As its name implies, the Topeak Tubular Slim is a compact handlebar bag, designed for bikes with limited space up front. With a capacity of just 1.5 litres, it holds its shape impressively well, making the most of the available volume and offering decent value for money. However, it struggles when the weather turns bad.
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Topeak Tubular Barbag Slim – Technical Details
With a maximum capacity of 1.5 litres, the Tubular Slim is the more compact option compared to Topeak’s standard BarBag, which offers 3.8 litres of storage. It’s constructed from durable 600D fabric and measures 19cm in width with a diameter of 10cm.
The maximum load capacity is 1.5kg, and Topeak claims a weight of just 94g. However, in testing, the total weight came to 124g with all the straps included, or 109g for the bag alone – still respectably lightweight.
Two velcro straps secure the bag to the handlebar, while an elastic toggle cord loops around the head tube to keep it stable. Topeak also includes a protective strip to prevent wear where the cord contacts the frame.
A single zip with a weather-resistant coating provides access to the main compartment, which is lined with shock-absorbing foam for added protection.
At the front, there are four attachment loops designed to accommodate compatible lights or other accessories that use a slip-on retention method. While there are no reflective elements, the Tubular Slim is available in the green version seen here, as well as black.
Topeak Tubular Barbag Slim - Performance
Fitting the Tubular Slim to the handlebars is fairly straightforward, although exposed cables can complicate matters. It’s compatible with both flat and drop handlebars, and I tested it on a drop-bar Lauf Seigla equipped with a 40cm PRO Discover Aero carbon handlebar, as well as on my child’s Orbea Laufey mountain bike. The slim profile lends itself well to both setups. With modern road and gravel handlebars tending to be narrower, and youth bikes having limited space as standard, the compact design is well suited to bikes where space on the handlebar is limited.
The two anti-slip Velcro straps are easy to use and provide a secure attachment, but the elastic cord used to anchor the bag to the head tube is more fiddly. This largely depends on your bike’s cable routing. Even with six potential points on the bag to thread the cord through, exposed cables can make it tricky to position the bag close enough to loop the cord securely. I found the elastic cord occasionally detached from the toggle during rides. Tightening it doesn’t always resolve the issue, especially when cables flex or shift, which is typically what causes the cord to pop loose.
Bikes with neater or internal cable routing are far less likely to encounter this problem. However, even in the best-case scenario, the risk of the cord rubbing against the frame or fork remains a concern. Topeak does include a protective strip, but it’s narrow and not particularly substantial, so careful and precise placement is essential, which can be awkward depending on your frame's shape.
While 1.5 litres might not sound like much, I was pleasantly surprised by what the Tubular Slim could hold. Usually, I packed a lightweight waterproof jacket, an extra layer, or some food for longer rides. Accessing the contents, however, requires two hands. Unless the elastic is under significant tension, one-handed operation is difficult – the bag tends to collapse when trying to open it, so you need to hold the end tab with one hand while pulling the zip with the other. This makes it less convenient for grabbing snacks or essentials on the move.
The bag was tested in a range of conditions, and during wet rides, its shortcomings became clear. Despite the weather-resistant zip, the fabric isn’t waterproof, so moisture does get in. I’d strongly recommend using a dry bag for anything that needs to stay dry or limiting the contents to items that won’t be damaged by water.
On the positive side, the bag remained stable on the bike, even when the elastic cord had unknowingly come loose. There was very little movement, even over rough terrain. And even when pushing the 1.5kg load limit, the bag maintained its shape well, which makes packing and unpacking far easier.
Topeak Tubular Barbag Slim - Verdict
The Topeak Tubular BarBag Slim may not offer the best weather protection or the most secure attachment system, but it still represents reasonable value for riders seeking a simple, easy-to-fit handlebar bag. Many alternatives come at a higher price point – for example, the Restrap Canister Bag, which also offers 1.5 litres of capacity, lacks any internal structure to help it hold its shape. The Straight Cut Bagel Bar Bag performed better in almost every regard, but the smaller 1.5-litre version comes in at £70.
Topeak has produced a relatively low-cost option that works well with narrower handlebars, while still offering a practical amount of storage and a shape that holds up even when full. However, it’s not waterproof – or even reliably showerproof – so you’ll need to think carefully about what you store inside and consider using a dry bag for anything you want to keep protected from the elements.
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