I love riding with a top tube bag and a smaller frame bag. Not only to carry stuff I take with me keeping jersey pockets light, but often in Japan countryside you find local products or nice beans at a cafe. Nice to bring a small gift home and the bags help carry.

That last segment was just perfect. *chef's kiss*

That is a pretty impressive result for the Rockbros pack. Cheap and pretty watertight. Great, informstive video as usual. Thank you!

Since I have the same Open UP, every time I watch your video I have to buy new stuff. A very effective review!!

It’s always great to hear what you have to say about products and see the beautiful rides of Japan.

I could watch the opening and especially closing descending video all day! Great stuff!

gah dang that Japanese scenery! Plus, any bag that helps you carry Japanese snacks is already an 8/10. But I also endorse that Apidura top tube bag! It's a banger.

The video was solid and all, and then at the end we are gifted with such a lovely and breathtaking footage. You did it sir, you did it!

Love, love, love the 38mm Gravel King Slicks. Apidura does make great well thought out bags.

the reason they are called the raceline is because they are made with both lightweight and waterproofness in mind. the downside is that their durability, wear resistance, abrasion resistance and weight limits are sacrificed the way they do it is to use only the bare essentials to make it waterproof, weld them together. any extra material to make it abrasion resistant or heavy duty are basically omitted. even stitching is kept to the bare minimum

You do extremely good Work Man. Your videos are awesome

Sold on the Apidura top tube pack! Just love the way it easily opens and closes and is fully waterproof. Definitely one for my snacks / gummies when on a long ride 👌🏻

Thank you for this ending. And of course for your brilliant videos

Excellent video thankyou. Answered some of the questions I had.

great review, as usual! thanks

Thank you, just what I'm looking for!

that outro was gorgeous!

Yeah, I’ve used this top tube bag for a few weeks now. It’s very easy to open with your right hand... and close it with your left knee... Open, close. Open, close. Open, close (at 90 rpm). The upside is that I’ve gotten pretty quick at grabbing a snack.

Love your work.

I bought a Rockbros L size frame bag for a Sapporo to Wakkanai and back trip 2 months ago, I was hopeful for the rainproofing but yeah, lets just say its better at holding water in than it is at stopping it from getting it. I'm guessing when it's all strapped up the seams might creep open a little bit, still worked well to keep things in there that I didn't mind getting wet :) plus it's cheap as

I own the complete range of Expedition bags from Apidura and like the brand, and the way they handle the after sales questions and input from me as a rider. As I said Apidura is the brand for me.

I wish, they were fidlock-compatible. A couple of years ago Apidura did tout the idea of a magnetically-attaching top tube bag, but ditched it for some reason.

Another great one! Because of you, I have currently acquired Gravel King tires, cheap Rockbros bags, and the Tascam DR-10L for audio. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm building up my own OPEN frame in a year's time. 😄

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Feels like I need to apologize now ;)

@TheBikeSauce

3 жыл бұрын

Rides of Japan Haha no. Just stop making such amazing videos that convince me to buy stuff. Actually wait.. don’t stop.

The outro was beautiful.

Funny to see the bags mounted on something that looks pretty much much like an industrial Din rail. Haven’t seen this shape in JPN yet

love your channel. interesting to see how quiet the roads are where you ride considering how heavily populated Japan is

@cjohnson3836

3 жыл бұрын

Japan is populated but the average density is not terribly high since people are so concentrated into large cities. Most of Japan is mountains and about 68% of the country is forested.

Awesome video! Watching from Tokyo 🗼

Bigger top bag equates to more Haribo.👍 Great review, thanks.

Thanks for doing this video! I have been contemplating one of these bags for a while to go with my racing 2.4L bag. Definitely want one now ☺️. The version you got has the holes in the bottom for screws. One of my bikes has those mounts. Will the bag mount on bikes that don't have it? (My other bikes don't have top tube mounts).

The zips are the culpret... They are shower proof but water sitting on them will wick through pretty quick. The flap over the top is more reliable for water proofness. Having said that if it's raining and you open the bag and put your wet hand in... stuff is getting wet in there.

the racing saddle bag is my favorite. i haven't gotten over the height of the top tube bag.

thanks for letting me dream for a moment in the end;I hope I can ride in that beautiful country one day.

Quality video content.

Absolutely love your videos: views and reviews both! Where in Japan are you riding / living?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

I live in Saitama, and ride mostly in the Chichibu mountains, but venture out into gunma and yamanashi pretty regularly. Cheers!

S-Works Aethos is waving at you.

@LeoInterHyenaem

3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful bikes, aren't they?

Thanks for this. I found one one ebay and snagged it.

