Apidura Racing Handlebar Mini Pack vs Topeak BarLoader 6.5L
Two handlebar bags, measured against each other on the figures that decide whether they work on a bike.
The short answer
The Racing Handlebar Mini Pack takes bar width and weight; the BarLoader 6.5L takes capacity and value per litre. Which of those you care about depends on the frame you are fitting it to.
Assembled from the differences below rather than written over them. Every figure is a published measurement or computed from one — nobody here has used either one.
Where they differ
4 of the 5 things we can measure come out differently.
Capacity
4L more in the BarLoader 6.5LThe maker's own figure. Worth reading alongside the dimensions below rather than on its own — two bags of the same litreage can want very different frames.
Width across the ends
3cm narrower on the Racing Handlebar Mini PackBar bags are sold on litres and fitted on width. The figure beside each is the narrowest bar it clears with usable room either side for cables and levers — on drop bars that is what rules a bag in or out.
Weight
217g lighter on the Racing Handlebar Mini PackEmpty weight as published. Worth holding against capacity rather than alone — the lighter bag is not the better one if it carries a third less.
Per litre
$22.62 per litre between themPrice divided by the maker's capacity. A crude measure that still catches the case where the dearer bag is also the bigger one, which the price alone hides.
Side by side
Including the rows where they are level.
| Apidura Racing Handlebar Mini Pack | Topeak BarLoader 6.5L | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2.5L | 6.5L |
| Width across the ends | 28cm — needs a 34cm bar | 31cm — needs a 37cm bar |
| Weight | 108g | 325g |
| Price | $95 | $100 |
| Per litre | $38.00 | $15.38 |