A space-saving bikepacking wonder for just 70 euros: The Decathlon Rockrider frame bag put to the test

Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

It’s crazy what Decathlon packs into a frame bag for just under 70 euros. The Rockrider Full Frame ADVT 9 L It looks sturdy, fits like a glove and makes exceptionally clever use of the space within the frame triangle. Above all, the combination of sturdy fastening straps, Velcro tabs and smooth-running, covered zips proves its worth in everyday use.

With a capacity of 9 litres, the bag can hold plenty of luggage for long day trips and even multi-day bikepacking trips involving hotel stays. Tools, spare parts and valuables can be stowed away in the smaller compartment, whilst clothes, snacks and other travel essentials go into the large main compartment.

The biggest drawback: the Full-Frame bag completely clears out the frame triangle. Water bottles therefore have to be moved to the fork or somewhere else. If you can live with that, for 69.99 euros you’ll get one of the most impressive transport solutions in this price range.

Key figures

• Volume: 9 litres
• Price: 69.99 euros >> available here
• Weight: 348 g including the fastening strap
• Water protection: IPX3
• Material: 600D polyester with a PU coating and TPU lamination
• Closure: two coated zips with cover flaps
• Mounting: Velcro fastenings and self-locking tensioning systems
• Interior layout: removable partition
• Extras: Internal straps for a pump or tent poles; grommet for cables or a drinking tube
• Visibility: reflective elements
• Warranty: two years

Fits like a glove

Even just to the touch, the Rockrider bag feels surprisingly high-quality. The outer material is substantial, and the construction combines 600D polyester with a PU coating and TPU lamination. Decathlon also uses a welded construction which, together with the coated zips and their covers, provides IPX3 protection. The bag can therefore reliably withstand a downpour.

The fastening system scores even higher.

Self-locking straps secure the bag tightly to the frame at the bottom, seat and seat tube. There are additional Velcro loops all round the bag, which can be used to secure it flush against the frame. Another good feature: the Velcro fastenings are double-sided. The soft side protects the paintwork, whilst the smooth outer side prevents clothes from getting caught on it.

In practice, the whole thing is rock-solid. The bag barely moves, even when the road surface gets far rougher than freshly tarmac-laid asphalt. A particularly nice touch: the zips can be operated easily with one hand whilst riding. The bag stays firmly in place.

Nine litres, cleverly distributed

At first glance, nine litres doesn’t sound particularly impressive. Inside the frame triangle, however, it feels surprisingly spacious.

Two side zip openings provide access to the storage space. A removable divider allows you to organise the interior as required. Decathlon has also included small straps for a pump or tent poles, as well as a cable grommet for cables or the tube of a hydration bladder.

In our test, the compartment layout proved particularly practical: the smaller lower compartment is for tools, valuables and spare parts. The large upper compartment holds clothes, food and anything else you need to have to hand whilst on the move.

This means that a surprising amount of luggage can be stowed away in the bike frame. It’s easily enough for long day trips. Even on a trip lasting several days with hotel accommodation, the bag makes most of your usual luggage unnecessary. You can do without jersey pockets, a rucksack or a bulky saddle bag.

Luggage placed where it makes sense in terms of driving dynamics

Perhaps the greatest advantage of the frame bag is not its capacity at all.

Unlike handlebar bags or large saddle bags, it barely protrudes beyond the bike’s silhouette and keeps the centre of gravity low – exactly where it makes the most sense from a riding dynamics perspective.

It might sound like a minor detail, but it makes a difference on long rides. A bag packed to the brim on the handlebars can noticeably alter the bike’s handling. A heavy pannier on the saddle swings about with every out-of-the-saddle pedal stroke. The frame bag, on the other hand, simply stays where it belongs: right in the middle of the bike.

So, despite its large capacity, the bag doesn’t stand out whilst riding. And when it comes to luggage, being inconspicuous is usually quite a compliment.

The catch: the water bottles have to go

However, all that storage space does take its toll. The 9-litre bag takes up practically the entire frame triangle, which means there’s no room for traditional water bottles on the down tube or seat tube.

For gravel bikes with additional threaded eyelets on the fork, this is hardly a problem. From there, the bottles are surprisingly easy to reach whilst riding. So the alternative works better than it might sound at first.

If you don’t have any fork eyelets, you can look for mounting points underneath the down tube. If these aren’t there either, Rockrider’s smaller frame bag is a good alternative. The Rockrider ADVT 900 Full Frame 6 L It currently costs 59.99 euros and weighs 264 grams. Although it has three litres less luggage capacity, depending on the frame, it does at least leave space on the seat tube for a water bottle.

Editorial commentary

The Rockrider Full Frame ADVT 9 L It isn’t a product designed to impress with exotic materials or high-tech bells and whistles. It does something far more interesting: it solves the luggage problem discreetly, yet extremely effectively.

The material looks high-quality, the fastenings work well, the layout makes sense and the bag sits where it’s least in the way on the bike. On top of that, it has a capacity of 9 litres and weighs 348 grams. For 69.99 euros, that’s quite an impressive offering.

Of course, the bag lacks the complete weather resistance of a truly waterproof bikepacking bag. IPX3 means splash-proof. Anyone cycling for hours in continuous rain should therefore pack sensitive equipment in additional protection.

However, it certainly offers enough protection for normal rides, changeable weather and ambitious bikepacking trips.

All in all, the bag is a pretty impressive demonstration of just how much bikepacking kit you can get these days for relatively little money. If you prefer to pack your luggage on the bike rather than on the body ...will find a particularly clever solution here.

Advantages

• 9-litre capacity for 69.99 euros
• Very secure attachment to the frame
• Smooth-running zips that can be operated whilst riding
• Well-designed layout with a removable partition
• Splash-proof to IPX3 standard
• Durable 600D fabric
• A central position for luggage that is favourable for driving dynamics
• Reflective elements
• Internal fixings for a pump or tent poles
• Cable or drinking tube feed-through

Disadvantages

• When fully extended, it takes up practically the entire frame triangle
• This usually means that water bottles on the frame are no longer needed
• IPX3 protects against splashing water, not against continuous rain
• Fit depends heavily on the frame geometry