Your scenery looks just like mine! Smoky Mountains US.

Nice bags man ! En nice long leggs too 😂 Whats youre fav bibshorts ? I watch youre video about bibs for tall men and i buy the endura sl long good bib. Butt now some time later do you have a good reconmendation for me? Greetz from holland 👍

Do You find Your knees sometimes brush against the top tube bag while pedaling? I’m 6’3” and that is a problem with a lot of top tube bags for me (width and length of bag). - Oops just saw You commented on this now. I do really like the bolt-on feature of those two bags You have though. My bike doesn’t have bolts there unfortunately.

A beautiful day for A bike ride

That mountain pass gives me Initial D vibes.

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Don’t know if this particular on is in there, but one of my local favorite passes to both climb and descend is apparently in it, “Sadamine pass”

I have thick legs and it rubs when I stand, but all top tube bags do. All zippers leak eventually.

Thank you for the terrific videos. I ride a Santa Cruz Stigmata, though the Open (the WIDE) was my other favorite when deciding. I’ve been getting into bikepacking (went with Apidura because of your videos) and wondered what tape you use under the straps of the bags. And if you’ve had bad experiences when removing any. You’ve made reference to the tapes in the videos that I’ve seen, but not to the brand or their use (unless I missed it).

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

I use clear “protective” tape... amazon no-brand kind of deal. Can be found as “helicopter tape” from what I understand It’s made for Surface protection so can be removed without leaving residue.

@haygoshagan2548

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

They call it race because it's the line made for ultra races like the tour divide

I got the Pro Discover bag a year or two ago based on your recs and love it and just ordered the Apidura Expedition. But you make a compelling argument on why I should buy a new top tube bag, though my wallet objects.

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

As long as you don't ride with non-weather sealed electronics in a downpour there's not a huge reason to buy a new bag, unless you want something bigger. If you love it, that shouldn't have changed with this video ;)

@secondraidcycling

3 жыл бұрын

@@ridesofjapan Oh, it hasn't. But I don't like feed bags on my handlebars, and this seems like a neat compromise.

Very interesting, I was considering buying an Apidura toptube and frame pack from the expedition range but, since I'm living in a rainy country, I may have to reconsider my choice an go for the race range ! Thanks !

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Just to clarify, the Expedition is waterproof as well, but “backcountry” range is only water resistant. However, only the racing line has the magnetic closure.

@guillaumesakiche

3 жыл бұрын

@@ridesofjapan Oooh, ok, I forget about the third range and confuse the expedition and backcountry ! Thanks to clarify that for me ! Have a good day (or night) and thanks for the response (and the channel).

ayy rokas!!

I have a set of the Apidura Expedition bags and, eh, they're nice but not worth their asking price. The toptube bag is fiddly and tight and would be better suited with a flap like your Racing or Revelate bags.

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

I like my expedition seat pack, but I wasn’t the too impressed by the frame/cockpit options. Fixed straps is what me annoys me most.

Those waterproof zips are never quite as waterproof as you expect. Although I don't have a top tube bag, out of the bags I have tried the ones that roll down or fold over are usually pretty good even in very heavy rain, so your test results don't surprise me :)

SOLID toptube bag 👍👍👍 hey btw, what camera do you use for filming this vids?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

GoPro out on the road, mirrorless inside

Hey, how about using this apidura one on mtb trails? will the magnet come off?, thanks for the brill videos

When I first saw the flap covers I thought they are dumb but after thinking about it for a while and seeing comparisons it's clear - they are the only way to go. I've seen a LOT of people with failed zippers which means the bag is ruined. And also. an upwards facing zipper is a horrible idea related to rain. Flaps all the way

May I ask what is that blue bike's name? It's so gorgeous!

Hi! For the Frame bag, does it have a firm support at the bottom? I have been riding a toppeak frame bag and its very “soggy”, so if you put something heavy in there, it totaly drags it down and makes for a weird look. Thanks!

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Vincent Ruland it has much more support than my old backcountry bag as you can see in the video. I can’t “fold” the racing bag for example. Have not carried anything super heavy in mine though. A camera, spares and power bank is no problem however.

Apidura rules

Please, does anyone owning an apidura raceline 4L frame bag has tried to fit a water bladder in it ? if yes how did it go ? I'm hesitating between expedition 3L and race 4L and this would settle the matter

Thanks for the good video and review. Maybe worth thinking of the left-handers among us (aimed more at Apidura). I assume the flap and fastener only come on the right-hand side? That would be a deal-breaker for me.

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

From what I can see, it right side only unfortunately

@samdorner3826

3 жыл бұрын

@@ridesofjapan thanks!

