Gear Review: Timbuk2 Frontrunner Roll Bike Bag
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Location of Test: Willamette River Scenic Bikeway
Product Name: Frontrunner Roll
Product Brand: Timbuk2
Best Use: Bike Touring/ Commuting
The Full Review:
Bike touring gear, especially that from well-known brands, is often expensive, providing an unfortunate barrier of entry to an activity that is so accessible at its core. With the Frontrunner Roll, Timbuk2 has bucked the trend, delivering a well thought out and high-quality product, which combined with a sweet price from Next Adventure is a great next step into bike touring equipment beyond a rack and panniers.
On my first trip with the Frontrunner, I stuffed it with snacks, sunscreen, printed directions, a small tire pump, and a first aid kit with room to spare in the main pocket. The smaller pocket on the front became home to my headphones, phone, phone charger, keys, and other small items that would have otherwise been lost in a larger bag. As someone who doesn't ride in a cycling jersey, it was nice to have storage that is easy to access while on the bike, preventing stops to root around in my panniers for small items.
Off the bike too, the Frontrunner served admirably as a safe place to store valuable items when stashed in the foot of a sleeping bag. This allowed us to peacefully sleep without a tent, not worried for the safety of our valuables after our bikes were locked up.
Moving from life on the road back into the city, the Frontrunner finds new ways to shine. For the summer commute, the 11L volume is plenty for a well-packed wardrobe change (sans shoes) and lunch. Tuck your beverage into a bottle cage or get creative adding a handlebar mounted cup holder like the Bar-Ista from Portland Design Works, and enjoy a backpack free ride, without the aero penalty panniers incur.
While it hasn't rained since I've owned the bag, Timbuk2 claims water resistance, and the dry bag styled rolls on the side do inspire confidence. How it will stand up to a true downpour remains to be seen, but for anything I would choose to ride in, I would take the Frontrunner at its word, and trust that it will keep my stuff dry.
The Good
Tons of room
Reflective accents for safety on post-sunset rides
Water resistant
Small front pocket a great place to stash personal items, or keep tools if you don't use a saddlebag
The Bad:
Mounting to the bike takes a little practice at first, but soon becomes inconsequential
May interfere with other handlebar accessories (lights, cup holders, large bells, etc.)
Narrower handlebars may not allow for the use of all 11L (I use flat bars)
The Bottom Line:
A great product at a great price that makes for a great second step into bike touring equipment, while still being practical for commuting and urban use.
The Full Review:
Bike touring gear, especially that from well-known brands, is often expensive, providing an unfortunate barrier of entry to an activity that is so accessible at its core. With the Frontrunner Roll, Timbuk2 has bucked the trend, delivering a well thought out and high-quality product, which combined with a sweet price from Next Adventure is a great next step into bike touring equipment beyond a rack and panniers.
On my first trip with the Frontrunner, I stuffed it with snacks, sunscreen, printed directions, a small tire pump, and a first aid kit with room to spare in the main pocket. The smaller pocket on the front became home to my headphones, phone, phone charger, keys, and other small items that would have otherwise been lost in a larger bag. As someone who doesn't ride in a cycling jersey, it was nice to have storage that is easy to access while on the bike, preventing stops to root around in my panniers for small items.
Off the bike too, the Frontrunner served admirably as a safe place to store valuable items when stashed in the foot of a sleeping bag. This allowed us to peacefully sleep without a tent, not worried for the safety of our valuables after our bikes were locked up.
Moving from life on the road back into the city, the Frontrunner finds new ways to shine. For the summer commute, the 11L volume is plenty for a well-packed wardrobe change (sans shoes) and lunch. Tuck your beverage into a bottle cage or get creative adding a handlebar mounted cup holder like the Bar-Ista from Portland Design Works, and enjoy a backpack free ride, without the aero penalty panniers incur.
While it hasn't rained since I've owned the bag, Timbuk2 claims water resistance, and the dry bag styled rolls on the side do inspire confidence. How it will stand up to a true downpour remains to be seen, but for anything I would choose to ride in, I would take the Frontrunner at its word, and trust that it will keep my stuff dry.
The Good
Tons of room
Reflective accents for safety on post-sunset rides
Water resistant
Small front pocket a great place to stash personal items, or keep tools if you don't use a saddlebag
The Bad:
Mounting to the bike takes a little practice at first, but soon becomes inconsequential
May interfere with other handlebar accessories (lights, cup holders, large bells, etc.)
Narrower handlebars may not allow for the use of all 11L (I use flat bars)
The Bottom Line:
A great product at a great price that makes for a great second step into bike touring equipment, while still being practical for commuting and urban use.