Thule Pack 'n Pedal Handlebar Bag

The Thule Pack 'n Pedal Handlebar Bag is part of Thule's new Pack 'n Pedal bicycle luggage range. It clips on to the same bar mount as Thule's Bike Wallet we reviewed separately, at the same time. The bar bag can also be used with Thule's Pack 'n Pedal iPad sleeve instead of with the bike wallet.

The first thing to notice about the bar bag is its odd wedge shape which projects horizontally forward from the handlebars. Thule call it a 'unique aerodynamic design'. I can't comment on whether it actually makes the bag more aerodynamic, and if so at which yaw angles. I can say that when I'm using a bar bag, its aerodynamic properties have never worried me.

The bag is veritably feature-packed. The main compartment can be accessed via two zips, one positioned on the top, for when it's mounted on the bike and one positioned on the front so you can get into it when carrying it off the bike with the shoulder strap. There's a small zipped pocket under the main zipped flap, though the fabric is quite tight here, so it's of limited use. There's a mesh pocket on the inside of the smaller front flap, and one on the outside of this flap as well.

On top of the main flap are two elasticated bands to hold a map. It's a shame the bag doesn't come with a waterproof map sleeve that can be found on some other manufacturer's models.

There's an integrated shoulder strap too, permanently attached on one side (there's a mesh pocket to store the strap in) with a buckle to attach it to the other side. I usually leave shoulder straps at home - I would have preferred being able to take it off and reducing the weight of the bag that way.

Just like the commuter pannier, Thule call the fabric weatherproof (and breathable) as opposed to waterproof. It comes with a waterproof cover (which feats neatly in the mesh pocket under the smaller flap), which I would advise using given the two non-waterproof zips into the main compartment.

Bar bags can take up a bit of handlebar space, thus making it difficult to find space to put important thing like front lights. Carradice solve this on their Super C bar bag with light bracket underneath the bag. Thule have solved this with the mesh pocket on the front - this is designed to take a front light which can shine throught the mesh.

It's commendable that they've thought about the problem, but it'll only work with lights that are the right shape. Unfortunately the right shape is not the usual long-with-lens-at-one-end; you need something that can sit flat against the front of the bag with the lens sitting on the long side. It won't work when it's raining either, as it will be obscured by the waterproof cover, as will the map held by the elasticated bands.

While solidly built, and fairly rigid, the bag does flex up and down a bit when fully laden (up to 3kg maximum according to Thule), That can affect the steering more than other bar bags as the bag sits further forward than most. It's noticeable, but not a huge problem.

Weight-wise, the bag itself is about the same weight as other non-waterproof bar bags of the same size. The handlebar adapter you mount it on though, is more than twice as heavy as the ususal Rixen and Kaul bar mount. It's a similar story with price; at £50 (£45 online), it looks like good value on the face of it. Except that the handlebar adapter doesn't come with the bag and costs another £35. Most other bar bags include said Rixen and Kaul bar mount, which, in any case, would only cost you £16.

Conclusion

Overall, the Thule Pack 'n Pedal Handlebar Bag is okay, but not exceptional. The best bit is that you can attach it to your handlebars at the same time as Thule's phone or iPad holder. If that appeals to you, then the Thule Pack 'n Pedal handlebar range is well worth a look. If you're not that bothered, there are better, lighter and cheaper solutions out there.

Verdict

Feature-packed bar bag that works well with other Pack 'n' Pedal bags, but fairly expensive.