The translucent look of the POC Ultra Frame Bag 3L is certainly different, but it definitely helps you locate things inside and makes your bike look a bit more striking. Robust construction and great waterproofing also mean that you don’t have to worry about anything getting damaged by the elements. Its wide nature is roomy, but that means it doesn’t always sit right with narrower tubed frames.
With many brands sticking with black or subdued forest-like greens, the finish of the POC certainly makes it stand out, but I really like it, and it definitely gives the bag a modern twist.
Speaking of modern, I’d definitely say it works better with larger profile tubing like that found on the latest carbon fibre bikes. I ran the POC on Specialized’s latest Crux 5 and it looked a perfect fit, its outsides fitting flush with the oversized down and top tube, whereas when I fitted it to my steel Fairlight Secan with its much smaller diameter top and down tube, it didn’t look quite as aesthetically integrated.
At three litres in volume, it’s a roomy bag and on my typical 55cm frame, the POC’s length covered about three-quarters of the top tube length.
Inside I could stuff my large Sticky Pod full of tools, a mini pump, an electric pump and a lightweight rain jacket. There are also mesh pockets on either side which were the ideal size to hold my cards, keys, gels etc.
The large zip gives easy access and if you need to add or remove bulky objects, the fact that the zip runs along the top and then down around to the bottom for about a third of the length of the bag means you get a wide opening.
POC has added a string tag to the zip, which makes finding it and opening it on the fly easy, even with gloves on.
The bag is made from TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane. This can be formed into complex shapes, but remains flexible and has high levels of resistance to impacts and abrasion.
Internally, POC has used rib sections of thicker material to add strength and to keep the bag from stretching out too much when full to ensure it keeps its shape.
These are all qualities the Ultra has shown in testing, along with being waterproof, which is bolstered by the use of taped seams.
There is only one opening that could possibly let in any water and that is at the front of the bag where it allows you to run a cable inside to either a battery or portable charger. I found it to be positioned in such a way that water spray would unlikely enter it though.
The front light I use for gravel riding has an external battery, so it was great to be able to stick it in the bag and run the cable out to the light on the handlebar.
Plenty of nylon straps are included with the bag. You can thread these through a number of slots, positioned all the way around the bag to give you loads of mounting point options, which is very helpful if your frame shape is a little different to the norm.
Overall, I’ve been really impressed with both the ease of use and quality of the POC Ultra. It’s not the biggest frame bag I own, but its shape and internal pockets means that it is one of the best for stashing lots of kit in. I’ve also ridden on a couple of wet days and had no issues with water ingress and all that’s been needed afterwards is a wipe off to remove any mud or marks.
Value
At £120, it’s certainly priced towards the upper end of the market. Something like Restrap’s Small Race Frame Bag costs £94.99 for the 3-litre option, while the 4.2 litre model jumps to £104.99.
I reviewed one of these back in 2022 and I’m still using it now. It has taken loads of abuse over the years and still works and looks as good as new, so I’d definitely recommend it – plus it comes with a lifetime warranty.
The 3-litre version of Tailfin’s Half Frame Bag is priced at £110. When Iwein reviewed its bigger brother back in 2024, he was very impressed – enough to give it a very rare 10/10.
If you’re after a smaller option, Paul thought a lot of the £89.99 2.2L Alpkit Glider road bike frame bag when he tested it recently.
Conclusion
Overall, I rate the POC Ultra Frame bag very highly. Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but it fits onto any bike securely, fits loads of kit for its size and should stay looking and working like new after plenty of adventures.
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
The Ultra Frame Bag lets you keep all your belongings within reach. Shaped to enable you to keep the extra weight on your bike as low as possible to maintain more natural bike handling, the bag gives you enough space to securely store the extra pieces you need on a multi-day adventure.
And with an easy-open side, you can quickly and easily reach exactly what you need. An extra layer of material at the zip prevents the pouch from opening too far and allows the bag to hang open, so you can more easily see all that is inside.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
Constructed from fully waterproof TPU
Welded seams
Adjustable strap positions
3 litre volume
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
It’s a bit more expensive even compared to others in the upper part of the market like those from Restrap and Tailfin.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Use this box to explain your overall score
On the pricier side of things, even against others which sit at the upper end of the market, but the POC goes a long way towards justifying it due to the quality and usability of the Ultra Frame bag.
