Altura has updated its range of Vortex cycling bags, with the top-tube bag that now offers the option to bolt on. With 1-litre of space available, it gives plenty of storage and despite the space and extra mount option, performance is far from perfect holding it back from being one of the main contenders in the best bikepacking bags space.
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Altura Vortex Bolt-On top tube bag – Technical details
The Vortex top tube bag is made from a waterproof ripstop material, with welded seams and waterproof zip to help keep moisture out. It will hold off most weather conditions but, with a cable port at the front, full submersion is not recommended.
The main space has a 1-litre capacity, and this gives enough space to store plenty of food, spare batteries, and anything else you might want to keep within arm’s reach while riding. There is also a small pouch on the inside, it's a good place to store thinner items, such as a bank card.
It measures 24cm in length, 19cm at the highest point, and 5cm in width at the base, tapering slightly at the opening area.
Altura Vortex Bolt-On top tube bag - Performance
I tested the bag mounted to a carbon-framed mountain bike and this suited the width of the bag with little overhang to rub against the knees while pedalling.
The bag comes with three Velcro straps, all of equal length with two for the top tube and one to strap for the steerer tube. There is the option to bolt it to the frame (and bolts are included) with two possible layouts to suit different frame locations. If you use the bolts, given the size and potential weight that will be carried, I recommend doubling up with at least one strap or using additional washers to give more support.
On a carbon frame, with a wide headtube area, I found the straps much too short and needed to use an alternative strap. The rear strap was long enough but I found it difficult to get enough tension to have a secure fit. Mounting to the headtube can limit fit options, especially if you use a smaller stem arrangement. I chose to use a different strap, one with a locking cam and narrower width to reduce the cable rub.
During a bikepacking trip, I used the bag to store a small battery, food, and some spares. The space does mean the overall weight will start to increase and this did create problems. The weight, combined with less-than-ideal straps caused the bag to move side to side considerably. This was particularly obvious when riding out of the saddle and, while the width itself was not too obtrusive, having the bag move became frustrating.
Sensible packing, reducing the overall weight, and keeping anything heavy near the base will help keep movement to a minimum but that doesn't hide the fact the bag needs better strap management.
The straps provided make fitment to lots of bikes more limited, so the style of strap could be improved. A longer Velcro strap that could be cut to length would help but a form of ladder buckle or cam-lock strap would give a more secure and adjustable fit.
Another frustration was the zip and, despite it using a zip garage to keep it in place, it vibrated and rattled on all surfaces. The position and material of the zip and zip puller appear to be the problem due to metal-to-metal contact.
Altura Vortex Bolt-On top tube bag - Verdict
The Vortex bolt-on bag costs £50, which is quite expensive and puts it in direct competition with the Tailfin Top Tube bag, a bag that addresses every problem seen on the Altura bag. Tailfin produces various sizes, with the smallest at 0.8-litres for £52, 1.1-litres at £55 and the largest 1.5-litres at £60. For a low-cost, no-frills option Lifeline has the Adventure top tube bag with two sizes at £15 or £20, respectively.
It may now have the option to bolt to the bike but the Altura Vortex top-tube bag underperforms in use with short, basic straps that produce far too much movement and a zip that rattles constantly.
2 comments
That is some Sugru, and it is there to hold a di2 cable in place.
The frame doesn't have any di2 sized options, and this prevents any water ingress.
Whats with the blue tack for the rear gear cable?