Frame bags and stash spots are becoming more popular as mountain bikers look to take weight off their backs. Rock Bar offers a versatile storage solution that appears to be both simple and effective.
The bag is constructed from semi-rigid nylon with foam padding and is cylindrical in shape. At 28 x 5 x 6 cm, the bag isn’t quite wide enough to hold a soda can, though smaller energy drink cans seem to fit. The bag has a zipper closure on one end and is designed to hold small items like a tube, tool, snack, keys, and/or a mini-pump. A removable, water-resistant pouch keeps items safe while also making it easier to pull items out without having to dump the whole bag.
Rock Bar also says the bag can be used to carry 7lb. weights for fitness training. This sounds like an awful idea to me, but then again, I know some riders do ride with extra weight to train ahead of big bikepacking trips.
Because the Rock Bar bag is small and cylindrical, it can be mounted in many different places on a bike using the integrated straps. The handlebar mount is the most obvious, and Rock Bar says flat bar riders may be able to run two bags at once in this position. Beyond the bars, Rock Bar shows off the ability to run the bag on top tubes, down tubes, and even fork legs. This opens up the possibility for a lot of added storage, though for a lot of small items and not necessarily for larger items like a full sleep system.
The Rock Bar storage case is available online for $29.95 and the company also sells extra straps and even steel weight pouches for use with the standard bag.
