As a part of Redshift’s Top Shelf handlebar product line, they also developed the Top Shelf Handlebar Bag. It’s a medium sized bag that is designed to stash keys, wallet and food conveniently right off the handlebars. The bag is optimized for the Top Shelf handlebar but it uses a 4 point attachment system that can work with most bar setups. Retail price for the bag is $89.99 with an optional Garmin or Wahoo mount adapters available for an additional $20. The bag features a magnetic top lid with side zippers for extra security. To attach the bag to the handlebar, there are four movable Velcro straps as well as an elastic band to prevent swaying.
The Redshift Top Shelf Handlebar Bag is a compact and convenient bag that mounts securely with a magnetic lid for easy access while riding.
| Retail Price | $89.99 |
| Rating | 9.5 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 306 |
| Likes | + Redshift has added various attachment points for accessories as well as four Velcro mounting straps + Multiple interior pockets to help keep everything organized + Magnetic lid is convenient for accessing contents while riding |
| Dislikes | – The bag is currently only offered in a black color option |
| Where to Buy (US) | Redshift |
MOUNTING
Redshift Sports has specifically optimized the mounting of the Top Shelf bag to pair with their Top Shelf Handlebar. That’s why the four Velcro attachment straps are placed in two rows. These are perfectly positioned for the Top Shelf bag, but it can also be used with any handlebar setup. There is an additional long bungee cord on the bottom that can be used to secure the bag to the head tube to prevent bouncing. The Velcro straps are fairly short and have a shiny grippy surface on the top of them that makes them easy to hold and helps them stay in place. Additional slots in the bag allow the bottom straps to be moved for better positioning on the handle bar and provide flexibility.
FIT & FINISH
Visually, the Redshift Top Shelf bag had a rigid feel with durable nylon exterior construction. It’s a medium sized bag with 1.75 liter capacity that offers a convenient way to carry gear on the bike. The bag has a trapezoidal shape that tapers in the front and downward to optimize access without interfering bike cables. Redshift also offers Garmin and Wahoo mount adapters which include X shaped mounts that attach to the top of the bag separately or as a combination purchase with the bag. At the largest point it is 8.5 inches wide and 4.5 deep which is more than enough for carrying food or gear. The exterior of the bag is all black, with basic Redshift logos in a glossy finish for branding.
There is also a reflective stripe along the front strap, which has multiple slots for attaching smaller items or carabiners. This nylon webbing strap is apparently known as a PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) and makes it easy to attach more gear or adjust the mounting straps for optimal positioning. The bag has a single opening on the top with a magnetic top, along with two zippers at the side that are meant for extra security when riding on rough terrain.
The Top Shelf bag provides an easy way to stay organized with multiple compartments inside the bag. Once you pop open the top cover you’ll find multiple mesh pockets along the sides of the interior along with a zipper compartment under the lid. Smaller pockets in the corners are perfectly sized for CO2 or tubeless darts while the larger pockets can be used for phones or keys. A larger almost hidden padded pocket is placed right on the rear edge interior that is meant to store large cell phones. The interior also has a gray finish that helps find items inside the bag instead of being an all-black void.
ON THE ROAD
Having recently reviewed the Redshift Top Shelf Flat Handlebar, it made sense to also try the Top Shelf Bag with it. The two rows of mounting straps are perfectly spaced for the 50 or 70 mm riser bars and allowed the bag to sit flush and tight against the handlebars. While the bag is relatively small, it does make mounting other accessories such as computers or lights more difficult unless you purchase the optional Garmin / Wahoo mount options. Otherwise, the bag has more features than most handlebar bags with numerous exterior slots and interior compartments. We liked the separate mesh pockets and the zippered pocket which makes it easier to find smaller accessories that would otherwise get lost.
One of the bags main party tricks of the bag is the magnetic top cover that makes accessing the contents faster and easier while riding. The idea of a magnetic closure isn’t new, bags like the Tailfin Top Tube Bag have a magnetic flip version as well, but it’s executed well here. It’s a strong magnetic that holds the cover tightly in place while still making it easy to open. The thick fabric construction of the bag also allows the lid to stay open in a folded bag or propped up position for quick access to all the contents. It’s a nice way to grab a snack or check a phone on the bike without having use jersey pockets or saddlebags.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Redshift Top Shelf Handlbar Bag to be a well made and convenient bike bag. As with many of Redshift’s products, the bag adds small tweaks to existing products to make them more user friendly and versatile. The Top Shelf features a variety of outside attachment slots for accessories as well as a well designed magnetic lid. We found it easy to open the magnetic lid while riding, with the magnet being strong enough to keep the lid securely in place. Various internal pockets help keep the contents of the bag separated and organized so you aren’t searching through things. Our only complaint would be that the bag is only offered in black color scheme currently. That said, the Redshift Top Shelf Handlebar bag is great choice for commuters or gravel riders looking for more on-bike storage.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Redshift. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.