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review

BTR Frame Corner Bag

6
£7.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Nicely executed frame fit bag though very much a tour, rather than trail biased design
Weight: 
86g

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The BTR frame corner bag has been a pleasant surprise and is arguably the optimal size for the design, especially on modern semi/compact geometry framesets. You get what you pay for and in this instance we've another sturdy, easy-care leatherette nylon shell with obligatory Scotchlite detailing, generous nylon mounting straps and zippered entry.

There's enough room for spare tube, medium sized multi tool, micro jacket, patch kit, micro pump and tyre levers, though the fabric will accommodate moderate expansion; I've managed to cram a slimline smartphone in as well.

I've combined ours with rack bag/pannier, using the latter as tool/tog caddy and this for wallets, phone, pens, batteries and other stationary stuff I don't fancy rummaging for.

Line the base with bubble wrap for peace of mind and remember a waterproof carry case since while the fabric's pretty impervious, stitching and zippers are anything but. Casting a garden hose evenly across its surface saw water forcing entry within thirty seconds. Real world wet stuff is less problematic given it shelters beneath top and seat tubes, thus heavy downpours bead and slide harmlessly away.

Aesthetics aside, it doesn't swing like a hammock or otherwise impede pedalling when tethered tightly, so it's a viable alternative for clutter-phobic riders wanting to haul a little more than expanding wedge packs usually allow. Retro-reflective detailing worked better than I'd expected too, accentuated by some furious acceleration through town. However, these tour-biased models are less convenient than shoulder holders when carrying bikes, say running though rutted stuff on a crosser or indeed, up a flight of stairs.

Verdict

Nicely executed frame fit bag though very much a tour, rather than trail biased design

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road.cc test report

Make and model: BTR Quality Bike Frame Corner Pannier Storage Bag - Water Resistant

Size tested: Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"This is a high quality corner frame bag. High visibility reflective stripes for extra night visibility. Perfect for storing items such as keys, wallet, phone, bike tools, innertubes, puncture kits etc".

Broadly agree, although wrap valuables in waterproof sacks/freezer bags as a precautionary measure.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

High quality Corner Frame Bag

* Reflective stripes

* 21 x 21 x 4 cm

* Water Resistant

* 3 velcro contact points with frame for extra security

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
6/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

Fabrics seem robust thus far.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10

Generally user friendly and unobtrusive but looping a cable tie through the zipper tag improved access/closure.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Some minor misgivings re water resistance aside, this version is arguably the optimal size of triangle bag, though still occupies are fair bit of main triangle, which can impede successful shouldering up stairs, let alone across boggy fields.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Sensible size, rugged construction and mounting straps.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing glaringly obvious given design brief and ticket price.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? On balance, no

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, so long as they wanted something water resistant, rather than water-proof.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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