My non-cycling wife picked my Routeworks bag up off the kitchen table, poked around in it a bit, then said, "Wow, that's some bag!" I had to bite my tongue because the next words out of my mouth were going to be, "It had better be, for what I paid for it!" The price is insane; for half the price you can get a much larger bag -- not some off-brand piece of junk with no-name Chinese zippers either, I'm talking about something like an Ortlieb. But the Routeworks does two things better than any other handlebar bag I've seen. First, it lets you get your hands on anything that's in it pretty much instantly. If you're dangerously allergic to bee stings and you need to carry an epi pen on a ride, this would be the bag for you. If you needed it you'd just pop the top and it'd be right there. That's why it's small -- only 3.8 liters; it's all about organization, not volume. If the bag were even 5 or 6 liters you'd lose everything being immediately ready to hand the instant you pop the top. You'd have a pile of stuff to dig through to find what you want. This is not a bike trekking bag; it's not for carrying entire meals or changes of clothes or camping gear. It's for stuff you need *while you're on the bike* and maybe a little bit more. I actually carry my spare tube, patch kits, and tools in a seat bag; my strategy is contingency stuff goes in back, stuff I know I'll need goes in the Routeworks. The other thing that it does well is provide way for a computer and proper headlight to coexist with the handlebar bag without things getting in each others' way. Other bags I've seen have had "light mounts" that are just loops for clicking a blinking LED light to, but this gives a proper handlebar mount. This is the only complaint I have about this bag; the handlebar mounts are not included. They cost $10 a side, and they're just little plastic nubbins that probably cost a couple of pennies. Having to buy the computer mount separately makes sense because that's proprietary, but the little handlebar nubbins are just pretending to be a handlebar. It should be included for what you pay for this thing.

I've been rolling one for a while now - we were fortunate enough to have the founder Justin join us for a podcast episode and show off the bag prior to it's release into the wild. I just finished 125 miles at unPAved and if it held up to "The Difference" they have done a lot of things right. I'll also say the bag was covered in PA gravel road mud and it cleaned up good as new. It is a little pricey but you know what they say - quality pays for itself over and over in the long run.

As far as volume, there's no reason they couldn't add a feature to it to allow it to expand. Think suitcases where you unzip all around the perimeter of the case and it releases some material that was "accordion folded" inside. If it even had 2" to 3" of additional fabric it would allow for quite a bit of extra capacity. And when you don't need it, zip it back up to prevent your gear from rattling around.

The quality of your reviews is why I subscribed, this vid is another fine example - great work.

Excellent review. I have and really like this bag -- I used it on a recent short tour and it worked well. It is small, which is its one downside. The big upside is that I attached the following: iPhone on the Quadlock mount on top of the bag, Garmin 1030 on a Garmin mount attached to the side, and a GoPro on the underside of the Garmin mount. All were rigidly in place, and when I stopped and went somewhere, my $2000 of electronics went with me, effortlessly. I also had keys in one of the small inner pockets, inhaler in the other small pocket, and wallet in the front inner pocket; all pockets have snap closures. I haven't even used the small pocket in the top. This an organizers dream. Having said all that, it is really small, and I might want something larger when on tour.

Very clever. Super tidy. Lots of function. Definitely small but for the typical day ride more than enough space for most folks. I like the blend of a traditional product that is thoroughly rethought. Really nice bag and great review.

Yes have one and love it, the mounting system and hard shell top is the selling points for me to.

The size, after the cool device mounting system, was the first thing I noticed when the Kickstarter launched. The idea is so great. I am hoping they consider something more voluminous in the future!

So glad you're covering this! I have been eyeing it. I have three different handlebar bags and this will hopefully dissuade me from buying... or perhaps push me to buy finally.

Great review, very thorough and well considered. Your content is terrific, thanks for the hard work!

Mine rattled a lot too when I got it earlier this year. I've since put some felt strips between the lid and body where the latch is and it has mostly gotten rid of the rattling. I just ordered their out-front mount yesterday, can't wait! Really loving the modularity.

