Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle vs Swift Industries Zeitgeist Handlebar Bag

Two handlebar bags, measured against each other on the figures that decide whether they work on a bike.

The short answer

The EXP Series Anything Cradle takes weight and price; the Zeitgeist Handlebar Bag takes bar width. 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

3 of the 3 things we can measure come out differently.

Width across the ends

14cm narrower on the Zeitgeist Handlebar Bag
Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle
44cm — needs a 50cm bar
Swift Industries Zeitgeist Handlebar Bag
30cm — needs a 36cm bar

Bar 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

120g lighter on the EXP Series Anything Cradle
Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle
420g
Swift Industries Zeitgeist Handlebar Bag
540g

Empty 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

$120 between them
Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle
$75
Swift Industries Zeitgeist Handlebar Bag
$195

Manufacturer's price as we hold it.

Side by side

Including the rows where they are level.

Salsa EXP Series Anything CradleSwift Industries Zeitgeist Handlebar Bag
Width across the ends44cm — needs a 50cm bar30cm — needs a 36cm bar
Weight420g540g
Price$75$195
Salsa
EXP Series Anything Cradle
$75 · 420g

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Swift Industries
Zeitgeist Handlebar Bag
$195 · 540g

We may earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.

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