Words Lester Perry
Images Cameron Mackenzie
RRP Racing Frame Pack 2.4L – $229 | Racing Series Saddle Pack – $319
Distributor Wide Open

Peruse the start line at any ultra-cycling or bikepacking event, and you’ll see Apidura bags well represented by riders from either end of the competition spectrum.

Bags of differing shapes, sizes and uses, designed to be faff-free; simply strap it to your bike and off you go. No need for bolt-on bits or customisation of mounting brackets.

Founded in 2013, Apidura was one of the first legit ‘off-the-shelf’ bike bag brands. Technically superior to others in the market, Apidura quickly became known for its quality and function-first ethos, traits they continue to strive for today.

I’ve tested a couple of the ‘Racing Series’ bags, a range engineered to target those for whom size, weight and quality are paramount. Designed in conjunction with three-time Transcontinental Race winner, Kristof Allegaert, the range required creating a completely new material to ensure the bags delivered on their durability goals.

Chasing the best of everything, Apidura developed Hexalon, a laminated fabric that’s waterproof, lightweight, and durable – offering exceptional tear and abrasion resistance. The entire Racing Series is constructed from Hexalon, seam-welded, and fully waterproof, right down to the zips. Since 2015, Apidura has been PFC (aka PFA) free, instead using a TPU coating to help with waterproofing. This and other measures in its manufacturing process ensure eco-consciousness and fair manufacturing of every Apidura product.

I haven’t used many bike bags, but I know enough to know “the quality from the cack”. Even the smallest of weak points on a bag can render it useless, from dodgy stitching to dicky straps and fabrics that simply aren’t suitable; a failure in any of these could see you pulled over on the side of the road attempting to repair it, something no one wants to deal with while miles from the comfort of home.

RACING FRAME PACK – 2.4L (tested) or 4L

When I removed the Frame Pack from the box it arrived in, the first thing that struck me was how light it was; and the second was just how clean it looked. The lack of sewn seams and its deep black colour with yellow and silver highlights made it look almost futuristic.

Securing the pack to the frame was simple: two low-profile Velcro straps secure the top tube; two more traditional – but relatively narrow – webbing straps and strap adjusters keep things in place on the downtube. There’s ample length on offer, so the straps should fit around most frames and, if they’re too long, there are handy, elasticated strap-keepers to ensure things stay tidy.

The pack is split into two parts: the left, non-drive side, and the slightly slimmer right hand side. Full- length waterproof zips hide under flaps on each side. A cable hole is found under a rubber flap on the front end for all your ultradistance light or charging cable needs. I was happy to see this – it’s a small detail but a much cleaner way to deal with cables, should you need them, rather than running them out of main zippers on the sides.

The volume of the pack is ideal for a full-day adventure. I stuffed the largest (right side) pocket with some snacks and a spare tube for our “Up the Mandel” Coromandel trip (see our previous issue). I filled the left compartment with tools or spares I thought I might need over the two-day trip. I had my bulkier gear (rain jacket, small puffer jacket, and other miscellaneous clothing items) in the Racing Saddle Pack. Had there been more re-supply options around Coromandel, I could have done away with some food and stashed a jacket or extra clothing in the Frame Pack.

“Stopped time is lost time” while racing, so easy access to the pockets while riding is essential. The zipper ‘pulls’ hang slightly below the rain flap, making them easy to hold. The waterproof zippers do take some tugging to open, although, over recent rides, they seem to be freeing up somewhat – so perhaps they just need to wear in. The flap over the zips goes unnoticed most of the time, but I like the fact it helps keep muck (including my sweat) off the zipper; this should keep the action consistent and safe from jamming up with crap.

It’s quiet and unnoticeable while riding, a great addition to the kit. The Apidura Racing Frame Pack will now accompany me on anything more than a three hour jaunt; its size, sleek looks, minimal weight, and ease of use tick all the boxes for me.

RACING SADDLE PACK

Mounting the saddle pack is a cinch: loop the two webbed straps through the saddle rails, clip up, wrap the large rubberised Velcro strap around the seatpost, ensure everything is in the right place, and then tension the straps as required. Simple.

Apidura’s signature Hexalon fabric combines with the roll-top closure to offer a waterproof unit and peace of mind that your essentials will stay dry and clean should the conditions take a turn for the worse. There’s a ladder of possible mounting options for a rear light, so the light should be in a well-visible position no matter what bike the pack is mounted to. The fabric appears to be holding up well after a few trips, and I expect this pack to last many years.

Operating the pack is simple, but unless you’re a contortionist with exceptional balance, you must stop riding to access its contents. It’s best used for items after riding or emergency supplies. I like the ease of removal; it takes just 10 seconds to grab it off the bike once you reach your destination. Remounting, the pack takes a little longer but is such a simple process that no time is wasted.

Once loaded and tensioned, the pack stays secure and stable while riding. I’m not sure what the difference is over other similar-style bags I’ve used, but this is the most secure and solid; there is nothing worse than a bag that sways even when sufficiently tensioned.

There are no frills here, just the essentials in a well-designed and simply effective roll-top saddle pack. Love your work, Apidura.