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TECH NEWS

Apidura adds long top tube pack to successful Racing Series range

Tested in ultra-distance events this year, the new Long Top Tube Pack has already seen victory as part of Fiona Kolbinger’s set up at the Swiss Ultra Cycling Challenge

Apidura has released a new top tube pack which offers twice the storage of the British brand’s next largest pack. With a capacity of two litres, Apidura says it works as a “great standalone pack for longer rides”.

Developed after a request from ultra-distance Fiona Kolbinger, Apidura says the new pack in the Racing Series has been designed specifically for “the needs of ultra-distance racers and time conscious riders”.

2020 Apidura Long Top Tube Pack Side

The new long top tube pack (£72) is made from Hexalon—a strong laminated nylon material which Apidura call their “bespoke waterproof and abrasion resistant fabric”. At a claimed weight of 210 grams, the pack is lightweight as well as promising durability.

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The pack features a waterproof two-way zip which is said to provide “easy access without opening the pack to the elements”. A protected cable port has also been included to enable riders to charge devices as they rack up the miles.

Our reviewer Shaun Audane tested the Bolt-On version of Apidura’s smaller one litre top tube pack and was impressed with materials used and design. He concluded it was “very well made with innovative features”, although pricey (£52).

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Unlike the Bolt-On fixings on Apidura’s smaller top tube pack, mounting straps are used to secure the long pack on the top tube, seat post and steerer.

2020 Apidura Long Top Tube Pack Inside

Riding and post-ride practicalities appear to be well thought out. An internal divider has been included to make it easier for riders to find tools, snacks or layers in a rush. For cleaning afterwards, the lining has been made to be easily removable.

Get more info at www.apidura.com

Anna has been hooked on bikes ever since her youthful beginnings at Hillingdon Cycle Circuit. As an avid road and track racer, she reached the heady heights of a ProCyclingStats profile before leaving for university. Having now completed an MA in Multimedia Journalism, she’s hoping to add some (more successful) results. Although her greatest wish is for the broader acceptance of wearing funky cycling socks over the top of leg warmers.

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9 comments

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JL77 | 4 years ago
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Glad to see you can still open it quite wide. I just bought the 1L Apidura because my Topeak bag is quite difficult to take things out of. I can hardly see what's inside and what I'm grabbing. (For the rest the Topeak bag is a-ok, though. )

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ChasP | 4 years ago
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I like top tube bags but one this long would cause issues with stand over clearance unless you have a tiny frame.

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franta replied to ChasP | 4 years ago
1 like

ChasP wrote:

... would cause issues with stand over clearance ...

I had the same thought, but maybe this is not a big concern for ultra-distance racers.

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ChasP replied to franta | 4 years ago
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I agree part of the appeal of this type of bag is to be able to carry on without stopping as frequently but it's unavoidable at times and could cause problems when very tired. Not saying it won't suit some people, just something to be aware of.

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Rapha Nadal | 4 years ago
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Let's hope that the zips last longer on this than their racing frame bag...

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Secret_squirrel | 4 years ago
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I wonder how much it will flop about on something with a narrower round or ovalised top tube - the Canyon in the picture looks to be quite flat up top.

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fukawitribe replied to Secret_squirrel | 4 years ago
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Flatter and wider would probably be less wobbly, up to a point, but with a front and optional rear tie as well, i'm going to guess it's quite stable (especially as it's had decent real-world tests as well).

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Apidura replied to Secret_squirrel | 4 years ago
1 like

Hi there, the pack has been tested on a number of different bikes, including ones with a more classic rounded top tube, and we're happy to report it's very stable!

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Secret_squirrel replied to Apidura | 4 years ago
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Thank you for the nice response!  Thumbs up!

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