Evoc bike bags as a backpack supplement

Sebastian Brust

 · 08.01.2020

Evoc bike bags as a backpack supplementPhoto: Max Fuchs
Evoc bike bags as a backpack supplement

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The waterproof bags in the Evoc On Bike series cling to the handlebars and seat post with a Boa fastener, but are not a fully-fledged replacement for a bike rucksack. They hold too little luggage for that.

Chic: The Evoc On-Bike Bags stand out at first glance - whether in the beige-coloured Loam (see photos) or in the anthracite grey Carbon Grey, which is also available. The first impression of fine textile is deceptive, the bag material is of course made of plastic, the handlebar and saddle bags are even waterproof welded. The high-quality workmanship is typical of Evoc.

The larger of the two handlebar bags with a maximum capacity of five litres. Inside, a plastic skeleton distributes the forces and keeps the bag in shape.Photo: Max FuchsThe larger of the two handlebar bags with a maximum capacity of five litres. Inside, a plastic skeleton distributes the forces and keeps the bag in shape.

Instead of the usual Velcro straps, Evoc is using the Rotary ratchet fastener from Boa in. All you need to do is loosely hook in the retaining straps and turn the wheel, then a steel cable tightens the connection. This means that the bags can not only be tightened quickly and permanently, but also firmly with one hand - provided you have enough strength in your fingers. The interfaces are universally suitable for all conceivable handlebars and seat posts on road, gravel or mountain bikes.

In practice, however, there is a weakness in the Handlebar bag. Although the contact points to the handlebars are lightly rubberised, even the enormous clamping force is not enough to hold the loaded bag in position. Gravity, aided by the odd root impact, inevitably turns the bag towards the head tube until it presses against the cables and wires. Some form of spacer is missing here.

Hooked in and tightened: There is probably no more convenient way to attach a bag to your bike than with a Boa fastener. However, the clamping force is not sufficient, the loaded handlebar bag wants to swing out and can twist. Without spacers, which are supported by the head tube for example, the bag then presses against the cables.Photo: Max FuchsHooked in and tightened: There is probably no more convenient way to attach a bag to your bike than with a Boa fastener. However, the clamping force is not sufficient, the loaded handlebar bag wants to swing out and can twist. Without spacers, which are supported by the head tube for example, the bag then presses against the cables.

At the destination, one pull on the rotary knob is enough to release the boa connection immediately. The Saddlebag also hangs on two classic Velcro straps that wrap around the saddle frame. Access to the inside of the bag itself is provided by roll-top fasteners (on both sides of the handlebar bag), which allow the size to be adjusted to the respective fill level.

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Wow, ey! The new Evoc saddle bag is also held in place on the post tube with the clever twist-and-ratchet fastener. The saddle frame itself is looped around standard Velcro straps. The largest version, with a capacity of three litres, is also compatible with most telescopic seat posts. Although it protrudes straight backwards, it is compact enough so that even with the support lowered there is enough space for the rear wheels to rebound (photo).Photo: Max FuchsWow, ey! The new Evoc saddle bag is also held in place on the post tube with the clever twist-and-ratchet fastener. The saddle frame itself is looped around standard Velcro straps. The largest version, with a capacity of three litres, is also compatible with most telescopic seat posts. Although it protrudes straight backwards, it is compact enough so that even with the support lowered there is enough space for the rear wheels to rebound (photo).

The Frame and top tube bags have numerous fastening loops and are attached to the frame with Velcro straps. Adhesive strips included in the scope of delivery protect the paintwork at the mounting point. A sewn-in net on the inside of the bag holds very small parts. The top tube bag also has a splash-proof cable passage. Both the frame bag and the top tube bag are water-repellent, but not waterproof.

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Luggage space: volume for one day

And here we come to the third point, alongside colour design and mounting system, which is probably the reason for the great attention paid to Evoc bags: the capacity. Even though the bags are available in different sizes, they don't fit a lot of luggage. Even in the largest versions, the four containers together hold a maximum of 9.5 litres. This roughly corresponds to the contents of a small day rucksack, which you can distribute on your bike.

The top tube bag is ideal for the additional battery that powers the smartphone or GPS while riding. The bag has a splash-proof cable passage at the side. The 1-litre frame bag underneath is also available in an even smaller version.Photo: Max FuchsThe top tube bag is ideal for the additional battery that powers the smartphone or GPS while riding. The bag has a splash-proof cable passage at the side. The 1-litre frame bag underneath is also available in an even smaller version.

A change of clothes or rain gear, mini-tool, bars, inner tube, pump and repair kit, extra batteries for mobile phone or GPS, drinks ... you can, but don't really need to take much more on tour. At least if you check back in at home or in a cosy hotel afterwards.

Tent, Sleeping bag with insulating mat or even cookware or evening wear and dress shoes - if you want to have everything with you, you have to come up with something. One small travelling hammock (Link) for the short break but fits in everywhere.

Conclusion: Evoc, the backpack specialist, calls its bikepacking series On-Bike. Available in various sizes, two elegant colours and the Boa twist lock system, the bags are likely to fit almost any bike. However, even the largest handlebar, saddle, frame and top tube bags together hold less than ten litres of luggage. Cyclists who are prepared to invest a total of 360 euros will therefore not receive complete bikepacking equipment for hardcore adventurers with the four on-bike bags. Rather, Evoc offers mountain and gravel bikers as well as road cyclists additional storage space when the rucksack is already full, or to swallow what would otherwise bulge out jersey and trouser pockets on a day tour.

Noble sparring: The graceful Evoc On-Bike bags are best suited to racy sports bikes, which offer little space in the frame anyway.Photo: Max FuchsNoble sparring: The graceful Evoc On-Bike bags are best suited to racy sports bikes, which offer little space in the frame anyway.

Evoc On-Bike bikepacking bags - Detailed information

Handlebar bag Evoc Handlebar Pack Boa L

  • Volume: approx. 5 litres
  • Price: 140 Euro (e.g. available at Bergzeit)
  • Weight: 278 grams**
  • Colours: Loam (beige), Carbon Grey
  • Also available in size M with a volume of 2.5 litres for 120 euros

Saddle bag Evoc Seat Pack Boa L

  • Volume: approx. 3 litres
  • Price: 140 Euro (e.g. available from Rose)
  • Weight: 224 grams**
  • Colours: Loam (beige), Carbon Grey
  • Also available in size M with a volume of 2 litres for 120 euros and in size S with 1 litre for 100 euros

Frame bag Evoc Multi Frame Pack M

  • Volume: approx. 1 litre
  • Price: 45 Euro (e.g. available from Maciag Offroad)
  • Weight: 121 grams**
  • Colours: Loam (beige), Carbon Grey
  • Also available in size S with a volume of 0.7 litres for 40 euros

Top tube bag Evoc Top Tube Pack S

  • Volume: approx. 0.5 litres
  • Price: 35 Euro (e.g. available from Rose)
  • Weight: 85 grams**
  • Colours: Loam (beige), Carbon Grey

** BIKE measured values

Sebastian Brust was born in 1979 and was originally socialised on his grandmother's folding bike, but has mainly been riding studded tyres since his fifth birthday. Loves all kinds of bikes - and merging with nature. Believes that disc brakes are much safer today than they were 15 years ago and thinks he has helped with his brake and pad tests. However, the trained vehicle technology engineer very much regrets that the bicycle industry is orientating itself on what he considers to be the wrong ideals of the car industry. At BIKE, he corrects, produces and organises digital content on the website.

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