The Obova Handlebar Bag Review

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When it comes to cycling accessories, you have a lot of choice on the current market, especially when it comes to bags for commuting, bikepacking, and even touring.

Recently we were lucky enough to get to try the Obova handlebar bag, and in this article, we wanted to tell you all about it and if it should be your next cycling accessory purchase.

The Obova bag is designed to sit on your handlebars, and it is designed to carry everything you need, from tools and spares to food and even spare clothing. It’s a universal fit, so you can use it for a scooter and other small forms of transport.

This bag has some amazing features, so let us tell you all about them. Here’s what we’re going to be speaking about;

• Sizing
• Attachment
• Material
• Waterproof Ability
• Lots of pockets
• Phone Pocket
• Reflective Detailing
• Carry Strap

Sizing

12 x 22 x 15 (cm)

The first thing to mention is the sizing, which is one of the best things about this bag. Typically when it comes to handlebar bags, for some reason unknown to us, they are either incredibly big to carry a tent or a sleeping bag or very small and can barely carry anything.

The Obova handlebar bag is a perfect in between and has the ability to carry a lot but without being too big that it feels like it’s getting in the way.

We also love the aerodynamic profile of the bag. Although we don’t worry too much about aerodynamics on bags, it does have a sporty shape to it, and it is a nice modern curved design which shapes very well.

For us, the size of the bag hugely sets it apart from its competition, and we think they really have thought heavily about this in development.

Attachment

The bag has a very simple attachment system with three velcro straps on the rear. Two go around your handlebars, and one will go around your headtube. They are very easy to use and keep the bag secure.

Depending on the length of your stem, you might not require the headtube strap, but this can be put round gear cables instead as it is an adjustable strap. The bottom strap would have been better a little bit longer, but it always has something to attach to.

They work great and even have a rubber inside so it won’t harm or scratch your handlebars.

Material

The bag itself is made of PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), which most bags like this are made of. Unlike other bags, though, the Obova is reinforced on the inside, so it doesn’t lose its structure under pressure, or if it does get bent, it returns to its original shape straight away.

We think the fact this bag is so strong does make it much easier to use, and it just keeps a much fuller shape no matter if it’s full or there’s nothing inside it. It weighs 370g, and it’s not the lightest of materials, but for the structure, it is well worth the extra 200g.

Waterproof Ability

Typically we would have spoken about this when we spoke about the material, but the main question we are asked when it comes to bags like this is if it is waterproof or not. Obova has gone above and beyond here.

Instead of just using a semi-waterproof material, they have lined the inside with a fully waterproof clear plastic, so even in torrential rain, you will be able to keep your essentials dry.

If you are carrying precious cargo, they even include a shower cap blue cover for the days when you can expect to be riding in the rain all day.

Lots of Pockets

Another great feature of this bag is the number of pockets you get for storing various items. This makes it so easy to be organized and to make sure that you can find things easily and quickly when out on the roads. The pockets you have are;

Main Compartment (Zip)

Front Compartment (Velco)

2 x Side Compartments (Zip)

Phone Compartment (Zip)

They use high-quality zips with plastic ends, so they don’t rattle around when you’re riding and are blue in color, which we really like because they are easy to find in the dark or when you’re riding at night.

They are all accessible without having to take the bag off the bars too, which means you can get to them even when attached securely.

Phone Pocket

The clear top pocket for a phone or map was one of my favorite features of this bag. It means you can have a view of a map and navigate while riding.

It keeps everything watertight and is very easy to see through clearly. It’s got loads of space and is easy to get in and out of.

We also tried using a touch screen phone through the clear casing, and it worked perfectly.

Carry Strap

There are plenty of situations where you might need to remove your bag from the bike and carry it with you. If you are using it to keep your valuables in and want to keep them all together, it’s easier to take the bag with you.

The Obova bag comes with a carry strap, so when removed, you can strap it around your shoulder for easy carrying and wear it as a bag.

Pros and Cons

Like with any product, speaking about the pros and cons is vital. The Above bag really impressed us and here’s what we liked and didn’t like about it.

Pros

• Strong and sturdy
• Looks great
• Waterproof ability
• Phone and map pocket
• Carry strap is excellent
• High-quality build
• Cost

Cons

• Not the lightest at 370g
• I would have loved a larger bottom strap

Overall

Overall we really loved the Obova handlebar bag. It’s a very functional piece of equipment that is really built to last. It’s also a great size and just looks fantastic.

The only thing that we thought did hold it back a bit was the weight was a little bit heavier than other bags, but it’s made to a much higher standard, so we can appreciate that is why.

Also, the fact the extra bottom strap was a little short. Apart from that, we really can’t fault it at all. We highly recommend the Obova Handlebar Bag and feel it’s an excellent investment for many bikes and adventures.

Robbie Ferri

Robbie Ferri has spent years working in a bike shop, has worked with industry leading brands on product creation, has been a semi pro athlete, and is a fully qualified strength and conditioning coach. He has broken World Records, bikepacked all over the World and raced ultra distance at a top-level.