A bicycle ride is always fun. But what if you needed to carry some stuff? Unlike a motorbike or a scooter, where you could carry a backpack to do the job, cycling with weight on your back is no fun or convenient.
Do long cycling rides interest you? Read the cycling travelogues here.
Welcome to the world of cycling accessories. There is a long list of items to choose from to meet your every need in the luggage space. One of the smallest items on this list is a cycling frame bag. Why is it called a frame bag? Well because it hugs the frame and is designed to stay in place no matter what the terrain. Sounds useful, no?
The designs vary, but only slightly, across manufacturers and product lines. However, differences lie in the quality of material used, separate mobile compartments, colors, waterproofing features, warranty, etc.
In this post, we review the double frame bag from the house of Decathlon. But before we begin here are some detailed specifications.
Product Specifications
| Model name: | RIVERSIDE Cycling Double Frame Bag 2L – 520 Blue/Black |
| Capacity: | 2 x 1 Litre |
| Total compartments: | 3 (2 zipped pouches and 1 mobile slip-in compartment) |
| Color: | Outer – Blue/Black, Inner – Blue |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Dimensions: | Smartphone compartment: 17 x 10 cm |
| Total Product: | Length- 19 cm, Width 15 cm, Height 15 cm |
| Size variations: | NA |
| Color variations: | Black |
| Other variations/similar models: | Cycling Double Frame Bag 1L – 500 Black (without a smartphone compartment) |
| Compatibility: | Most flat bar frames. Not for cycles with a low step. |
| Special features: | Hook for attaching Vioo clip. Key compartment, strap to tie key inside the right compartment, partition in the right compartment. |
| Use case: | For carrying small items. |
What we like about it:
- Capacity: The bag has 2 compartments with a total capacity of 2L. It is sufficient to hold documents, keys, a money purse, a puncture repair kit, and a few smaller items like medicines, etc. In addition, and most importantly it can hold a smartphone with up to 16 cm (6.3 inches) display in the smartphone compartment.
- Durability: The product is made out of durable material to last you a significant number of rides. The feel of the material has a coarseness to it on the exterior black areas. The blue part on the exterior, however, has a smoother feel. On the whole, the material does not give the impression that it would tear easily. The stitching and the overall finish of the product are excellent as we have seen in most of the products from Decathlon. The zippers have string pullers for ease of use and seem of good quality.
- Luggage management: The interior of the compartments has a lining of blue parachute-like material, which makes the product look premium, and functionally it keeps the contents dust free. The right compartment has a partition with a velcro lock to keep items organized. In addition, this compartment also has a feature to secure keys with help of a Velcro scrap. The smartphone compartment has a design to slip the phone through an underneath slit.
- Quick-release: The bag can be mounted on a flat-frame bicycle using three Velcro straps and positioned at the top of the top tube, just below the stem. The entire process of mounting the bag onto the frame is super simple and quick. An illustrated ‘how to guide’ to perform the mount operation comes along with the product. Once mounted correctly, the bag stays stable across all terrains.
- Extras: The product has a hook for attaching VIOO lights. The smartphone pouch is padded to provide a shield against shocks and vibrations. Further, it has a touch-sensitive transparent material on the top side that would enable you to use navigation using GPS and also to monitor the phone screen at all times. There is also the standard warranty of 2 years on the product. Please check the Decathlon website for terms & conditions related to this.
What we don’t like about it:
- No waterproofing: Although the overall design is great, the product lacks waterproofing, which would have been a welcome addition at this price point.
- Smartphone compartment size: It could have been larger considering that large screen sizes in mobiles are very popular. Smartphones with a screen size of 16 cm (6.3 inches) fit tightly into the compartment with visible strains in the corners. Carrying any larger phones would be a strict no as it would damage the product.
- Breathing holes: There is a small hole on the floor of each compartment. It could result in any small contents falling away if the user does not take note of this.
- Color options: Black is the only one available now.
Final Verdict
Like we have seen with other Decathlon products, this one too is very nicely designed keeping in mind the end use. It can serve as your companion both during short and long rides. Of special use is the smartphone compartment, which can prove super useful for navigation or at other times to just monitor incoming calls that interrupt your ride. The product build quality is good and we can expect it to last long. On the flip side, at this price point (bought for Rs. 599/- during a clearance sale in August 2022. CMP Rs. 999/-), one would expect a waterproof bag, considering that the bag is expected to carry a purse, documents, and other valuables.
Lastly, as of the date of this post, the blue/black variant is discontinued, with black color as the sole option for this model. A few more color variants would have provided more choices to consumers.
In comparison to the other products on the market, this one seems to be a better one despite its shortcomings. With a 2-year warranty and a 90-day return policy, this essential piece of equipment will not disappoint you.
Overall rating: 4/5
I think it is important for a cycling bag with waterproof function.
Agree but those are difficult to find at this price point.