I have one and absolutely love it.

Love the system, especially the options to mount lights, phones and bike computers. And you're totally right, I would love to see them make a larger version. This is so awesome, I'm always surprised how much development innovation there is still possible in ways too load up your bike. ;P Thanks for highlighting all that supercool stuff!

The main issue with rattling is the mount holes for the lid hinges are drilled too far apart. I had to wrap the inner latch of both hinges with electrical tape, felt-line the bottom of the lid, and add rubberized tape to the top of the metal edges where the side-mounts attach to quiet it down. The plastic clasp for the cordage under the lid rattles against the top of the lid as well. Felt-lining the underside of the lid _mostly_ solved that on my unit. However, with the additional weight of a device mounted on the lid, there still is some intermittent noise from the lid contacting the top of the bag. Routewerks really needs to rubberize every point of contact between the lid and the bag especially under the liner which isn't easily DIY fixable unless I'm missing how to non-destructively remove the interior cloth lining.

I love mine. I bought one on kickstarter before I even finished watching the Alternative Cycling Network episode you guys brought it up on. I'm not sure if anyone else mentioned this, but the lid should snap shut by itself. The aluminum frame that goes around the top can bend over time. You might have to give it a little tug upward and that should do it. One of my favorite things about this bag is the satisfying "CLICK" it makes when you drop the lid.

Although I would prefer more space, i've been using this bag for 6 months, and it's been great! Use it on three different bikes, love the handlebar attachment, very easy to move between bikes. convenient to carry phone, snacks, headlamp, wallet, external battery to recharge devices, etc. Will buy the larger version if they ever offer one.

So glad that you reviewed the Routeworks! My SO pledged for a pair on Kickstarter so we've been using them for a while. We're not bikepackers or commuters, but we use them on local rides and just took them on a vacation where we did a lot of riding. We really love them so far. Size has not been an issue for us, but if they put out a larger version, I'd consider getting a second one. We both had a bit of a rattle at first, but after adjusting the clamp screw, it has mostly gone away. Also, the lids on both of ours used to just click shut when we closed it, but recently both have changed somehow to where we have to push the latch closed. I'm still trying to figure out how to correct that. The side mounts are super useful; we both have a clamp-style front light and now have them mounted on the "handlebar analog". The lid mount also holds our bike computers. This worked out great on the last vacation, where we stopped a lot with our bikes and just took the Routeworks off and carried it into a restaurant or store with us. All the expensive electronic bits just came with us. We're both really happy with this bag.

I like this bag, I love it as a technology demonstrator and the potential it shows 👍

I have a Route Werks bag and absolutely love it.

I have enjoyed my Routewerks bag. Did 300 miles of gravel with it recently (GAP and C&O) and it held up great. A little rattling but nothing worth complaining about. Easy to access contents while riding with the flip-up lid, which latches firmly when I close it on my copy. Could be larger, but with my 42cm bars it would have to get taller rather than wider not to interfere with the brifters. I use it in place of a small saddle bag and can fit a spare 650b tube, patch kit, tire levers, multi tool, snack bars, mask, hand sanitizer, wallet, keys, and a small first aid kit. Don’t have to stuff my jersey pockets tight.

The only thing keeping me from getting one is the size, if they had a larger one I'd probably be all in. Great review!

I got one. Love it! Had to tighten/loctite a few of screws and crank down the lever holding the bag on the bar, but it's quite good. Perfect size for my long but single day adventurers. The only real issue is stuff inside gets rattled around if it's not fully stuffed.

Nice vid Russ, good production values 😀

I like the looks of this bag a lot. I agree with having a larger model aswell. Furthermore I think it would benefit from a webbing loop/mounting point on the front which you could clip a go pro/light onto.

