Restrap Race Top Tube Bag review - plenty of storage space without getting in the way of your knees

The rigid construction of this bag helps it keep its streamlined shape

Restrap’s Race Top Tube Bag mounted on a gravel bike
(Image credit: Future)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Restrap Race Top Tube Bag is an excellent high-capacity option which is sturdy and can be opened one-handed. Its longer length means it boasts a 1.5 litre capacity whilst also being quite streamlined and, with its rigid design, it doesn’t tend to get in the way of your knees. The quality of the fabrics and construction lead me to believe that it will stand the test of time, too.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Well made

  • +

    Sturdy

  • +

    Holds its shape

  • +

    Durable

  • +

    Weatherproofed

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Internal sleeves are too narrow

  • -

    Internal sleeves don’t offer on-the-go access

  • -

    No cable port

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Top tube bags are designed to offer easy access on the go to smaller items such as valuables, snacks or low bulk layers such as arm warmers - they make a good alternative be used instead of stuffing your jersey pockets or a saddle bag.

Capacity wise, Restrap’s Race Top Tube Bag sits in the middle of the sizes on offer by bikepacking bag brands. 1.5 litres is a useful amount of storage space and one advantage of going for something a bit smaller is that you’re less likely to hit your knees on it. 

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Anna Marie Abram
Fitness Features Editor

I’ve been hooked on bikes ever since the age of 12 and my first lap of the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit in the bright yellow kit of the Hillingdon Slipstreamers. For a time, my cycling life centred around racing road and track. 

But that’s since broadened to include multiday two-wheeled, one-sleeping-bag adventures over whatever terrain I happen to meet - with a two-week bikepacking trip from Budapest into the mountains of Slovakia being just the latest.

I still enjoy lining up on a start line, though, racing the British Gravel Championships and finding myself on the podium at the enduro-style gravel event, Gritfest in 2022.

Height: 177cm

Weight: 60–63kg