Make sure the bag is large enough to accommodate your necessities without being too bulky or interfering with your riding. Aerodynamics

The thinner your top tube and heavier the bag, the more unstable you’ll find it, and this is where top tube bags attached by bolts can win out (Altura also offers a bolt-on version). Overall, selecting the right top tube bag will depend on your specific needs and preferences, as well as the type of cycling you intend to do. When looking for a top tube bag for your bike, there are several important factors to consider. Here are the key aspects to look for: Size and capacity An aerodynamic top tube bag can minimise wind resistance and reduce drag, which is especially crucial if you're a performance-oriented cyclist or regularly ride at higher speeds. Mounting system With an IPX6 rating, the bag is waterproof, a claim that was repeatedly proven on many a soggy summer ride.

Bento boxes are an efficient way to carry fuel—some may even have aerodynamic benefits.We take a look at four great options.

Like the Altura, it would occasionally lean to one side, but not all that often. And, unlike the Altura, our knees rarely found it obtrusive, either.

There’s still one litre of space available and we had no issues storing multiple gels, a tool, phone and mini pump. Based on this, we’d say this is also a solid choice for long days in the saddle. In practice, this didn’t seem to make it any less stable, but, admittedly, this is a slimmer product, so there was less of it overhanging our top tube. Easy access to your belongings while riding is crucial. Look for a top tube bag that has convenient zippers or closures that can be easily opened with one hand. Waterproofing This achieves a reasonably secure fit, but through months of testing we did sometimes find the bag would lean to one side. While cycling, our legs would also occasionally rub against the straps, though this wasn’t particularly common.The good news for triathletes is that bento boxes are also having a renaissance as gravel riders have adopted them as de rigueur for off-road riding. This means you can find more types of bento boxes, in bigger sizes (if you prefer) than ever before. And as such, more and more brands are equipping their road and tri bikes’ top tubes with braze-on bolts—something almost entirely unheard of just 10 years ago. If your road or tri bike has braze-on bolts on its top tube, you’re free to use any bento boxes with integrated attachment—meaning you can forego the velcro straps and achieve a cleaner setup by bolting the box directly on. Look for bags made from durable materials like high-quality nylon or polyester. Reinforced seams and sturdy zippers contribute to the bag's overall durability. Choosing a top tube bag with some level of waterproofing or water resistance will help keep your belongings dry and protected. Durability