Are roads always this empty in the countryside in Japan? 😍

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Pretty much

@iMadrid11

3 жыл бұрын

One of the benefits of a country with low population is the roads on the countryside are pretty empty.

Hey man, I was wondering where you store your GoPro when your riding your bike for easy access? I'm assuming you're using the same bitemount like francis cade or dustin klein? I have the same Apidura top bag and it's kind of akward to keep it in there isn't it?

@ridesofjapan

2 жыл бұрын

Nope, don’t use either GoPro or bite mount. When I did I useed a frame bag or tool keg.

Great video

Funny how these 2yr old videos pop up in my feed after searching for a new top bag. I liked the Apidura but not the price. Was almost going to buy the cheapo Rockbros then I saw a YT on Decathlon bags, they are exact copy of Apidura at half the price.

I've had nothing but bad experiences with this bag. I've owned it for around 9 months. On multiple occassions, the top has flown open and heavy stuff has flown out (keys, amongst other things) on what I'd consider normal bikepacking/gravel ride bumps (e.g., railroad tracks). I'm sure it'd be find on the highway, but I'm looking to replace it for anything offroad. Just needs a better latching system and it'd be perfect.

did you ever do a video explaining how you came to be in japan?

Awsome vid! What helmet are you using?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Met Trenta Cheers!

Good video. What about the straps and paint on the frame? Is the straps make any damage to paint on the frame?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Adam Wyrzykowski yes, always use protective tape

I have the apidura top tube bag the same as yours. I find it the best top tube bag I’ve had. It’s good to put my electronics in as I know they will be protected from rain. However, I have one slight issue with it. At the area of the white and Orange reflective strips on the over flap, if the bag is at the limits of its capacity, I find this area of the flap sticks out. So this leaves a 2cm gap between the flap and the body of the bag. I feel it is still relatively rain proof, however, because it sticks out, it sometimes catches on my leg and can then be forced open. Apart from that, a good bag.

Rocking an Attaquer jersey i see!! Love it!!

Top tube holes? Never seen them before. Is it just me?

What camera are you using?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

GoPro hero9

amazing toning in the 0:23 which camera and editing software did you use??

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Gopro Hero 9 and Final cut pro X, but most of that tone is thanks to the sun setting

Kind of late to the party, but do you still use the frame bags? Good long term review? I've read that many have problems with the zippers on Apidura stuff and kind of puts me off purchasing one, but otherwise their gear just seems top of the line.

@ridesofjapan

5 ай бұрын

I’m not a heavy user of bike bags, so I’m probably not the best person to refer to, but I’ve never had any problems with them up.

Question: do you need to put the rubber rings in or under the baggie when you bolt it on?

@ridesofjapan

2 жыл бұрын

If it’s washers you mean, then inside… don’t remember there being any rubber rings though.

Looking back on this vid, have you tried the tailfin flip top tube bag? Or do you still use a top tube bag at all ?

@ridesofjapan

5 ай бұрын

Non of my current bikes has top tube mounting points so no, I don't use any top tube bags at the moment instead going for a small half frame bag or a small bar bag if they are necessary. But For quick access the top tube bag is still the unbeatable. I dont like the strap mounted top tube bags though. All that said, I still prefer to ride without any bag at all if that is doable :)

@skrub3761

5 ай бұрын

@@ridesofjapan Yes, no bag when possible is the best. I think I’ll give the tailfin top tube bag a try. I have never tried a small frame bag before. Maybe I will also look into that.

Hi can I ask you do you put both washers on the inside of bag?

@ridesofjapan

2 жыл бұрын

No, you use the screws that comes with the bag

Very good review for a non review video 👍🏼

Can you make a video about your choice of headlight(s) on the bike?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Martijn Pol it’s on the todo list!

@martijnpol4188

3 жыл бұрын

@@ridesofjapan Very cool!! Thnx in advance

Maybe you answered this in another vid, but how do you keep straps from scratching bike?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Answers many many times ;) Helicopter tape

What light do you have on your bars?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

It’s, Lezyne Macro drive 1300. Might do a video about it in the future if I come up with something interesting.

Is Your vest made by the company OrNot? It looks very similar to their color / branding style.

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Nope, it’s a rapha vest

I also love the magnetic top racing bag. It is 100% waterproofed, is always closed even on hardcore gravel trails and pretty easy for access while riding. The other bags i will buy from the expedition series for my purposes

Can you tell me what bottle cages and handlebar tape you are using?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Fidlock on the down tube and arundle mandible on the seattube. Handlebar tape is Pro Sports Sontrol

Is the road at the end completely closed for cars? I assume you were pretty fast around those corners... Stay safe mate.

