This is my review of the Craft Cadence top tube bag.
I’ve been using it for the last couple of weeks and during my cycling vacation in Croatia.
You learn what I like and don’t about it, and more.
Let’s dive in.
Who Are Craft Cadence Products for?
Craft Cadence is a UK brand of premium bags and accessories mainly for commuters. Their products can also be used by day-to-day cyclists, roadies, gravel riders, mountain bikers, etc.
The price range of Craft Cadence is slightly higher, but you get high-quality and durable products with an extended warranty of 5-years.
What’s in the Box?
The delivery of the bag took about 12 business days from China to the Czech Republic. Here are the box contents and the technical specifications of the bag.
In the box
- Top tube bag
Technical specifications
- Available in black only
- Weight (without straps): 150g (0.33lb)
- Capacity: 1-1.5l
- Dimensions (L × H × W): 20.5 × 11 × 5 cm (8.07 × 4.33 × 1.97 in)
- Magnetic + Velcro enclosure system
My Experience with Craft Cadence Top Tube Bag
I’ve already been using Craft Cadence Handlebar Bag (and Essentials Case), which is handy for longer rides where I need to take more food and other equipment. But sometimes, it was simply too big and caused a lot of air resistance. It was also hard to access due to my bike computer mount.
The Craft Cadence top tube bag is more compact, easier to access, and more aero. Here is my summary of its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Very easy to access
- Well built
- Compatible with bike computer mounts
- Cable outlet
- Secure (Velcro) straps
*Protects against water jets (low-pressure jet spray). Source
Cons
- Available in black only
- Not 100% waterproof
- Not suitable for riding out of the saddle
The bag is available only in black. I don’t mind a wider color selection because I like black (it matches most bikes). But for some people, this can be a downside.
The magnetic enclosure is useful because it allows me to open and close the bag while riding.
I was afraid that it would get in the way of my knees while pedaling. But thanks to its narrow dimensions, I didn’t experience this issue. And I am one of those riders who pedal with knees more inwards than outwards.
However, when I ride out of the saddle, the bag comes in contact with my thighs and knees. But it is nothing serious, and I got used to it.
It offers a pretty decent capacity of 1-1.5l. The following picture illustrates what things I can fit in.
- Gels
- Snacks
- Mini pump
- Key
A look inside…
…and there was still some space left.
The bag is marketed as waterproof. If it rains, everything is ok because drops hit the bag from the top.
However, due to the bag’s design, water can get inside the bag from the bottom through the cable outlet.
So be careful when riding through puddles or streams.
Craft Cadence FAQ
My Verdict
Craft Cadence top tube bag is well built, easy to access while riding and feels durable.
It’s also waterproof, so you don’t have to be afraid of rain, but be careful when riding through puddles or streams.
It fits things like a mini pump, snacks, keys, and gels all at once. So, you can use it for freeing up your back pockets in your jersey or effectively extending your storage capacity.
The product for this review was kindly provided by the manufacturer. This did not influence my overall verdict or my opinion about the product.
