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You’re going to be riding some distance – what happens if you get a puncture, or your seat post starts slipping? Here are three carry solutions for your tools and puncture-repair gear.
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Restrap is a family-run British brand known for their stylish
and functional touring and bikepacking gear.
This simple top-tube bag does everything it needs to do, in style. It has a clever elastic fastener that goes around your fork steerer, and a wide, rubberised Velcro strap that goes around your top tube. Once the bag is secure, it doesn’t move around at all. (There’s also a bolt-on model if your frame can accommodate that, without the Velcro strap.)
Size-wise, at just under a litre, it’s plenty big enough for all your tools and puncture-repair stuff, plus an energy bar or two and even a lightweight jacket. The best thing about having a top-tube bag instead of a seat bag is how easy it is to access all your things – you can even open and close it while riding. I did find the zip a little tricky to close with one hand when I’d opened it all the way – you almost need two hands, to hold one end tight with one hand while you pull the zip with the other – but if you know this and you don’t zip all the way, it’s easy to use on the move.
Wonkey Donkey is Capetonian Dom Nobrega’s side hustle. He makes a range of
practical and fun bags for cyclists, including a saddle bag, feed bag and our favourite, this nifty little handlebar bag.
It’s made from weather-resistant grey cordura or black canvas, with a brightly coloured padded inner and adjustable straps to attach it to your bar. Each one is handmade with love, and you can customise your colours via the website.
Like a top-tube bag, the handlebar bag is so versatile. It’s not just for tools; it’s for anything you might need on your ride, like a stick of lip balm, your phone, a windbreaker, snacks… It’s also easy to access while you’re riding.
And you’re right – it’s not aero. But you’re not Wout van Aert, either.
This minimalist local invention consists of a grippy Velcro strap that goes
through your saddle rails, with some elasticated bits to keep your gear in place. It needs a tube to work, and once you’ve secured that, you can add two CO2 bombs and a pair of tyre levers. You’ll have to put your other stuff in your pockets or in another bag, but this is a super-lightweight way to attach your bulky gear safely and securely with minimal fuss. And having all your stuff exposed like that also makes you look like a racing snake who means business. Bonus!
Wonkey Donkey is Capetonian Dom
Nobrega’s side hustle. Hemakes a range of practical and fun bags for cyclists, including a saddle bag, feed bag and our favourite, this nifty little handlebar bag.
It’s made from weather-resistant grey cordura or black canvas, with a brightly coloured padded inner and adjustable straps to attach it to your bar. Each one is handmade with love, and you can customise your colours via the website.
Like a top-tube bag, the handlebar bag is so versatile. It’s not just for tools; it’s for anything you might need on your ride, like a stick of lip balm, your phone, a windbreaker, snacks… It’s also easy to access while you’re riding.
And you’re right – it’s not aero. But you’re not Wout van Aert, either.
This minimalist local invention consists
of a grippy Velcro strap that goes through your saddle rails, withsome elasticated bits to keep your gear in place. It needs a tube to work, and once you’ve secured that, you can add two CO2 bombs and a pair of tyre levers. You’ll have to put your other stuff in your pockets or in another bag, but this is a super-lightweight way to attach your bulky gear safely and securely with minimal fuss. And having all your stuff exposed like that also makes you look like a racing snake who means business. Bonus!
Restrap is a family-run British brand
known for their stylish and functional touring and bikepacking gear. This simple top-tube bag does everything it needs to do, in style. It has a clever elastic fastener that goes around your fork steerer, and a wide, rubberised Velcro strap that goes around your top tube. Once the bag is secure, it doesn’t move around at all. (There’s also a bolt-on model if your frame can accommodate that, without the Velcro strap.)
Size-wise, at just under a litre, it’s plenty big enough for all your tools and puncture-repair stuff, plus an energy bar or two and even a lightweight jacket. The best thing about having a top-tube bag instead of a seat bag is how easy it is to access all your things – you can even open and close it while riding. I did find the zip a little tricky to close with one hand when I’d opened it all the way – you almost need two hands, to hold one end tight with one hand while you pull the zip with the other – but if you know this and you don’t zip all the way, it’s easy to use on the move.