Review: Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Handlebar Bag

There’s arguably more variation in handlebar bag design than in any other item of cycling luggage, from the voluminous, rack-supported and rigidly mounted randonneur bag to the minimalist style exemplified by Chrome’s Urban Ex 2.0. This bag is quickly and securely attached to the handlebar using a pair of Velcro straps, with a rear stabilising elastic cord loop around the head tube.

Small, at between three and five litres capacity depending on how much the roll-top opening is rolled, the Urban Ex is 240mm wide, leaving a reasonable gap between the sides and the brake levers on most drop handlebars. Nevertheless, there’s not a lot of room for the hands as the straps necessarily hold the bag snug against the handlebar mid-section.

It’s 100% waterproof. The various external seams are ‘knurled’, which means the welding process adds dimples to increase the contact area and therefore the strength of the weld. They are, however, simple edge seams that leave a thin outside-facing lip, which can cause discomfort if it rubs against bare skin. If not a problem initially, this might become so on a longer ride.

Find a comfortable hand placement and the bag makes a lot of sense for light loads such as a waterproof jacket and a phone. At 240g it has no discernible effect on handling and does not bounce annoyingly. The interior has protective padding on the four sides and bottom but could usefully be in a lighter colour to aid in finding small objects.

Constructed using 600-denier polyester fabric with a polyurethane inner coating, the bag is surprisingly stiff overall and keeps its shape when packed with heavier items such as a camera. The exterior surface readily picks up and retains splashed dirt and repays a good scrubbing.

Magnets snap the lips of the opening together prior to rolling it shut. An easily replaceable elastic cord with a webbing tab keeps the roll-top closed. The tab, which has a reverse-facing dart to impede withdrawal, is easy to insert but harder to disengage, especially one handed. To finish things off, there’s an attractive teal shoulder strap with quick-release buckles, which makes life easy off the bike.

Verdict

Sturdy, waterproof and featuring a number of useful features, the Urban Ex is a usefully sized lightweight bar bag suitable for carrying smaller loads both on and off the bike. It could do with rounded ‘lap’ seams to lessen the chance of uncomfortable chafing.

Other options

Altura Dryline Bar Bag £85

Capacious and well-specced but weighty. It’s water resistant and has a waterproof internal dry bag.

Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Classic £91

Benchmark design that’s waterproof and durable. The bar fixture is fiddly and the bag can bounce a bit.

First published in Cycle magazine, April/May 2023 issue. All information correct at time of publishing.