I don’t even have to watch this video… the answer is YES!!!! I have one and it was a life changer. The size and function is the most perfect thing I’ve ever owned. My greatest regret was getting a bike recently with an integrated aero cockpit and I haven’t found a way to attach it. I cry every day because I miss it.

Had one for about 6 months and overall love it. Great design and finish. Can rattle yes but some little rubber cushions sorted that out. I carry: 100ml bottle of tyre sealant Small bottle of chain lube Inner tube if tubeless system beaten Multi tool Packable gilet Wallet pouch Pixel 3 phone House keys Room for some food too. In side pockets 3 X air cannisters one side Tubeless tyre tool and rubber strips other side Wahoo up top.

I received mine about 3 weeks ago but have only used it once so far. The size is perfect for how I ride. My Wahoo is mounted on top and I love the idea of being able to access items such as my phone, wallet, snacks, even small drinks without having to stop if I want. Yes it is a little pricey but it feels really secure and offers the capacity for my style of riding. That being said, I agree that some of the accessories should come packaged with the bag for the price, otherwise I'm pretty happy with my purchase.

Love my bag! Size is perfect for most rides and when I carry more I just add my rear panniers. Bag seems a little small but a LOT fits in there. Rattle solved by tucking my riding sleeves beneath the under-lid bungee.

It’s an awesome bag with lots of organization, feels premium and perfect in many ways for some… For me it’s heavy and small.

I've been riding with the Ortlieb Ultimate series bags for years, and was pretty interested in this bag because of the light mounts. It's a neat bag, but the Ortlieb has been flawless for road, gravel, and touring honestly. Plenty of room, waterproof, easy mounting system that has never come loose even when overloaded. The size on this is my number one reason for not considering it.

Shows promise - needs refinement as you have addressed but happy to see a new "system".

I had to try it because the green color worked with the brown paint job of my bike, and because it fit in between my narrow (42 cm) handlebars. Though small, for most of my short rides, it is fine. It fits in my helmet for when I go inside a grocery store. It was expensive and I was sad to hear that it's manufacture was farmed out to another country like so many other US startups. Mine rattles too. It is the hinges which are standard rolled hinges with standard tolerances. So I added a few patches of sticky felt which helped to deaden the sound a little. I use the Wahoo mount on top for riding. My cell phone lives inside and is easily accessible if I get a call. (I still pull over though.) I cannot recommend this bag for everyone due to its size and price. BTW thanks to your channel, I now switched out my narrow drop bars and got a 46cm Cowbell handlebar.

I won't try and add an extensive positive experience in detail. I agree with every positive review in this comment section. This bag is amazing. Worth every cent. Get one!

Thanks for the review Russ. I find the bag really interesting - particularly the hard top -, but I already have a bag with a hard mount and like the idea of a bag that’s easier to swap around. Plus the price is a bit heavy for a small bar bag particularly when the mounts are extra.

Have this bag. Bought to solve the problem of getting stuff off my bars and the feature to put devices front and center sold me. I love the ability to use phone/gps on top. When I'm in a new place or new route, this is awesome. Also love the minimal visual footprint on my bars even with bag off. Was thinking I'd use for commutes (whenever that comes back) so I can get an hb bag that doesn't block my lights. Cons: Yes. A bit small. I find I'd rather use my outershell hb most of the time except when I need to use nav. Also It's weight causes the handlebars to flop about. And yes, the rattle. Thinking about putting a bit of old tire on the metal bit to see if that will quiet it down a bit. It's not bad really. Just a bit annoying if one is a quiet section trying to enjoy a peaceful moment. I also have't really figured out how to use the side pockets or the bottom straps. I guess the side pockets aren't for easy reach items? Just seems kinda a PITA to pt things in there if you have to unhook the elastic straps every time. Am I missing something? Overall, I like the bag for the problems I was solving for. I like the innovation while still keeping the traditional h/b aesthetic. Keep up the good work. Thanks for always keeping things honest and straightforward in your reviews and for keeping a channel for us real world cyclists who just love to ride in the fashion that makes us each happy.

