December Nationals week in the rearview, which means the holiday season is in full swing. For the last-minute shoppers, we have the third and final installment of our 2019 gift guide today.
You can check out Part I and Part II as well.
To scroll through each, use the next button.
Rapha Mini Bar Bag
I’m not a big fan of paying a big premium just to show off a name. But when a product works well and is durable, then perhaps a premium is justified.
The Rapha “Mini Bar Bag” has become our favorite for long gravel rides. It adds survival gear capacity to a saddle bag, can haul more energy bars than you can consume in a day, can fit a DSLR camera (with a pancake lens), and can be a convenient stuff sack for jackets and warmers.
We’ve had bags open unexpectedly on bumpy descents, or come with overly complicated pads and straps that wouldn’t stay in place. This bag avoids both annoyances. Bonus? It does a good job of keeping your contents dry in the worst of weather.
This bag simply attaches by two straps up top and secures through one strap around your head tube. The buckles male removal and installation a snap, and we’ve found room for the straps on a handlebar filled with Shimano GRX sub brake levers and shifter buttons.
It’s the right size for a long day ride, and can double as a frame bag or shoulder bag. © Cyclocross Magazine
Should you want to get aero, or keep your valuables on your person for a stroll, the Rapha Bar Bag begs to please. It’s got a side strap that can secure to your seat tube to convert it to a mini frame bag, and a hidden cross-body strap so you can take it with you should you stray far from your bike.
The Rapha Handlebar Bag also doubles as a mini frame bag. © Cyclocross Magazine
Rapha fans will be joyous to receive a useful head badge to their bike, and those indifferent to the brands will be won over by its utility. To Rapha’s credit, it’s not bright pink, but yet offers a Rapha pink interior with motivational messaging “Pack Light, Travel Far.”
It wouldn’t be Rapha without pink and a motivational language. © Cyclocross Magazine
At $65, it doesn’t even come with the sticker shock that tags along with some Rapha products. Based on its versatility and durability, I’d even call it a decent value.
Giving this bag to someone is kinda like saying, “Go out, get lost.” And assuming the bag will be used to carry essentials, they’ll have a good chance of making it back.
MSRP: $65
More info: rapha.cc
