Topeak Tour Guide compact bar bag

The Tour Guide might be the solution for day riders or those wanting to keep valuables close to hand. Measuring a mere 16.5 x 10 x 18.5cm, the bag demands efficient packing but the main compartment swallows a compact camera, MP3 player, energy bars and a multi tool, whilst the convenient side pockets are great for stashing credit card, keys and notes/change. It converts into a bum-bag but mercifully there’s an integral carry handle and shoulder strap for those of us who regard “Fanny packs” as the height of fashion faux pas.

The hinged two piece handlebar bracket is something of a mixed blessing It is undoubtedly very robust, offering excellent rigidity and designed to accommodate bar diameters between 25.4 and 31.0. However, fitting wasn’t quite as straightforward as the design and accompanying instructions suggest-thanks largely to the limited shim choice. Achieving a satisfactory fit on a pair of Nitto Randonneur type drops required judicious modification of the beefier inserts using a Stanley knife and I felt there could’ve been a wider choice of bolts to lock everything in place.

The computer mount is a nice touch but is potentially problematic with some wireless units as it puts the head unit further from the sensor. I employed it as a lighting mount although thoughtfully there’s also an LED tab woven into the front.

Aboard the bike, it’s reassuringly rigid and the tactile fabric will resist moderate showers, although heavier rains demand the yellow cover, especially if your cargo consists of expensive camera or similar electrical goods. Removal and fitting is child's play: simply engage the yellow quick release and pull upwards to remove.

Verdict

A great little bag needing a broader choice of fitting hardware