I like it for a day ride or tour. Mine does rattle a little but I don’t have a problem shutting it. It snaps closed with no thumbing around. You might have a defect. I would like if it was a bit bigger. If I saw it in person first I don’t think I would have spent that much on it, but ah well. That being said I do still enjoy quick access and not having to blindly dig for things thru a frame bag. I like that I can have a place for bike tools I can quickly remove and not flip over with my bike to change a tube or tru a wheel or something. And even tho it is small I can still bungee a rain jacket/gloves/hat on top. (I use my stem for the quad lock.) I love that a rigid mount doesn’t block a whole extra hand position while riding.

I like mine. I do think it’s the future of bike bags. The size of the lid and mount on top make this feel very dialed in. It functions like a glove box for your bike-things are easily accessible even while riding. Two design issues that can be easily addressed or even hacked: 1. fixing the rattle of the lid that happens on gravel with dampening. 2. Find a way to leash a stuff sack to the front of the bag. That would allow the storage of traditional Bikepacking carry while also keeping a small glove compartment handy, AND keep the bags out of the way of your handlebars. Right now their shock cord leash system is just a nice to have, occasionally useful feature, but much more could be achieved with better leashing options. Great review as always!

I’ve had one for much of the summer. The mounting system is great. I think a bit pricey for what you get. I have it off my bike now though as I could not get rid of the rattles. I tried many things and talked to their support a lot (they were very responsive) but in the end I gave up. Great design but for the rattles. If I could solve that I might put it back on and feel less like I wasted a lot of $.

You can loosen the bolt that hold the bag to the bag side of the mount and the latch should latch by itself. I am in the process to making my full review of the bag as well and have a few creative solutions for some of the issues.

Be sure to check under the small pouch on the inside of the lid. Mine developed small cracks around the center mount area. I changed back to the logo disk and won’t mount anything to the top.

Love this bag from 100 to 200 km audax rides. Food, phone, extra gillet and battery pack. Perfect.

Great review as always Russ. Was just thinking this could be my ideal handlebar bag......then you mentioned the rattle. Not sure my OCD could take this! Would be good if it could be a bit bigger too.

nice review.

It's a cool design, it's just too small for how expensive it is. I'm really looking forward to the Jack the Bike Rack mount you recently reviewed.

Wow. I thought this is just a brilliant design bag. To me, the size is compact enough for everyday use (my daily usage). Either for commuting or just for long riding in a day. I love that the bag can be clipped and removed with just a knob, and the use of a dashboard on the top, very clever!! Also, love how the bag opens up facing you. It's like having a basket in front of you. Been looking for a handlebar bag that's versatile, I finally found one. A+ for design and functionality. Very well thought. The only nitpick, I would like to have a dedicated carrying strap. The bungee cord seems a bit flimsy to me. But that's a minor detail. Still, I think the overall design, size, and functionality are brilliant.

Love your channel. This bag is not my stuff. But I love your channel.

Nice presented modular Handlebar Bag. Now I consider to using again my old Handlebag which is bigger has thermo isolated walls, 1 front pocket, 2 side net meshes, and a top clear plastic pocket for paper map or smart phone. To fix it on my current very curvy handlebar ( 8 shape) I think need to add a small mount bar on the front side of my handlebar which I have not seen anywhere why I haven't used it on my current bike.

The mount, lid, bungees and side extensions look great. When you consider the weight you put on your hoods (which are clamped to the stem) over rough ground or braking into a hairpin... this clamp system should hold even a large 10kg bag without rotating. It does seem a little small, even more so with all the bulky pockets on the inside. I also don't get the zip being in the middle of the 'under-lid' pocket... just put it at the top and let me use the full capacity of the pocket. My final gripe is the company name... RuthWorks is already an established bike bag maker and Route Werks sounds like they're cheaply trying to take advantage of a similar sounding name... all this innovation in the product let down by lack of imagination in the brand.

