Developed with gravel racing in mind and refined in the wind tunnel, the Apidura Aero System promises not just storage, but also a genuine aerodynamic advantage. Claimed savings? Around 5W at race speeds versus the same bike without the bags attached. You will however find cheaper options that carry more if these sorts of gains aren’t your primary concern.
> Buy now: Apidura Aero System for £188 from Apidura
Apidura offers the Aero System in two frame bag sizes (S/M and L/XL), both paired with the same top tube module. Their online fit tool is surprisingly good – you upload a photo of your bike, and it overlays the bags so you can preview clearance.
On my 58cm Santa Cruz Stigmata, the calculator recommended the L/XL, but I was relieved to test the S/M: the bag’s aero flaps only just cleared my downtube cable entry. If your bike has fully internal routing through the headset, this won’t be a problem, but for older or externally-routed bikes it’s worth checking carefully before buying.
Inside the box, Apidura includes handy fitting instructions. It’s hardly rocket science, but it adds a nice premium touch that sets the tone.
Installation is a little fiddly – there are plenty of straps to cinch tight and excess ends to tuck away. The straps themselves are silicone-backed and high quality, gripping the frame securely and preventing slip.
Once set up, the bags are rock-solid. Even the top tube bag, which doesn’t use a front steering strap like many rivals, stayed perfectly in place while rattling across washboard gravel.
Performance
Once fitted, the Aero System disappears beneath you in the best way. Slim at just 6–6.5cm wide, the bags never interfered with pedalling, even when loaded.
The frame module handled my full gravel essentials kit: two tubes, CO₂ canisters or a mini pump, tubeless plugs, and some food. There’s also a long internal Velcro strap that locks these items down, reducing rattle – a thoughtful feature often overlooked in bags. Just don’t expect to load it like a backpacking pannier. This is very much about carrying race-day essentials, not full expedition gear.
The top tube module is the star. Its magnetic clamshell closure is quick, one-handed, and makes mid-ride fuelling effortless. In practice, it holds 4–5 gels comfortably. Try cramming in more, though, and the magnet can’t cope – the lid will pop open like an overstuffed budget suitcase. That said, used within its limits, it’s far quicker and more intuitive than a zip.
Aero
Apidura claims a 5W saving at 36–44 km/h thanks to the bags smoothing airflow over the front triangle. I can’t independently verify the number, but the bags certainly look and feel aero, sitting flush to the frame with no sag or wobble. Both modules use an internal HDPE thermoplastic frame to maintain structure, even when empty – because let’s face it, there’s nothing aero about a saggy bag.
Durability and cleaning
Constructed from Apidura’s Hexalon and Hexagrid laminated fabrics, the Aero System feels every bit as premium as the price suggests. Welded seams, reinforced panels, and quality hardware give confidence, and after muddy blasts across Salisbury Plain the bags wiped clean easily.
The magnetic closure remained reliable, and the fabrics even held up when subjected to the occasional light pressure washer cleaning.
Value for money
At £188 for the two-bag system, the Aero System sits firmly in premium territory. Its closest competitor is likely the Restrap Race Top Tube Bag – Long 2L (£74.99). Restrap’s bag is cheaper and more spacious, but it doesn’t claim any aero benefit and lacks the integrated frame module concept.
> Cycling luggage for beginners: find out the best ways to carry stuff on your bike
The Apidura setup is undeniably expensive for ‘just a couple of bags’ but when you factor in the claimed watt savings, clever design touches, premium build, and genuine race-day practicality, it perhaps begins to justify its price for serious gravel or long-distance racers and riders.
Conclusion
The Apidura Aero System is a clever blend of speed and practicality. With its sleek, integrated look, stable fit, and genuinely useful features, it feels like gear designed by racers for racers. It won’t carry a week’s worth of kit, but it will carry the tools, spares and nutrition you actually need on race day or for a long training ride, while promising to save you a handful of watts in the process.
Yes, setup takes a little patience, and no, you can’t overstuff the top tube bag, but once in place the Aero System looks fantastic and performs exactly as claimed. For riders chasing every advantage – whether on gravel or all-road – it’s a compelling option.
Verdict
Apidura’s Aero System delivers sleek storage and free speed, but there are cheaper and more versatile options
> Buy now: Apidura Aero System for £188 from Apidura
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Apidura Aero System S/M
Size tested: S/M
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?
Apidura’s website says:
A modular frame and top tube system that enhances aerodynamic performance, integrating with your bike to make you faster.
The Aero System is a performance-oriented solution for competitive gravel racers, developed through rigorous Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. With an average 5 watt saving at race speed, it’s wind tunnel tested and race-proven at the highest level, showing a benefit on every bike we’ve tested.
The Aero System was designed with the primary purpose of improving aerodynamic performance, regardless of what you decide to pack. For years we’ve helped riders go further, now we’re helping them to go faster.
– Modules work together to improve aerodynamics
– Transfer panel technology reduces drag
– One-handed fast entry to top tube module
– Soft interior base protects contents
– Ultralight Hexagrid construction
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Apidura’s website says:
Aero Benefit
– 5 watt average saving – view data.
Weight
– Aero System (S/M) – 305g
– Aero System (L/XL) – 335g
Storage Configuration
– Single main compartment on top tube and frame modules
– Optional internal lash loop
Closure System
– Top tube module: fast entry magnetic closure
– Frame module: zip closure
Attachment System
– 3 Hypalon load straps, silicone backed to increase grip
– Velcro transfer panel attaches to downtube
– Rubber tension bands attach to head tube
Reinforced Structure
– Internal HDPE thermoplastic frame in both modules
Sizing
– Systems should be sized based on frame size, see our specifications, printable templates and sizing tool to find a perfect fit.”
High end feel and super robust construction
Excellent performance on my gravel focused jaunts
No issues with either bag while testing – stitching and materials look very high quality.
A difficult comparison as it’s almost in an aero class of its own, but the race focused Restrap bags do come in lighter, both the Race Top Tube Bag – Long 2L (239g) and the Race Frame Bag – Small 3L (187g)
No issues with knee rub due to the bags’ slender profile
The price is eye-wateringly high for such a small pair of bags, but the overall system is very well made and functions excellently for its intended race use.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It’s performed fantastically well when loaded with snacks and spares on my gravel bike, with no bouncing or swaying while I bust a lung chasing Strava KOMs.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Its racy aesthetics and secure fit.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
If you absolutely brim the top tube bag the magnetic closure pops open.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Its closest competitor is likely the Restrap Race Top Tube Bag – Long 2L, which although it doesn’t offer the same claimed aero watt saving, is much cheaper at just £74.99
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Maybe
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
A very good overall bag system that is well made and secure, but has a limited use case with cheaper and more versatile alternatives available.
About the tester
Age: 33 Height: 190cm Weight: 94kg
I usually ride: Santa Cruz Stigmata My best bike is: Factor One Disc
I’ve been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, touring, club rides, general fitness riding, Gravel, Track and Zwifting
2 thoughts on “Apidura Aero System”
All top tube bags with a
All top tube bags with a magnetic clip should be subjected to the “upside down to change a wheel test”, and downmarked if they fail and vomit their contents into the verge.
Apidura’s race top tube bag I own fails this test, and I suspect that with anything weightier than a gel – say a CO2 canister – this one will too .
Its surprisingly annoying.
All top tube bags with a
Dupe.