes and different top tube eyelet bolt spacing. The front strap is quite long and has up to a 50 mm (2 in) diameter of reach. This will ensure the bag is securely attached to the steer tube.
The bolt on top tube bag has an opening on the front to allow the exit of charging cables. This is a nice feature that allows for unobstructed closing that would have otherwise been restricted if cables had to ran over the sides of the bag.
On the top of the lid there is a small loop that provides a potential mounting point for phones or cycling computers. Though currently there aren’t any mounting accessories for this loop, Craft Cadence states there will be some soon.
The bag cost $59 USD and you a free women’s jersey with the purchase during the month of June. You will get free shipping on order of $120 and Craft Cadence is part of the 1% for the planet.
Compared to other bolt on top tube bags available, the Craft Cadence Bolt On Top Tube Bag comes in at a mid-range price. Looking at cost per volume compared to other bags on the market, this bolt on top tube bag is a great deal.
Bag Attachment
When picking out a bolt on top tube bag there are quite a lot of different styles and options available. This bag uses a bolt-on system and a single strap on the front. The multiple bolt holes on the bottom will ensure you get a perfect fit to your bike.
Lid Loop
In theory I like this attachment point, but I don’t see being able to get much use out of it. Anything that is attached to it would need to be very light.
I don’t ever encounter a time when I’m all out of space on my handlebars. But, if you have a very short stem and have a handlebar bag on, you might not have room to place a mount on either of these locations. Thus, the top tube bag could be a suitable mounting location.
Real World Testing
Attaching the bolt-on bag take a little more time than the strap on version, but it only takes a few minutes. Use a 4 mm Allen wrench to attach the top tube bag to the bike frame. Make sure to torque done the bag according to the manufacturers specifications and make sure to place a little bit of grease on the bolts before installing them.
The bag has lots of storage, and easily fits an external battery and lots of snacks. With the way the top tube bag is designed, you have full access to everything in the bag when you open the lid, unlike other competitor bags.
I have taken this bag on many bumpy gravel rides and ridden some single-track trails (see Strava ride). Riding up steep grades with one hand and opening the bag was still relatively easy.
One thing to note, when the bag is still new, the lid might not stay open and will need a little bit of breaking in. After using the bag for a while and breaking it in, this will no longer be an issue and the lid stay open.
Final Thoughts
I have enjoyed this bag, it is well made, and offers great added storage. There is no single bag that is the perfect solution for all your needs and every bike, but this is bag is a great option for commuters and recreational cyclists.
I will continue to use this bag on my gravel adventures because it provides easy access into the bag, gives me full access to all the contents, and holds a lot of things. If you are in the market for a new top tube bag, this is definitely one to consider and I would highly recommend it.
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