Altura has updated its range of Vortex cycling bags, with the top-tube bag that now offers the option to bolt on. With 1-litre of space available, it gives plenty of storage and despite the space and extra mount option, performance is far from perfect holding it back from being one of the main contenders in the best bikepacking bags space.

 

Altura Vortex Bolt-On top tube bag – Technical details

The Vortex top tube bag is made from a waterproof ripstop material, with welded seams and waterproof zip to help keep moisture out. It will hold off most weather conditions but, with a cable port at the front, full submersion is not recommended.

Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_Bolton.jpg
Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_Bolton (Image Credit: Matthew Page)
Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_Bolton.jpg, by Matthew Page

The main space has a 1-litre capacity, and this gives enough space to store plenty of food, spare batteries, and anything else you might want to keep within arm’s reach while riding. There is also a small pouch on the inside, it’s a good place to store thinner items, such as a bank card.

Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_open.jpg
Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_open (Image Credit: Matt Page)
Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_open.jpg, by Matt Page

It measures 24cm in length, 19cm at the highest point, and 5cm in width at the base, tapering slightly at the opening area.

Altura Vortex Bolt-On top tube bag – Performance

I tested the bag mounted to a carbon-framed mountain bike and this suited the width of the bag with little overhang to rub against the knees while pedalling.

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Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_pocket (Image Credit: Matt Page)
Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_pocket.jpg, by Matt Page

The bag comes with three Velcro straps, all of equal length with two for the top tube and one to strap for the steerer tube. There is the option to bolt it to the frame (and bolts are included) with two possible layouts to suit different frame locations. If you use the bolts, given the size and potential weight that will be carried, I recommend doubling up with at least one strap or using additional washers to give more support.

On a carbon frame, with a wide headtube area, I found the straps much too short and needed to use an alternative strap. The rear strap was long enough but I found it difficult to get enough tension to have a secure fit. Mounting to the headtube can limit fit options, especially if you use a smaller stem arrangement. I chose to use a different strap, one with a locking cam and narrower width to reduce the cable rub.

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Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_strap (Image Credit: Matt Page)
Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_strap.jpg, by Matt Page

During a bikepacking trip, I used the bag to store a small battery, food, and some spares. The space does mean the overall weight will start to increase and this did create problems. The weight, combined with less-than-ideal straps caused the bag to move side to side considerably. This was particularly obvious when riding out of the saddle and, while the width itself was not too obtrusive, having the bag move became frustrating.

Sensible packing, reducing the overall weight, and keeping anything heavy near the base will help keep movement to a minimum but that doesn’t hide the fact the bag needs better strap management.

The straps provided make fitment to lots of bikes more limited, so the style of strap could be improved. A longer Velcro strap that could be cut to length would help but a form of ladder buckle or cam-lock strap would give a more secure and adjustable fit.

Another frustration was the zip and, despite it using a zip garage to keep it in place, it vibrated and rattled on all surfaces. The position and material of the zip and zip puller appear to be the problem due to metal-to-metal contact.

Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_front.jpg
Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_front (Image Credit: Matt Page)
Altura_Vortex_Waterproof_Top_Tube_Bag_front.jpg, by Matt Page

Altura Vortex Bolt-On top tube bag – Verdict

The Vortex bolt-on bag costs £50, which is quite expensive and puts it in direct competition with the Tailfin Top Tube bag, a bag that addresses every problem seen on the Altura bag. Tailfin produces various sizes, with the smallest at 0.8-litres for £52, 1.1-litres at £55 and the largest 1.5-litres at £60. For a low-cost, no-frills option Lifeline has the Adventure top tube bag with two sizes at £15 or £20, respectively.

It may now have the option to bolt to the bike but the Altura Vortex top-tube bag underperforms in use with short, basic straps that produce far too much movement and a zip that rattles constantly.

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Test report Altura Vortex Bolt-On top tube bag review £50.00

Bags

Product purpose: 

Altura says:

RETAINING ITS BEST FEATURES THIS POPULAR WATERPROOF TOP TUBE BAG NOW OFFERS A ‘BOLT ON’ FITTING OPTION FOR GREATER FLEXIBILITY WHEN MOUNTING ON THE BIKE
The Altura Vortex Waterproof Bolt On Top Tube is an improved and updated version of our ever-popular model. It now includes useful pre-punched holes that allow you to bolt the bag directly onto your bike’s top tube or it can be attached using the removable straps that are supplied. Your belongings will be well protected thanks to the reinforced sides and base whilst the waterproof, welded seam construction will help to keep them dry if the weather takes a turn for the worse. The handy 1-litre capacity includes an internal pocket for smaller items whilst the cable port keeps things neat and tidy.

Build extra: 

Altura lists:

FEATURES
• Waterproof, welded seam construction
• Can be bolted directly to the frame
• Nylon ripstop fabric with TPU coating
• Cable port
• Removable straps
• Secure zipped lid closure
• Reinforced sides and base
• Internal pocket
• Approx. volume 1L

Product construction 


Product construction extra: 

Waterproof materials and zip.

Product performance 


Product performance extra: 

The basic straps will be too short for lots of frames and are difficult to gain enough tension.

Product durability 


Product durability extra: 

If the annoying zip rattle doesn’t drive you mad, the materials seem durable enough to last.

Product weight 


Product comfort 


Product comfort extra: 

The side-to-side movement meant the bag rubbed my knees in use.

product value 


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Overall performance: 

Sub-par fitment options that result in far too much movement.

Product likes: 

Useful space.

Product dislikes: 

Short, basic straps that don’t offer the easy ability to increase tension and create a lot of movement in use. The zip also produced an annoying rattle while riding.

Enjoy: 

No

Buy: 

No

Recommend: 

No

Conclusion: 

Despite the ability to bolt on, the performance is well short of others at a similar price point. The straps are short and basic and it leads to poor performance, lots of movement, and a zip that rattled constantly.