Riders that compete in randonneuring events, Audax, or other ultra-endurance events are used to carrying everything you need with you. Racing is racing though, so you want your gear to be light and functional. Apidura recently launched their Race Series line that adds rackless storage options to your bike, while keeping you ready to race.
UK brand Apidura has been quietly making a name for themselves. I say quietly because the brand doesn’t advertise in print, digitally, or on social media. They say it just adds additional noise to an already cluttered world. They also minimize their footprint as much as possible, which is why they created their packs. They love to explore the world by bicycle and want to see more people exploring, regardless of the bike they ride.
The Race Series adds to the Backcountry and Expedition lines. The Backcountry Series is targeted at gravel, cross-country and general offroad purposes. It’s light, durable, and ready for just about any conditions you will face. The Expedition Series is more focused for road touring. It’s waterproof and ultra durable, but still functional for the road. Both lines are also rackless, so no need to add any additional weight.
The Race Series offers a collection that focuses on ultra-distance and Audax racing. It’s the lightest weight of the three series and still remains waterproof and durable. The secret is the laminated fabric Hexalon material designed for Apidura.
“Before Hexalon, there was no fabric in existence that met each and every one of the qualities we required,” explains an Apidura product developer named Betsy. “It was possible to have a lightweight, waterproof and durable fabric, but not one that was also weldable. A durable, waterproof, and weldable fabric was also possible, but it wouldn’t have been very lightweight. We needed something that did it all, without compromise.”
The Racing Series has three packs in the line. You can use them individually, or combine them all, depending on your needs. They include the 5L Racing Saddle Pack, 5L Racing Handlebar Pack, and 2.5L Racing Frame Pack. All three were designed to carry what you’d need for more of a racing experience, and feature high visibility treatments for day and night time use.
“At one end of the spectrum, riders will use these packs to compete in the pinnacle ultra-distance races, at the other end, riders will use these packs on challenging one-day or overnight road-rides, to carry spare/emergency kit,” comments Apidura lead designer, Verity.
Racing Saddle Pack (5L) – $167
Starting at the back of the bike, the Racing Saddle Pack fits up to 5L of compressible items like jackets and extra kit items. It attaches securely around the seat post and saddle rails using Woojin buckles and webbing straps and is reinforced with a durable, rubberized nylon called Hypalon for extra protection.
The Racing Saddle Pack is the first rear pack dedicated to ultra-distance competition and audax. Featuring a sleek design with a compact 5L capacity, the Pack is ideal for storing light, compressible items over vast distances. Weighing in at 200g, it has a sleek design to fit ergonomically under the saddle and remain as aerodynamic as possible. It features a roll-top closure, allowing you to customize the fit and keep the pack secure from movement, while allowing easy access.
For added visibility, the Racing Saddle Pack includes a high-contrast reflective feature to enhance visibility in all light conditions. Apidura also included multiple attachment points for lights that are laser cut into the fabric for your favorite clip on rear light.
Racing Handlebar Pack (5L) – $154
Up front, the Racing Handlebar Pack adds 5L of storage at your fingertips. Whether you are running drops or drops with aerobars, you’ll have easy access to food, drinks, your electronics, or anything else you want.
The front pack fits neatly in between the drops, with one large chamber in the center and two smaller pouches on the sides modeled off of the brand’s Food Pouch. These side compartments are removable if you don’t need quite as big of a bag for your ride. The side pouches can be opened and closed with one hand for easy access while riding. There is also a stretchy pocket to hold a tracking device, like a SPOT tracker.
The Racing Handlebar Pack connects using lightweight velcro straps that are reinforced for durability.
Racing Frame Pack (2.5L) – $120
If you have ever ridden a bike with rear panniers, you know how negatively placing the weight in a not so normal area can effect the handling of a bike. The Racing Frame Pack keeps your heavier items inside the main triangle, keeping the bike more neutral. It holds things like spare tubes or bulkier items that won’t fit in the other bags. Outside, four velcro straps lock it in place and can be moved to fit your frame.
Inside, there is an integrated thermoset structure that helps to add some rigidity to the pack. A flexible divider pocket inside adds some organization to smaller items, and there is even a cable port that allows you to carry a spare battery and charge your electronics while riding.
The Racing Frame Pack also features reflective accents to keep you visible in all conditions.
The Apidura Racing Series is available now through their website. We have some of their Backcountry items coming this spring for a project we are putting together. More details on the project and a review will follow in the future.
http://www.apidura.com
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
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