Test of the Rapha Explore Bar Bag handlebar bag

Test video summary

My summary

How do I use the Rapha Explore Bar Bag?

The Rapha Explore Bar Bag is a small pannier for day trips, whether you’re on a gravel or road bike. It’s ideal for carrying useful items such as a windproof jacket, muffs or refreshments, without having to slip everything into your cycling jersey (which isn’t always very pleasant!).

Depending on the type of trip, it can also be a good option for short bikepacking adventures (weekend type). Candice set off on the RAF 300 or the Tour du Mont Blanc in 48 hours with a similar (albeit slightly smaller) Rapha pannier!

Features

• Materials: recycled nylon with PU inner lining and DWR treatment, protective hypalon back panel
• Capacity: 2.4L
• Weight: 165g on our scale
• Price: €75
• Colors: black, beige, navy blue (the sky blue color I have no longer exists)
• Width: 26cm
• Height: 15cm

Our complete test of the Rapha Explore Bar Bag

Design

I really like the design of this pannier, which I find sober and elegant, in a plain color with just the Rapha logo embroidered on the front. What’s more, it matches my road bike perfectly (thanks to the girlfriends who gave it to me), but that’s another story 😉

Bike mounting

It’s really easy to attach to the bike: two Velcro stra ps that pass through a loop, a thin elastic cord to loop around the head tube, and you’re done! It’s easy to take off and put back on in seconds.

A protective hyperion rear panel ensures that no friction is generatedon the tube or cables, and indeed on my side there’s nothing to report in this respect, even though I’ve been using it for several years.

Bag organization

The Rapha Explore bar Bag features two zipped pockets:

• a spacious main compartment, with elastic bands inside for better storage (I confess I never use them). This is where I put a choker, a windproof or waterproof jacket (yes, my Endure Gore fits in there!), sleeves… There’s plenty of room, especially since the fabric is so supple.
• a front pocket into which I slip “precious” things (keys, ID card, change…) that I don’t want to accidentally drop when taking out the rest of the bag

What’s more, the pannier has a strap for carrying it over the shoulder or around the waist. Handy if you want to take a break while carrying your gear with you. The strap may seem a little cumbersome at first, but it folds easily behind the pannier when attached to the bike.

Finally, a loop on the front of the bag can be used to attach a light if required.

Bag closure

Both pockets are zippered. The only drawback, in my opinion, is that I find the zippers difficult to open when on the bike. They’re pretty hard and, as the whole thing is flexible, it’s often not easy to open the pockets with one hand.

Waterproofing

The Rapha Explore Bar Bag is made from waterproof fabric with taped seams and a PU inner lining. It is marketed as being resistant to all but the most violent downpours. So it’s more of a water-repellent fabric than perfectly waterproof, but in use I find it particularly effective.

Personally, I don’t go out on my road bike in pouring rain (not deliberately, anyway), and the waterproofness of the pannier was enough for me, even on those occasions when I got soaked 😉 I was pleasantly surprised not to find my stuff soaked, I must say! But don’t hesitate to put your stuff in a plastic bag if you’re worried about heavy rain.

Durability

The fabric seems really solid and of good quality. It hasn’t moved after several years of use and seems to be quite durable.

Conclusion

The Rapha Explore Bar Bag is a versatile little bag that never leaves my side! I find it super practical, so I don’t have to slip everything into my cycling jersey anymore, while still keeping plenty of things close at hand.