XLAB

I like the XLAB top-tube bags. They are lightweight, aerodynamic, and provide easy access. No more stopping, getting off my bike, unzipping my under-the-saddle bag, rooting around and hoping nothing falls out. I got the Stealth Pocket 100 for my race day bike. I tried the Stealth Pocket 400c for my training bikes but found it too narrow to hold my training day needs. I returned it and got the Rocket Pocket XL. It has room to hold my emergency tire stuff, my flip phone, hydration packs, with room to spare! And it sits below the top of my headsets for good aerodynamics!

I got this bottle to reduce downtube drag on race day. I lost 4-6 ounces in volume, gained a few grams in weight, but flew down the hills. I have a 54cm S-3 Cervelo and this bottle wouldn't work without adjustment bar. The Wolf Tooth Components B-RAD Mounting Base worked for me. The XLAB Aero Cage Optimizer Versatile Mount was too big for the tight space and weighed twice as much. I got the white one to be able to monitor inside cleanliness. This bottle is expensive, but worth it if you want to reduce downtube water bottle drag.

I can't believe how much stuff I can cram into this bag! I'm an ultra cyclist and often need to carry 1000's of calories with me to fuel my rides. Seriously, this thing is like Mary Poppins carpet bag, I can keep stuffing things in to it and it stays nice and slim and aero. Easy to open. Occasionally a little hard to zip closed because I've got it stuffed so full. Great product!

I was on the fence about getting the single bottle holder because it blocks (on my bike set up) the use of a traditional saddle bag and I don't like filling up my jersey pockets with all the 'just in case' tire repair stuff on top of nutrition that will be in there anyway. This has just enough room for the essentials - I have tire tools, a tube, 3 CO2 cartridges, a patch kit a multi tool and a CO2 dispenser head in it. You do need to be very deliberate about how things are oriented and placed in it to maximize what it will hold. It's not in the way and seems to be an aero design. It will definitely make the grip on the bottle in the holder quite snug. I left a full bottle in it over night to help stretch the bag a bit.

One thing nice about the tight grip is this will now keep a 25oz Camelbak style bottle in there without ejecting it on bumps, it wouldn't before - only bottles with a more traditional shape. Very happy with it, good purchase.