Muddy Brown's Blog: Fresh Goods Sunday - Alpkit (Part 1) Fuel Pod Small Top Tube Bike Bag

7 February 2016

Fresh Goods Sunday - Alpkit (Part 1) Fuel Pod Small Top Tube Bike Bag

I have been using the Xlab version of this bag for several years and are excellent value for money. The only problem I have had was some grit got into one of the zippers so when opening/closing you have to be careful.
I decided to try out the Alpkit version - Fuel pod, its comes in three sizes and the small is very similar in size to the xlab. I mainly carry just my camera / small loose items and is an ideal size on the Beargrease. It arrived in 3-4 days but two days later Alpkit had reduced the price by 15% ggrr!
The material is a lot more ridge than the xlab but it might soften up / become more flexible with use. It come with three loose Velcro straps, one for the streerer tube and two for the top tube. The design of the bag means the webbing around the edges has plenty of holes so you can adjust where you pull the velcro through. The zip is nice and chucky / smooth, time will tell if it remains the same. The zips on my Alpkit possum frame bag need a lube now as they are getting dry and rough.
The rrp is £18 inc p&p and comes in five different colours. They also offer free returns and a 3 year warranty now.
I have used the Beargrease with this bag fitted a few times now and no had any problems so far. Its quite easy to open with one hand whilst ridding along and get the camera out but takes a little more effort to close it with one hand whilst still riding.

Here is the manufacturers blurb -
Top tube mounted bag for trail mix, gels, tubes, GPS and tools.
A simple zip closure bag, with quick and easy access for storage of trail mix, fuel gels, puncture repair kit, phone, wallet and mini-tools.
Fuel Pod small is a super handy pack to keep everything right in front of you. Just the right size for those short trips, commutes or as part of a larger system of luggage. Ideal for carrying a few essentials such as keys, wallet, fuel gels, phone or a mini tool kit.
Fuel Pod Small is nimble and lightweight but since it is constructed from bombproof VX21 fabric, it is enduring so can depend on it for many rides to come.
The pod has minimal interference with your movements or the bike’s steering: we leave ours attached permanently to the bike, that way you never forget those little essentials.
Key features