Bring Fashion to your Handlebars
By Claire Bonin
The Zwei bag looks more like a nice handbag than your typical handlebar bag. Functional yet stylish, it can be taken off the handlebar attachment in a click. The red Mobil U5 we tested offers solid construction, three inner compartments to keep your things organized and an outer zip pocket featuring a cell phone insert holder. The 5-liter volume (11.5” wide x 9.5” high x 3.5” deep) provides ample room to pack your lunch, a book, wallet, keys and more. Two strong magnets sewn into the flaps close the handles and a second set keep the folding top secure to the front panel.
Photo by Bicycle Paper
The bag gets safely affixed and locked onto the handlebar via a quick release system called Klickfix. Gently depressing the red button releases it. The length can be adjusted by adding an extension allowing for more space between the bag and the bars, if needed. The system is backed up by a safety wire that runs under the stem and over the handlebar onto the Klickfix - it took me a while to figure out how to make it work, but it is pretty ingenious and a good feature.
A long and sturdy shoulder strap attaches to the back of the bag. Two strap buckles allow for multiple carrying configurations ranging from a simple shoulder strap to a more secure shoulder and belt set-up, and any arrangements in between can be adjusted quite easily. Once taken off the bag, the strap can be stowed away by using the nifty rubber loop under the Klickfix cover. When not mounted to the bike, the cover hides the Klickfix function.
Photo by Bicycle Paper
All and all, the Mobil is a high-quality bag with interesting features and a great design that will have you going in style. The Mobil collection is available in six sizes ranging from 3 to 18 liters. U5 MRSP $125. Available at Wallingford Bicycles, www.wallbike.com.
Photo by Bicycle Paper
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