Craft Cadence Waterproof Handlebar Bag

The Craft Cadence Handlebar Bag is aimed at commuters and day riders. It may lack the outright carrying capacity and quick release mounts commonly found on touring models, but these things aside it's well-made, reassuringly secure and very waterproof.

For the main bag, Craft Cadence has gone the high-frequency welded tarpaulin route, reminiscent of UPSO's range. While the IPX5 rating means it isn't waterproof in the submersible sense, combined with the 'clam shell' design it shuts the door to heavy rain. I've had no issues throughout the test period whatsoever.

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Total capacity is 3.5 litres. The deep main compartment features a mesh pocket for phones, wallets and the like, while the rest is open plan and lends itself beautifully to the end-of-day 'bung in and get home' school of packing.

At 20cm tall it comfortably swallows tool bags, spare tubes, gloves, arm and leg warmers, a micro jacket, snacks, a USB charger, a spare battery and lights – oh, and its own detachable shoulder strap – without signs of indigestion. I had no issues with bounce, bob or sway. Just make sure there's enough space between your bars and front tyre to accommodate it.

Externally there is a lighting tab and retro-reflective detailing, though the tab is the best host to clip-on blinkies, rather than chunky torch types. This Moon Nebula Front Light is as big and heavy as I've dared go.

Mounts

These are what I'd describe as 'watch straps on steroids,' but Craft Cadence also sells Velcro versions if that's what you're gagging for.

One thing to note is that the tighter you pull the straps, the higher the bag sits. In some instances, this may require relocation of lights and other accessories to suit. The straps have clearly inscribed increments, making it easy to match either side.

There is a third stabiliser strap, made from Velcro and designed to wrap around the headtube, for added stability. This arrangement is less convenient than the popular KlickFix or other quick release systems, and Velcro can leave 'tan lines' in your paintwork, so placing 'helicopter' tape around the head tube is a sensible precaution.

Weatherproofing

As a matter of course, I subjected this to my close range, 3-minute garden hose test and was pleasantly surprised to find the contents remained bone dry. Out on the road, torrential thundery rain simply beaded up and rolled away, and the inside remained dry even after 2-3 hours. Being tarpaulin, the outside is also easily wiped clean.

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After 350 miles of use, there's scant evidence of wear to any part of it.

Value

The Craft Cadence is competitive, given its specification and capacity. The Altura Heritage Bar Bag is pretty similar and, although it has a Rixen & Kaul mount, that's a double-edged sword – it's very stable but slow to swap between bikes – and the price is a good deal steeper at £60.

You can go significantly cheaper than the Craft Cadence, though – 7L 'barrel type' bar bags start under £20, while 8.5-litre tarpaulin versions can be had for under £30. Those on a tight budget and willing to sacrifice some water-repellency may find 3L BTR Water Resistant Handlebar Bag With Phone Navigation Pocket worth a closer look, but you get what you pay for – it's let down by the pocket's positioning and so-so fitting kit.

Summary

Minor niggles aside, I think Craft Cadence have struck the right balance in terms of pricing, design and specification for commuting and general riding. The strap system might not be to everyone's taste, but it's infinitely superior to Velcro in my book, and more universally accommodating than models employing quick-release brackets.

Verdict

Rugged and strongly water-resistant bar bag with some nice touches, but check clearance on smaller framesets