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

No closed roads in this video. You have mirrors on every corner. But yeah, saw 2 cars on that 8km descent at the end :)

Which Lezyne light do you have ?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

1300xxl

Looks awesome BUT it seems to have been discontinued? Where did you get it?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Don’t think it’s discontinued. Should be back in stock eventually.

@graveljoy

3 жыл бұрын

@@ridesofjapan Ok hope You are right, was listed in a way that made me conclude that on some portals. I hope you are right, my dark speedworks are great but sometimes i will need something bigger. Great review by the way. Thanks for all the great content.

nice one! is that a light on the right side of your drop bar? what is it?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Lezyne Macro drive 1300 Light

@gindara21

3 жыл бұрын

@@ridesofjapan happy?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, might drop some info on it in the future

I bought a few months ago the Pro, precisely because of the claimed 5000mm of waterproofing but haven't really got the chance to test it. On Thursday I am going on a 3 week bike tour. Why didn't this video come out one month ago.

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

A plastic bag for the electronics should get you through... and who knows, it might not even rain ;)

@lookinforanick

3 жыл бұрын

It did rain. But luckily I didn't experience your issue.

Which sunglasses are you wearing in this video? Looks a bit like the oakley flightline, but maybe not?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

they are the Roka GPx

i was just enjoying your outro and thought i hope that's a closed road and there isn't some guy haulin ass around that corner in a Suzuki swift

@ianw3811

3 жыл бұрын

ben j Most of the roads here in Japan are empty, especially the 1 lane ones. Plus, they have mirrors around corners and you’d hear engine sound from quite far away :)

Great video, does the top tube bag rub the frame or is it spaced off the frame?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

That depends on the mounting holes on the frame. I always recommend putting protective tape just in case

@michael_smith

3 жыл бұрын

@@ridesofjapan does it rub on the open? I was thinking add a couple 5mm spacers if it did

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

@@michael_smith not from that I can see this far., but I have protective tape between the mounts. 5mm would be way overkill, and the bag would not be very stable either I think

@michael_smith

3 жыл бұрын

@@ridesofjapan thanks, I will purchase the bag when it’s back in stock.

10:31 this is beautifully sad music corresponding to the (currently) fall, what is the title of it? (the link for music is just generic one).

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Think it was called “snow thoughts” on epidemic sounds

@WanderABit

3 жыл бұрын

@@ridesofjapan Thank you very much, the direct link: kzread.info/dash/bejne/h2WKltd_mtjTkZM.html

Which mini-camera did you bring in the bag? 🙂

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Out on the road a GoPro, in the over head shot and Sony rx100

Did i miss the video where you tell us about your sunglasses?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Nope, I can’t make a video on every little thing I get ;) They are Roka GPx

Toptube bag on downtube?

Lol in the UK a baggie is what you buy drugs in

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Well, I’m pretty addicted to Haribo... so 🤷‍♂️

@nicholas298

3 жыл бұрын

@@ridesofjapan (Lately addicted to vitamin gummy. Softer than Japanese ones)

@jimbojet8728

3 жыл бұрын

No, a baggie is what I carry my shopping in! You, can put your drugs in one too though. Don’t despair.

Which Socks did u wear at Minute 6:15 ?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Ridge supply socks

Custom ultralight dyneema frame bag when? 🤔

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Time will tell :)

@markifi

3 жыл бұрын

could even be netting, although I doubt nets are lighter than cuben fibre

Where do you get haribo gummy bears in Japan?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

You can find them at 7-11 now luckily

the apidura bolt on bag looks sweet, I was very close to buying it. but they don't seem to make it any more! >:(

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Should be back in stock eventually

@cannon1156

3 жыл бұрын

They still make it. It sells out very quick. You can put yourself on a notification email and they will let you know when it is back in stock

@hgiusdfajgfds

3 жыл бұрын

Ah, nice! In the start of the summer it said it was an experimental product and wouldn't be coming back to stock, or something along those lines. Nice that that's changed

Nicee, what GoPro?

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

9

@winters4960

3 жыл бұрын

It's amazing that a lot of youtuber using gopro, but have different quality (style) of video. Yours is incredible amazing with the quality and color grading, really like it. May i know what kind of setting do you applied to the editing??

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Winters not an easy question to answer, different for every scene, I can’t grade a scene just before sunset just like I do on on clip when the sun is in the middle of the sky. However, setting up the camera is the most important part, fixed white balance, high bit rate, flat color, lowest sharpening , try to keep the iso as low as possible. In general I have exposure set to -1ev to not blow out the highlight completely. Cheers! Ps. The top-down shot was not a GoPro btw

So... you planing to buy a Aethos frame? :D

@ridesofjapan

3 жыл бұрын

Specialized? Nope :)