What’s With All The Long Top Tube Bags?

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a humble little accessory called the top tube bag. It looked like a miniaturized motorcycle gas tank and attached to your bicycle neatly behind the stem and steerer tube. It perfectly held a couple of snacks, a multi-tool, and maybe even your trusty flip phone. And then something happened. Just like your phone, it started to grow, and grow, and grow. Suddenly, it could fit a smartphone, a banana, and so much more. But why would anyone need a bag that spans the full length of their top tube? I attempt to answer this in my video below, followed by a written version.

Why Oversized?

The first oversized top tube bag I ever used was from Bike Bag Dude’s garage in 2015. It was outrageously large but incredibly useful for carrying extra food when I lacked storage elsewhere. However, that wasn’t technically a “long” top tube bag. Fast forward to today, and most long top tube bags measure at least 370mm in length, with some spanning the whole top tube.

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For years, I’ve loved top tube bags for their convenience. On day rides, they’re perfect for snacks, my phone, and tools. For bikepacking, they’re ideal for keeping items like sunscreen and snacks easily accessible. I prefer a top tube bag over a stem bag because it causes fewer interference issues. But the real question is: what are the benefits of this growing trend in long top tube bags?

Benefits and Drawbacks

The most obvious advantage of a long top tube bag is the extra space it provides. Whether you’re on an expedition needing room for items that might come in handy down the road or riding a smaller-sized (or full-suspension) bike where the limited triangle space makes it a challenge to pack even for an overnighter, these bags can come in super handy. I also know plenty of racers—both ultra-endurance and day racers—who love these bags for their ability to provide quick, on-the-bike access to a lot of calories or essentials without having to stop pedaling.

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This year, I found long top tube bags incredibly helpful on a few trips. One instance was on my Otso Warakin, where I didn’t have a full frame bag to maximize triangle space. In this setup, the long top tube bag bridged the gap, supplementing the lost storage capacity. While it wasn’t a complete replacement for a frame bag, it made a big difference. Another example was during day rides on my full-suspension bike. The bag was perfect for carrying tools, snacks, and even my small tripod—a piece of gear I usually leave at home due to space constraints. I’ve noticed that the thoughtful shape and design make a big difference; I rarely encountered knee rub issues with them, which isn’t something I can say for wider top tube bags I’ve used in the past.

But these bags aren’t without their downsides. Aesthetically, they’re not exactly pleasing. My job often pushes me to try things I wouldn’t normally consider, and in the past, I never would’ve given a bag like this a second look simply because of its appearance. Even after using them a bunch recently, I still don’t love the way they look. But sometimes function over fashion makes sense.

That all said, there are a few drawbacks from a functional perspective. On bikes with higher top tubes, like the Otso Warakin, these bags can further impede stand-over clearance, making getting on and off the bike more awkward. That said, on other bikes like the Moonlander or mountain bikes with sloping top tubes, they use the available space quite effectively. Another consideration is weight distribution. Long top tube bags place weight higher on the bike, which can lead to a slightly top-heavy feel, depending on your setup. It’s not a dealbreaker if space is limited and you have no other options, but it’s something to be aware of. Finally, there’s the price. These bags are pricey. Many standard top tube bags cost between $30 and $60, but long top tube bags can set you back upward of $150.

Despite their flaws, I’ve found long top tube bags to be a joy to use. They offer a unique storage solution that’s particularly useful for bikepacking and day rides. Whether the trade-offs are worth it ultimately depends on your needs, your bike, and your willingness to embrace their unconventional look.

Existing Options

There are several options for long top tube bags on today’s market, and this trend seems to have taken off in the UK, with brands like Tailfin, Apidura, and Restrap leading the charge. Let’s start with Tailfin, whose long top tube bag just launched today.

Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag

1.6-3.0L / 370-500mm Long / 206-265 grams / Made in Taiwan / $115-150 at Tailfin

The Tailfin Long Top Tube Bags are essentially an extension of their Top Tube Bags launched last year. These new bags share the same Hypalon/Ripstop Nylon construction and familiar shape but are, well, longer. The standout feature of all Tailfin Top Tube Bags is the V-Mount, a rubber mount on the underside of the bag that secures it to the top tube. Paired with TPU straps or direct-mount bolts, this system provides a snug, secure fit. In fact, it’s the most stable top tube bag I’ve used, and the longer version is no exception. There’s no need for additional attachment points to the head tube—or, in this case, the seat tube—for stability. This design shines when carrying slightly larger loads, offering unmatched steadiness if you have a straight (or only slightly curved) top tube.

The new Long Top Tube Bags come in 1.6L, 2.2L, and 3.0L options. They include some thoughtful internal velcro add-ons like bag dividers and pockets for organizing belongings like your wallet or phone. The bags are relatively thin and taper nicely to minimize rub issues, thanks to their carbon strut skeleton, which is noticeably stiffer than the plastic alternative found on their shorter top tube bags.

