MOST ADVANCED Handlebar Bag? Real-World Route Werks Review

route werks handlebar bag review
Route Werks in the Real-World

About Route Werks

“Route Werks creates gear that makes getting outside as easy as possible. We design all of our products in-house, oftentimes producing our first prototypes by hand in our Rhode Island studio. Our talented team of designers, engineers, and researchers are outdoor enthusiasts with years of experience developing and delivering products that solve real problems in a meaningful and sustainable way.” – https://routewerks.cc

route werks handlebar bag review
This bag looks right at home on this T-Lab X3.22

The Handlebar Bag

“The Handlebar Bag features a customizable dashboard to mount any BarFly Tech Adapter or Quad Lock compatible technology and is designed for quick, one-handed access with expandable storage. The easy on/off lever and integrated shoulder strap allows you to take the bag with you, on or off the bike.”

Route Werks Handlebar Bag Review Video

Alternative Video Link for those reading via email Subscription

In this video, JOM Of the Gravel Cyclist crew presents a detailed, real-world, no BS review of the most excellent Route Werks Handlebar Bag.

route werks handlebar bag review
Rider View of the Route Werks Bag

Continued from Above:

“Each bag comes with our ultra-compact, proprietary Bike Mount. Machined from aluminum and anodized for durability, it all but disappears when the Bag is removed! The Bike Mount is designed to fit 31.8 handlebars and fits 26.0 & 25.4 handlebars with our Bike Mount Adapters (sold separately).”

route werks handlebar bag review
Twist Ties fitted to mitigate some rattling

Thanks to a viewer of our YouTube review above, we learned the clamp is adjustable. Just tighten screw through the Red Lever, and the sound disappears. The clamps seems to be on the loose side when received.

route werks handlebar bag review
Twist Tie solution isn’t neat, but it works

Specifications

Materials:

  • exterior fabric – 500d PU-coated Cordura
  • interior fabric – 220d gridstop nylon
  • polymer lid
  • machined, anodized aluminum hardware
route werks handlebar bag review
A ton of room inside this bag. I can fit a DJI drone + controller in here!

Dimensions:

  • 145mm x 235mm x 153mm / 5.8in x 9.3in x 6in
  • Volume: 3.2L
  • Weight (bag + bike mount) – 684g
  • Max carry capacity: 4kg / 9lbs
route werks handlebar bag review
Front View

Weight:

  • Bag & Bike Mount – 684g / 1.50lbs

Additional Photos

route werks handlebar bag review
This mount is key to the entire system working
route werks handlebar bag review
100% stable, no matter how smooth or rough the road
route werks handlebar bag review
Deep Inside
route werks handlebar bag review
Deep Inside, plenty of internal pockets
route werks handlebar bag review
So much storage space!
route werks handlebar bag review
Side view, side pockets are handy for carrying gels, or anything
route werks handlebar bag review
Super handy carry strap. Man purse anyone? 🙂
route werks handlebar bag review
“Technology” mount atop the bag
route werks handlebar bag review
Garmin, Wahoo, Quadlock, & SP Connect are supported
route werks handlebar bag review
Garmin mount up close
route werks handlebar bag review
Super simple instructions
route werks handlebar bag review
Bag not mounted but need to use your computer? This mount solves that issue
route werks handlebar bag review
Read the checklist! We have used carbon handlebars with this bag (not recommended)
route werks handlebar bag review
This accessory adds GoPro compatible support
route werks handlebar bag review
Handlebar stubs add more functionality (mounting lights, whatever!)

Visit the Route Werks Website for more information

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3 Comments

  1. MG

    I have this bag. Not sure if you’re aware or not, but you can tighten up the mount using the screw in the middle of the cam lever. You can ditch the zip ties then.

    Good bag overall, however a little heavy.

    • JOM JOM

      Thanks MG, someone on the YT video review alerted to the screw in the middle of the cam lever. Twist ties are ditched 🙂 I do hope Route Werks will improve the bag, some weight reduction would be nice.

  2. Avatar PStuart

    I’ve used one of these for several years (one of the original Kickstarter backers) including several one-day rides of the full C&O Canal. The locking mechanism is great once you have the tension dialed in with the adjustment screw. I did, however, not take care when locking in the bag one time and sent it flying on a bump (user error). The biggest convenience factor is the ability to flip the lid open and pull out a snack or other item without any need to stop. Other handlebar bags seem to require unzipping and zipping or fiddling with elastic cords. This bag just pops open and clicks shut. Be warned, it is not waterproof. A long ride in the rain or without fenders could result in wet contents after the nylon soaks through. I like the new accessory mount for using a computer without the bag, as my gravel bike can also serve as a road bike with a wheel swap, and I would not want the full bag then.

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