I bet a whole series of bags are on the way, seems to me start small fairly inexpensive and grow the range I dont need a bag this small, but if enough people get excited about the mount ( totally agree the mount is clever and well thought out and the hard top is awesome ) we’ll see bigger bags and maybe a slightly wider mount to get the proper stability. This is a winner!!

I generally do not favor handle bar bags with hard mounts. But the system looks really nice, dig it!

Sometimes I think bags are right up there with tires as far as importance to the riding experience.

I find part of the bungee under the lid keeps mine from closing easily. If I make sure it’s out of the way (or eventually trim it) it closes just fine. It does rattle, I haven’t tried to make it stop yet. I also find the size is perfect for me, GPS on the lid, 10000 mah battery in the front pocket, wallet in one on the small back pockets, bars and phone in the main area, charging cables in the lid pocket. Keeps me from bringing too much stuff.

At 2:15 you note the Garmin Hack video and the item example you showed was a Wahoo element bolt...it is good you keep me on my toes.

Some very interesting ideas in this bag, especially the mount. Sadly for me it’s just too small in this iteration, so I’m sticking with my Swift Paloma for now. Thanks for the review!

The Swift Paloma weighs less but holds a lot more than the Routeworks. A friend of mine who has the Routeworks says she had to rethink her entire wardrobe based on what would fit in the bag. Plus, hers rattles and she hasn't been able to stop the rattle. Those two factors decided me on the Paloma. One disadvantage to the Klickfix mount you didn't mention is that it makes even small angle adjustments to the bar angle a major production because it blocks access to the stem faceplate adjustment screws. Unscrewing is hard, but tightening the screws with a tourque key is flat out impossible unless you first loosen the mounting screws on the Klickfix and rotate it out of the way.

I like to go fast, can’t seem to unrace myself (I still don’t understand the point of that), however the appeal of larger front bags for me is that I don’t care much for 1. Driving and 2. cycling jerseys and cycling clothing. I like riding in t-shirts and or thrift store wool, neither of which are likely to come equipped with pockets. It’s just nice to have a place to put my phone and food where I can access it on the fly or pick up a bucket of ice cream or a dozen eggs on the way home from a ride. And as the weather gets colder here in Michigan, I do enjoy being able to stuff my down jacket into my front bag (Ortlieb Ultimate Classic 6, 7L). I love the concept of the route works bag, especially that clamp!!, but at $180 and downsizing, can’t get into that, npi.

I love mine.

Spray the fabric with waterproofing spray, specially the under part. The front wheel sprays directly to it when riding on wet roads.

I love mine. And I paid for the extra mount for my other bike, then I can quickly change gear.

Thanks for the great and unbiased review, I share your frustration with the klickfix wire, it's surprising how many times I've found I've needed to tweak or remove it, to the detriment of the wire. Lovely looking bag, but too small for my creature comforts, I'd be interested in a next size up.

I put some electrical tape along the top of the clamp area of the bar-mount to eliminate any rattling I was getting from both the bag and the up-front mounts.

Thanks for the review on this interesting bag! I've always resisted getting some sort of handlebar mount for my phone because of all of the vibrations being transferred to your phone on a ride. There must be a tremendous amount of vibrations traveling directly to the phone if it's mounted to the handlebars. I'm curious to know what you and others think about this. I mean I guess it's somewhat safe as I see a ton of people using things like Quadlocks but I'm still hesitant about putting my expensive phone on the bars like that.

496 likes 0 dislikes! Great content for the cycling masses.

The thumb-lever thing locks fine on mine; I never need to force it to lock the lid.

It should just be your specimen that doesn't latch automatically when closing the lid. The Route werks handlebar bag is actually my first handlebar bag 🤷 I've since tried a few others and my favorite part about the Route is that I have full access to my bars. I've also wrecked pretty hard with the bag installed and it didn't budge, bend or break. The lid didn't even come open...tightened to 3nm. The size 🤔 you're right that for bike packing that it needs to be left at home, but I haven't personally had an issue with the size. I pack it full for say a 65 mile ride, but I love it.

