Review: Restrap Small Frame Bag
After signing up for my first gravel/cross events of the year, I decided to get hold of a frame bag to carry some extra rations and tubes etc. I'd heard mixed reviews about Restrap bags however, at the price point the small frame bag (now part of the #carryeverything range) it is hard to beat (I paid roughly £30), especially if you manage to snatch it on a sale price, and it offered the qualities I was after:
- Waterproof
- Fit my bike frame (a Liv Brava SLR size S) and still fit a water bottle on the downtube
- Easy to attach/remove/access
- Had enough capacity for 2 packets of Percy Pigs and other riding necessities
The first set-up of the Restrap frame bag, minus Percy Pigs
An (apparent) added bonus (to my Yorkshireman boyfriend) was the fact that Restrap are a Yorkshire brand, and their factory is in the heart of Leeds. I'm happy to support a local brand with a handfinished touch - when you buy a Restrap product you get a little card to say who made it, as well as a lifetime guarantee.
After I bought it last Spring/Summer I've used it in two major (to me) gravel events, Yorkshire True Grit and Grinduro - Scotland and it's still in one piece. You could argue that I haven't put it through its paces like a bikepacking trip or arctic weather would, but it's still been through the ringer, given the sheer volume of sweets I tried to stuff in there as well as extra layers, and all the use it had during my all weather commutes. Enough time spent in Yorkshire is enough to ruin anything given enough time thanks to our own micro-climate however the saddle bag remains a sturdy and accessible addition to my bike.
One concern I did have was the potential for my legs to rub against the bag. This happened during True Grit, on the straps on the top tube. The edge of the strap kept scratching my left knee but as soon as I adjusted it/ate some sweets it subsided and my knee was happy again.
At Yorkshire True Grit
Additionally, I was concerned it might sway, or rattle. However, it is sufficiently attached to the bike and with enough adjustment to keep it quiet. You just have to use your common sense with rattling, same as any bag, just line the rattly objects with something to cushion the noise.
Would I recommend it? Yes. I can't vouch for the waterproofness, but from the mild downpours I have been in it has excelled. It's easy to access with one hand, the construction screams quality and the straps haven't left a mark on my bike - even without using electrical tape to protect the frame.
On the Isle of Arran at Grinduro: Scotland
Things to consider - it is 2.5 L so think about how much stuff you want to shove in there - or what its purpose is. Will it fit your suit for work? No. But I can confidently say it will fit at least 2 packets of Percy Pigs and an inner tube and a small packable jacket. I've abused it for just under a year and it's still going strong, so the construction in my case was great.
Personally I think the quality is hard to beat, it's handsewn as well which is a nice touch, and it's at a very competitive price point - a similar small frame bag from big brands such as Apidura start from £66 (https://www.apidura.com/shop/frame-packs/). In fact, I like the Restrap brand so much I just bought their 4L saddle bag for future commutes/gravel adventures.
Check out the Restrap store here: https://restrap.com/
