Top tube bags are a convenient way to carry additional food or gear on a bike as they are easy to access while riding and take up unused space. Topeak’s new Fastfuel Drybag II is the latest variation of their waterproof top tube bags. With a retail price of $54.95, the Fastfuel Drybag II is a 0.8L top tube with a TPU construction. The bag is fully waterproof with a smooth rubber zipper to keep weather out of the bag. Topeak has designed the bag to be mounted using Velcro straps or two bolt slots for a secure attachment. With its smooth design, the bag offers a nice balance between capacity and form factor for riders looking to ride in any weather condition.
The Topeak Fastfuel Drybag II is a 0.8L waterproof bag that has a dual mounting design and waterproof construction.
| Retail Price | $54.95 |
| Rating | 9.0 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 109 |
| Likes | + Waterproof design for any weather conditions + Full length rubber top zipper with smooth operation + Bright yellow bottom liner makes it easy to find items |
| Dislikes | – Only offered in black color – Difficult to get straps fully tightened down |
| Where to Buy (US) | Topeak |
UNBOXING
The Topeak Fastfuel Drybag II comes directly attached to a cardboard backing with bright white and yellow branding printed on it. Inside the bag itself you’ll find two velcro straps and a warning pamphlet warning against damaging the zipper by pulling the sides apart with excessive force. There are also two 3M clear stripes to help with paint protection as top tube bags can scratch paint over time.
MOUNTING
Topeak has designed the Fastfuel Drybag II to have a dual mounting design that can accommodate bolts or straps. The front of the bag has a wrap-around strap that is designed for 35-75mm head tubes to prevent the bag from swaying. There are two bolt spots on the base that allow you to bolt the bag in place on gravel or endurance bikes with mounting accommodations. Otherwise, you can use the two included straps to attach to top tubes between 35-120 mm. Given the longer length of this bag, the two strap design helps keep the bag in place. One of the downsides of this dual mounting design is that the rubberized reinforcements for the bolts may scratch frames. We’d recommend using the included clear film or adding wrap to your top tube to avoid long-term scratches.
FIT & FINISH
The Topeak Fastfuel Drybag II is designed to offer convenient access and protection from the weather. Topeak only offers the bag in a black finish which has a subtle fabric texture on the exterior and reflective Topeak logos on the side. The bag itself is fairly large at 25.6 x 8.1 x 5.3 cm or 10 x 3.2 x 2 inches in size with an aerodynamic wedge shape. With 0.8 L capacity, the bag can hold quite a bit of food and gear and has a semi-rigid construction with straight sides. The bag is constructed from a TPU material which is fully waterproof which makes this bag perfect for riding in wet weather or just keeping food and gear protected from sweat.
Inside the bag you have a large single compartment that nearly has a square profile. The bag only slopes near the rear which means you can stack multiple bars and gels upright though most of the bag. One of the nice features of this bag is the rubberized zipper which has smooth operation and keeps water out. The advantage of this design is that it’s easy to clean and doesn’t have ridges or small crevices where crumbs or dirt can get stuck. The bottom of the bag also has a removable yellow base which covers up the bolts and makes it easier to find items inside the otherwise black interior.
ON THE ROAD
Compared to the larger Topeak Toploader Drybag, the Fastfuel Drybag II has a more streamlined shape that looks good even on road bikes. The bag’s 0.8L capacity still offers plenty of space for gear and food for multi-day rides or longer rides. Unlike saddlebags or jersey pockets, top tube bags are far more convenient to access while riding and make it easy to grab a snack while riding. The Drybag II is taller than the standard Fastfuel Bag Bolt-on but has a sleeker appearance with the TPU construction. We primarily used the Fastfuel Drybag II for long weekend rides as a way to bring extra food without having to fill our jersey pockets. It’s long shape makes it easy to even put smaller pumps or larger items in there. Our only complaint would be that the included Velcro straps lack a hook or loop which makes it difficult to fully tighten them down. That means the bag can sway side-to-side with the strap setup unless you are careful when tightening the strap.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Topeak Fastfuel Drybag II to be a convenient and well designed top tube bag. The Fastfuel Drybag II uses a waterproof TPU material that keeps water out while offering a semi-rigid construction. It’s a large bag with 0.8L but has a tapered design that provides a streamlined appearance that looks good even on road bikes. We appreciated the premium details like the yellow inner divider that makes it easy to spot items and separates the bolt holes from the interior. The bags dual mounting design with straps and bolts make it easy to mount on any type of bike. The only negatives we found is that the bag is only offered in black and that the included Velcro straps lack hoops to fully tighten them down. That said, the Topeak Fastfuel Drybag II is a well designed top tube bag with waterproof construction.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Topeak. 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.