ThuleRoundTrip Bike Duffel (55L) (Return to Product Page)

This bag in theory would be perfect for a cyclist, but a design flaw with the "cell pockets" prevents use with many cycling accessories. I have a cheap solution at the end of my review.

Pros:

The helmet, shoe, and dirty clothes compartments are perfect. The zippers, straps/ handles and overall constructions of the bag is a 5/5.

Cons: The "cell pockets" (aka the 20 pockets you can see in the picture) do not have a bottom, just walls. That + the softer bottom of the bag means that there will be a ~3/4th inch gap between the bottom of the walls and the bottom of the bag. Any medium to small item you put in the pockets will slip under the pocket you put it in and move somewhere else in the bag.

Its fine if all you plan to put in there are clothes. Taller items like those (or bottles) wont move. But I wanted to also use these cells as storage for normal cyclist accessories like an electric pump, gels/ chews/ drink mix, multi tool, microfiber cloths, individually wrapped wipes, Garmin computer, gloves, Garmin Varia/ taillight, headlight, etc. All of these items will slip underneath the cells and move elsewhere in the bag, even if you keep the bag level and just move it from your house to your car.

I think this is a serious design flaw for a bag geared towards cyclists. There is not a good reason (imo) why Thule decided to build the compartments with no bottoms. My hack solution is to slide a folded cheap fabric 10in storage cube underneath the cell pocket area. It is the perfect length/ width and the height of the bin when it is collapsed makes up for the gap between the pockets and the bottom.

This bag is built with super high quality components, durable fabric and outstanding design. I easily fit bike shoes, running shoes, bike helmet, and bike and run clothing for 4 days of running and riding in milder temps (45-65 degrees). The cells are excellent and keep everything organized, I generally double up the shorts and shirt in one cell, one cell for all bike socks, one for all run socks, wind breaker jackets and vests all in one cell.. you get the idea-maximize available storage space. Front pocket has my riding wallet with repair kit, silca eletricco, bike computer & taillight. A heavier riding jacket gets folded and sits on top of the cells.

The bag carries great as a duffle or as a single strap backpack/ sling. I'm really happy with the size, quality and functionality of this bag. 100/100

Very well thought-out travel bag that fits all I need for any bike trip - fits all my MTB or road gear, and keeps everything nicely organized. No more rummaging through random bags!

Had a two week vacation and packed all I needed for riding (clothes,shoes,tools etc). Individual compartments and place for shoes and helmet. Love it. It replace old Pearl Izumi bag that finally wore out. Highly recommend.