Restrap Bar Bag Holster + Dry Bag vs Topeak FrontLoader 12L
Two handlebar bags, measured against each other on the figures that decide whether they work on a bike.
The short answer
The Bar Bag Holster + Dry Bag takes capacity and bar width; the FrontLoader 12L takes weight, price 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
5 of the 5 things we can measure come out differently.
Capacity
2L more in the Bar Bag Holster + Dry BagThe 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
2cm narrower on the Bar Bag Holster + Dry BagBar 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
23g lighter on the FrontLoader 12LEmpty weight as published. Worth holding against capacity rather than alone — the lighter bag is not the better one if it carries a third less.
Price
$62 between themManufacturer's price as we hold it.
Per litre
$3.12 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.
| Restrap Bar Bag Holster + Dry Bag | Topeak FrontLoader 12L | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 14L | 12L |
| Width across the ends | 48cm — needs a 54cm bar | 50cm — needs a 56cm bar |
| Weight | 480g | 457g |
| Price | $172 | $110 |
| Per litre | $12.29 | $9.17 |