Bike pockets
Product 2018
Woman, Man
How can you bring your bits and pieces with you out riding without putting too much weight in your bike jersey? The bike frame bag is a good alternative because it offers a system that is quick to put in place: if you want to bring some extra gels, etc. you just clip it quickly onto your frame.
There are a few inconveniences with a frame bag: they aren’t always very aesthetic on a splendid carbon fiber bike! They need to be practical to use and easy to attach, and that isn’t always the case. Also – if you’ve made the effort to buy a super lightweight bike, the bag needs to reflect that too.
The Xlab Stealth Pocket 100C weighs 80g (the manufacturer states 66g), it could’ve been lighter with using different assembly techniques and maybe lighter materials; for example it has very large stitching that deforms the bag slightly when you take a look inside the bag.
The zip is very practical for rapid access, but it does add weight. Despite its size it isn’t as easy as that to use. Be careful washing the bag too much as this will dry out the zip functioning, remember to spray some silicone on it to keep it working well. The zip has a nice red plastic end that is easy to grab, if there were little ridges in this it would be even more easy to grab with wet fingers.
Attaching the pocket to the frame is very easy, even with an oversize frame. The three Velcro® bands are long enough. Fast in both directions, putting on and taking off. In very warm conditions the bag made some funny little squeaky noises against the frame; so you just need to readjust the Velcro®. The base of the pocket is anti-slip and enables it to stay in the axe of the frame keeping good aerodynamics and not interfere with your legs pedaling.
What most interests us is the storage space: we decided to test this triathlon bag on long distance outings. The aim was to not carry too much to keep good aerodynamics. The Xlab Stealth Pocket 100C fulfills both these criteria : a limited volume and aerodynamic form. You can carry three gels, a cereal bar and even an Iphone X fits in – almost!
The bag is practically waterproof. The interior is treated in pale grey to be able to easily see what you are looking for whilst riding. There’s a little red netting to separate your gels, car keys, etc. We found the separation to be a bit small to be useful.
We used the Xlab Stealth Pocket 100C for an entire season and washed it numerous times: it always showed up like new, nothing deteriorated in the wash, and it dries relatively quickly.
This Xlab Stealth Pocket 100C is tough and practical. The volume is perfect for a day out, in triathlon or just riding. We just consider it could have been a little lighter.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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