Ride Pro Small Phone Frame Bag

The Ride Pro Small Phone Frame Bag is a top tube bag that not only swallows a tube, money and keys, but gives you full touchscreen access to your phone. You still catch your knees on this updated model, though.

Dan Joyce tested the Universal model of this bag a couple of years ago and wasn't overly impressed, mostly because of the width. This 'new' model is slightly slimmer, but still just that bit too wide, certainly for some pedalling styles.

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Held in place with two Velcro straps (and an extension strap for wider frames), it's really quick and easy to attach to your frame. It feels robust and well made, and should survive a good few scrapes.

The design is simple. Your phone sits in the top section, leaving a large section underneath it. It's designed to take phones up to 138x70mm - slightly smaller than the previous model. Ride Pro say it's suitable for iPhones 4, 5 and 6 and Samsung Galaxy S3 and 4. My iPhone fitted perfectly. I also tried it with an HTC One M8, which is longer and bigger. I managed to get it in and operate it, but it was a bit of a squeeze.

The window to view your phone is really handy, especially as you can operate the touchscreen through it. I had access to maps, messages and so on without having to dig around in a backpack, saddlebag or rear jersey pocket. Your phone is held securely in place in a padded compartment with Velcro, and it really is secure. The section below is big enough for a multitool, spare tube, small packet of wipes, snack, keys and so on.

It's water resistant and kept my phone and the kit below it bone dry in a sudden downpour the first time I used it. In torrential rain you might want to pop your phone in a plastic bag, as it isn't fully waterproof, to ensure it doesn't get soaked in torrential rain. Or you could order a "100% waterproof" cover for an extra £2.50.

That width, though. You can get quite a lot in the bag, but I kept brushing my knees against it with every pedal stroke. I managed to stop by adjusting my riding position, and it probably does depend on how you ride, but my knees like to stay close to the frame, so the bag is still a bit bulky.

It comes with an extension cable for headphones (there is a socket hole for your headphones in the bag), but bigger phones don't allow enough space for fitting a cable. At the time of testing it's also on offer at £11 rather than the rrp of £15.

Verdict

Useful, stores lots and you can access – and use – your phone, but the bulk will annoy some