Revelate Designs Extended Play Top Tube Bag Review: Snackaholics Unite

On Tuesday, Revelate Designs launched a completely redesigned lineup of top tube bags. The drop included a brand-new Mag-Tank, a quick-release Mag-Tank FastTrack, and two sizes of the new Extended Play top tube bag. I already shared a first look at both Mag-Tanks, and Neil and I decided to share a standalone review of the Extended Play bags because we’ve both gotten a lot of use out of them over the last couple of months.

As the name suggests, the Extended Play is a longer-than-average top tube bag for rides or bikepacking trips that require more easy-access storage. It shares many of the same elements as the new Mag-Tank, including a 210D TPU Laminated Nylon Ripstop exterior, a removable TPU liner, HDPE plastic stiffeners on the base and sides, and removable molded silicone pads and TPU straps. The only real differences are the burly nylon-molded zipper (instead of the Fidlock magnetic buckle) and its length.

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The Extended Play top tube bag is available in 14″ and 18″ sizes. The 14″ version is 14 inches long, 4.25 inches tall at the high end, and tapers down to 2.25 inches high at the narrow end. The 18″ version I’ve been testing is 18 inches long and tapers from 4.25 inches to 2.5 inches tall. Both sizes are 2.5″ wide at the tall end, tapering to 2″ wide at the narrow end.

Like the Mag-Tank, they include a lightweight TPU liner that makes cleaning out the inside a cinch. There’s also a horizontal divider to create some separation inside, which is nice for these extra-long top tube bags. The 14″ version has six mounting locations for the two top tube straps, and the 18″ has eight, which is handy when working around frame bag straps or different frame shapes. Because there is no head tube strap, I generally find that spacing the straps as far apart as possible provides the most stable installation.

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A common concern with long top tube bags is whether they interfere with normal pedaling. Due to the substantial taper, the bag didn’t hit my legs in normal circumstances. The TPU straps and silicone pads do a good job at holding the bag in place, but on bikes with limited standover clearance, I found it was possible to knock it out of place. The Sour Pasta Party I’m currently reviewing has a small-diameter cylindrical top tube, and I had to be extra careful not to push it out of place when getting on and off the bike. Bikes with lower top tubes or larger diameter tubing likely won’t be as much of a nuisance, and the 14” version Neil tested is likely a better option for high top tubes or anyone with a cramped cockpit. A benefit of both versions is that they don’t interfere with steering or feedbags, because you can leave some space between your stem and the bag.

After a few overnighters and several long day rides, the burly nylon-molded zipper is holding up great. Like other bags that use comparable zippers, it runs smoothly, and I expect it will continue to do so under any conditions. There’s no question that the bag is closed securely, unlike magnetic systems, which I’m hesitant to trust. My only gripe is that for such a long bag, you’d expect zipper pulls at both ends to avoid having to unzip the entire bag. The Rogue Panda Catalina full-length top tube bag has two zippers, and I’ve really enjoyed that.

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Revelate included a removable divider in the TPU liner to help keep contents organized. It’s also quick to remove and clean out between trips, ensuring that no caked-on snacks come along for the next ride. The inside of most of my top tube bags is stained from years of sugary candy and nut mixes, so the removable liner feels like a major upgrade.

There are a handful of brands offering long top tube bags, and most custom bagmakers will make them in whatever length you want. Neil shared his thoughts on some of the most popular options here. There are three brands that stand out for their sophisticated mounting systems, which provide an adjustable, stable fit. The table below compares options from Revelate Designs, Tailfin, and Rogue Panda. The 14” Extended Play bag, at $125, offers great bang for your buck, while Tailfin has more size options, and Rogue Panda will make whatever length you want alongside their stock sizes.

Long Top Tube Bags Compared: The Big Three

Neil’s Extended Play 14″ Review

Neil has been testing out the shorter 14″ Extended Play top tube bag, which is probably a more realistic option for folks riding bikes with shorter top tubes or anyone who’s not quite ready for the length of the 18″ version. In his video review, Neil explains why he’s grown to love longer top-tube bags, walks through the details of the new Extended Play, and shares his overall thoughts after using it.

• Capacity: 1.5-2L
• Material: 210D TPU laminated nylon ripstop, HDPE, TPU, silicone
• Weight: 240-296 grams
• Place of Manufacture: China/Cambodia
• Price: $125-$130 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: RevelateDesigns.com

Further Reading

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