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One standout feature is the dual-zipper system, which allows access from both the top and bottom of the bag. However, as I’ve mentioned before—not just with Tailfin bags, but with many others—small coil zippers aren’t built for the long haul. After about a year of use on my original Tailfin Top Tube Bag, I broke the zipper earlier this year. For this reason, I strongly urge manufacturers to switch to molded tooth zippers, which are far more durable. That being said, Tailfin’s customer service is great, and they offer a Tailfin Care warranty on these and will likely replace them if you end up having a zipper issue.

Overall, Tailfin’s Long Top Tube Bag offers unparalleled stability and has made me a fan of this style of long bag. ​​These bags come in three sizes to fit different needs. The 1.6-liter option weighs 206 grams, measures 370 millimeters in length, and costs $115. The 2.2-liter version steps it up to 250 grams, 470 millimeters, and $130, while the largest, the 3.0-liter bag, comes in at 265 grams, spans 500 millimeters, and is priced at $150, which is the most expensive top tube bag I can think of. That said, If you’re looking for a stable, well-designed long top tube bag, this lineup is hard to ignore. Find a full review of the Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag that Logan wrote here.

Apidura Racing/Backcountry Long Top Tube Pack

1.8-2.0L / 370-440mm Long / 200 grams / Made in China/Philippines / $95-96 at Restrap

Another UK bikepacking brand, Apidura, also offers long top tube bags in their Race Series and Backcountry Series. I’ve had their Backcountry Long Top Tube Pack for a number of years now. While it hasn’t seen heavy use, it has a well-thought-out design and features a removable divider and HDPE plastic stiffeners with cutouts, keeping the bag narrow to prevent knee rub while keeping weight down.

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Similar to the Tailfin model, the Apidura bag is welded for solid water resistance and includes dual zipper pulls. However, it also uses the same delicate coil zippers, a design choice that really needs to change for improved durability. In terms of stability, the Apidura bag isn’t quite as secure as the Tailfin, as it lacks a unique mounting system like Tailfin’s V-Mount. Instead, it relies on head tube and seat tube straps to maintain stability. That said, these straps allow for good stability and single-handed opening and closing, which is a key feature for top tube bags.

The Apidura long top tube bags come in two models. The Backcountry Long Top Tube Pack offers 1.8 liters of capacity, weighs 200 grams, measures 370 millimeters in length, and costs $95. The Race Long Top Tube Pack is slightly larger, with 2 liters of storage, also weighing 200 grams, and measuring 440 millimeters in length for $96. While both models are more affordable than Tailfin’s options, they don’t have direct-mount compatibility and require more attachment points, which could be a factor depending on your setup and preferences.

Restrap Race Top Tube Bag Long

1.5-2.0L / 370-490mm Long / 183-243 grams / Made in UK / $98-105 at Restrap

Rounding out the UK-based options is Restrap, another brand offering what they call their Race Top Tube Bag in both a regular and long version. The bag’s design is similar to Apidura’s, using straps around the top tube as well as the stack spacers and seat tube to create a secure fit. It also includes plastic sheets to add structure, helping to minimize bulging when the bag is loaded.

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The Restrap long top tube bags stand out with a unique feature: two elastic pockets near the top that are ideal for stashing small items or wrappers on the outside, which is a thoughtful and practical addition. You can find Logan’s review of the regular-length Restrap Race Top Tube Bag here, which took a spot in our annual 2024 Gear of the Year Awards. The Regular version holds 1.5 liters, weighs 183 grams, measures 370 millimeters in length, and is priced at $98. The Long version steps up to 2 liters of capacity, weighs 243 grams, and spans 490 millimeters in length for $105.

Dispersed Custom Full Top Tube Bag

Made in Arizona, USA / $140 at Dispersed

Dispersed, a newer custom bikepacking company in the U.S., is run by ultra-endurance racers Andrew and Katie Strempke. Drawing on their racing experience, they’ve designed top tube bags tailored to fit your bike from head tube to seat tube for easy on-the-bike access. Priced at $140, these bags include internal pockets, baffles, a front cable port, and dual zipper sliders for added functionality.

Alpine Luddites

Made in Vermont, USA / $140 at Alpine Luddites

Alpine Luddites also creates custom top tube bags for longer rides or bikes with limited frame bag space. Made from materials like X-Pac and Cordura, they feature large #10 coil zippers, optional foam padding for added protection, and hydration ports for dynamo hub integration. They come in a variety of different colors.

JPaks Large Farva SnakPak

381mm Long / 192 grams / Made in Colorado, USA / $125 at Jpaks

One standout Miles and Lucas both use and love the Jpaks SnakPak Footlong. Jpaks also offers a larger version called the Large Farva, measuring 381mm in length. While the exact capacity isn’t stated, the bag stands 108mm tall, with a width of 83mm at the front, tapering down to 38mm at the rear. It features a daisy chain bottom, two inner Velcro dividers, comes in a variety of colors, weighs 192 grams, and is priced at $125.

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Other Options

There are plenty of other larger-capacity top tube bags out there, like the Rogue panda Alamo Gordito Grande, which only comes out to 280mm but offers lots of volume. The huge Nuke Sunrise Stitchworks offering springs to mind as well. You can find more top tube bags in our Top Tube Bags Gear Index. If I missed anything you’re using in the long category, let me know in the conversation below!

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...