I love my Route Werks bag, but there are a few minor issues with it: the lid rattles incessantly, even after trying to deaden the noise with foam; it's not entirely waterproof either and given that I live in the UK that's a must; the side-mounts for lights are not durable or strong enough for anything but the smallest flashing light. I put an Exposure Joystick on one of the side-mounts and it sheared off the notches after 100 or so yards due to the vibration. The size of the bag also prevents the use of a proper light for night riding either, which has resulted in me taking the bag off the bike for the winter

Good stuff! For the floppy GoPro mount just some fiber grip/carbon paste on it …

Merci from FRANCE ;)

I have had one since the Summer really love having my phone where I can see it instead of my jersey pocket. My suggestion for the folks at Route Werks would be to make the bag wider & move the two side mounting points to the lid of the bag. This way you would have more space inside the bag while not losing any mounting points. Additionally, for it's size I think the bag is a little heavy. Any options for lightening it up? Perhaps offer a Ti or carbon frame for the bag? Having said all this, I will just reiterate again how much I love running a handlebar bag, and the Route Werks bag in particular!! :)

What about mounting the GoPro mount underneath, instead of on top? Also, def put some spacers in between the aluminum twist pivot thing if they are just flexing in the breeze, they will break over time. 👍🏾

Thanks god bless

Thats an awesom bag! I like the concept but the price is very high and if I see how much they take for a couple of spacers or that small thing on the side for further accesories thats even more to high. Despite of the price the idea of mounting a smartphone or computer on top of a bag instead of a paper map is long overdue. The Klickfix adapter, I do not say it only because I am a patriot of our german Geniuswizards....The Klickfix leaves enough space to lead shifting cables and especially something like Maguras HS11 or 33 without beeing kincked! Especially if you do not ride one of those really far to wide handelbars, you have to be aware it fits!

Great design but needs to be bigger for me.

For the gopro fingers issue: I use a tiny amount of carbon assembly compound in between the fingers. Seems to work well enough.

How does it compare to swift bags they will be my next purchase.

Quad locks are the best.

Will the bag fit inside Jones bars

This video looks like my neck of the woods. Probably isn’t, but it looks like Flagstaff.

My problem is my Garmin headlight mount. It would be blocked. I have a Garmin 1030 plus on the stem mount and iPhone on a quad lock Not sure I want the light on the side of the bag.

Can this mount on Brompton? And when the bicycle folds how does it work? Do you have the video?

Its possible to attach front flash light on this

On drop bar bikes, can you still have a handlebar extender and/ or bike lights with the bag?!

So much want

As a smaller rider who needs navigation I think this bag checks all my boxes until I looked at the price point. Oy! Like falling in love at first sight, then glancing down to see their wedding ring. Struggling to find a solution, this Roadie needs basic items and this is just my size. Hoping the price comes down.

Rear rack with a pannier bag takes some beating...

Oh, and rattles are a deal breaker for me. Got to be tight!

A $40 Amazon handlebar bag is good enough. This is too expensive and is on the small side of things. Great review.

What helmet is that @1:12?

Can you fit a cannon dslr camera in it?

Where to buy this kind of Bag?

The only thing keeping me from getting one IS THE PRICE!!!

Would this bag be too cumbersome attached to a Brompton? Have you tried it?

Do you think someone could easily diy a bag with a metal channel attached that would work with the mount?

All ctiy super pro is ❤️❤️ (bag is too small)

I'm old school... I need a map window.

Don't care for rattleling! Thanks for the info!

It’s a nice looking bag, but to import it to the UK is just too expensive. They need a UK distributor.

Looks great but not worth £300 in the uk

189$… Absolute MADNESS

Looks good on paper. However no phone of mind gets attached to the outside. Always stays inside the bag!