Thought I’d post this in case anyone is interested. I see plenty of front block bags, rear rack bags, etc, but barely any frame bags. I’m surprised there’s no Brompton one yet, though if there was one, it would no doubt be very expensive. Whilst there are numerous tube top bags out there, I can only see a coupe of Brompton specific ones. I’ve seen the Vincita Voyage ones mentioned on here, but not this one – the Rhinowalk ‘top tube bag’. I could barely see any mention online of this, so thought I’d give it a go. I paid £36 on Amazon. The Vincita Voyage large (2L) is currently £44.
The Rhinowalk measures 45cm long, 9cm high, & 6cm wide, with a capacity of 2L. This is 1cm shorter and 1cm narrower than the Vincita Voyage large 2L frame bag, which is the same height. It‘s held around the seat post and tube by velcro straps, with neither of the 2 tube straps obscuring the Brompton logo, which is a nice touch, as the Vincita one partially covers the logo. The Rhinowalk doesn’t have a reflective strip on the side like the Voyage ones do.
It has a partially open velcro pocket on each side, I guess for quick reach of things like energy gels or snacks. My phone fits in there but it’s smaller than most phones, which I imagine would be too wide to fit, and I’d rather my phone be in a zipped pocket anyway. I don’t know how much I’ll use the side pockets, but I like symmetry so I’m glad they are on both sides and not just one!
I’m not sure how well the bag will hold its shape – it appears a little soft & squishy (it was folded back on itself in the post) but it’s held in place well by the velcro straps so hopefully shouldn’t move about much. I haven’t seen the Vincita Voyage in person, but from the photos I think it may hold its shape better. Anyway, the Rhinowalk may be fine by the time I’ve stuffed it with things. The bag has dual zips & claims to be water resistant. Hopefully this won‘t be put to the test, as I doubt I’ll be cycling in the rain much anyway.
At the seatpost end of the bag, the zips don’t quite go all the way to the end, so it may be worth pushing bits you don’t need quick access to back there, as they might be a little fiddly to reach. There is a velcro divider that splits the bag into 2 compartments. This thing is either attached or not, as there’s only one place for it to go. Its a shame there aren’t a couple of other places the divider could go. I removed it right away otherwise the pump wouldn’t fit in, and one of the main reasons for the bag is for carrying a pump in it. The mini pump shown may get replaced at some point as I fancy more of a mini track pump with gauge & fold out foot stand, once I’ve made my mind up which to get.
I like to travel light, so for leisurely day rides this kind of bag should suit me. I think a front block bag would only ever be of use if I did a multi day tour, which isn’t gonna happen anytime soon. I mainly just want a bag to fit pump, spare tube, phone, wallet, keys, small snacks, power bank, etc. I doubt I’ll need to put any tools in there as I have the Brompton toolkit inside the frame.
The only other thing to mention is that the bag doesn’t interfere with the fold. I’ve strapped it on ready for a day out on the bike & hopefully I‘ll be pleased with it.
by Pop_Zeus