Do we want to test the Platzangst bike bags? Absolutely. After all, any excuse is good enough for us to spend a few hours in the saddle!
The topic of bikepacking is on everyone's lips, and we love going on overnighters, weekenders, or even longer trips. Bike bags are also practical for day trips or everyday use. But which ones are recommended? Which fit the existing bike? And what fits inside? The only way to find out is to test them!
Do you know Platzangst?
The Berlin brand Platzangst is known for functional, affordable cycling apparel specifically for gravel, bikepacking, and MTB. Metal mugs and bike bags are the logical consequence. The bag line includes a total of seven different bags and offers more than enough storage space as a set for long tours.
7 Platzangst Bags: Variety is Key!
Our tours and training rides vary in length. Sometimes it's a weekend, sometimes a half-hour evening ride, and sometimes we're on the road for 14 days. We've found that a set of different bags from one manufacturer is simply perfect. Since they come from one line, the bikepacking luggage doesn't look haphazardly thrown together, but it's versatile. On various test rides, we were able to assemble the bags so that everything was securely stored, but we didn't have to carry an extra gram.
Which bike suits our test bags?
Since the Platzangst bags are available in different sizes, we were able to fit them on a variety of bikes. Like many bikepackers, we prefer a gravel bike or a hardtail mountain bike, where the Platzangst bags fit without any issues.
| Practical: You don't need any mounted brackets or racks; the bags come with the straps. |
- Hardtail MTB or Gravel Bike, the bags fit!
- Some bags have multiple loops where the straps can be threaded, so they fit for sure.
- They also fit on trekking bikes or road bikes.
- Smaller bags are also suitable for children's bikes.
- The large handlebar roll fits strongly compressed even in narrow handlebars. Alternatively, there is a small handlebar bag.
- Of course, the installation also works on various e-bikes.
- The exception: We failed the test with the combination of frame bag and fully. But there are enough alternatives!
A few important facts
- available sizes: from 0.5 to 14 liters
- all bags are made of water-repellent material (whether it works, you can read below)
- Cost: from 19.90 euros (bottle bag) to 79.90 euros (front roller), so rather in the lower price segment
- included in the test: Top Tube, Frame Bag, Front Roller, Mini Front Roll, Saddle Bag XXL, Saddle Bag, Bottle Bag
- Appearance: discreet, so the bags fit any bikepacking bike; black + small Platzangst logos in white
Before the test…
↪ comes the mounting of the bags on the bike!
And the attachment is always a critical point with bike bags! Our criteria + test results:
- Does the mounting of the bags work without tools? ✅ Yes, Velcro or clips – completely possible without tools.
- Do the holders protect the paint? ✅ Once mounted firmly and without wobbling, the bags left no scratches in the test.
- Can the bags be quickly removed? ✅ During a stop, you can easily detach bags with valuables and take them with you.
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Tip: After the tour, you should clean the Velcro straps and the back of the bag from dust, so that nothing rubs on the next ride! |
Platzangst Bikepacking Bags in the Test
↪ Our experiences with the individual bags
Platzangst offers different bags that can be mounted at various points on and in the bicycle.
Here are the bags and our personal test results at a glance:
The Top Tube Bag
The small and lightweight Top Tube can be mounted between the top tube and the head tube with three flexible Velcro fasteners. Due to the fixation at three points, the bag is securely mounted and does not wobble a millimeter on trails.
Positively noted in the test:
- approx. two liters volume
- for small snacks, the wallet, a power bank, and the phone
- important items within easy reach during the ride
- easy to attach & detach – ideal for taking valuables with you during stops
- smooth zipper for one-handed use
The Frame Bag
The frame bag made of durable nylon fits into the frame triangle and is securely attached to the bike with five adjustable Velcro fasteners.
Positives noted during the test:
- approximately four liters of volume
- ample storage space for clothing, tools, or other equipment
- stable material ensures the bag does not bulge and obstruct the legs
- long shape for tent poles
- interior divided into compartments for better organization
- cable routing for power bank, etc.
The Front Roller
The Front Roller is the largest bike bag in the series. It is traditionally attached to the handlebar and stores everything that can be squished. So… clothes or tarp: Yes. Strawberries for the break: No.
The special feature: The bag has roll closures on both sides, which are closed with buckles. This has several advantages:
- The contents can be well compressed, giving the bag sufficient stability.
- Our test bike has a relatively narrow handlebar, initially the bag simply didn't fit. One or two more turns quickly reduced the size of the bag so it could be easily attached.
- Access from both sides saves you the hassle of rearranging things.
Also noted positively during the test:
- whole eight liters of volume for everything that can be squished
- elastic cords on the front for additional luggage (e.g., things that need airing out)
- flexible attachment for flat bar or racing handlebars
The Mini Front Roll Handlebar Bag
The Mini Front Roll is the smaller version of the large Front Roller. It has a volume of four liters and is only 30cm wide. This makes it fit perfectly into narrow drop handlebars and is also suitable for children's bicycles.
However, the robust nylon material is not quite as form-stable as the other bags. If it is not fully filled, it collapses a bit. Since the bag is not huge, it doesn't dangle around unpleasantly.
Positives noticed during testing:
- four liters capacity
- uncomplicated design
- the zipper is nice and smooth
- perfect size for keys-phone-money for shorter tours and training
The XL Saddle Bag
The saddle bag has a lot of space (14l). There is a roll closure with two clips, so you can adjust and stabilize the bag to your luggage amount. Our uphill test shows: It stays nice and stable even when standing up on the pedals.
Positives noticed during testing:
- 14 liters capacity (not compressed)
- a lot of space, yet customizable size
- elastic cords outside for additional storage
- sits stable and doesn't wobble
- water-repellent, the roll closure is tight
The compact “Saddle Bag”
The test shows: About two liters of volume are great for small tools, a spare tube, and a few other small items. The compact and form-stable saddle bag sits very firmly between the seat post and saddle. The cup on the bag slightly distorts the stability test ;-). Pack spare parts and multitool, attach, forget = affordable emergency set.
Positives noticed during testing:
- affordable
- compact
- perfect as a permanent tool/spare parts bag
- sits securely under the saddle
The Bottle Bag
All bottle holders were inaccessible due to the bags. So just dry out on the go? No! The bottle bag with the freely adjustable straps saves our water supply!
Positively noticed in the test:
- approx. 1 liter capacity
- especially practical storage space within reach for small items
- a small mesh pocket on the outside for a few coins
- an elastic strap for the cereal bar
- works not only for drink bottles, but also the keychain or smartphone fits inside
💦 Are the Platzangst bikepacking bags waterproof?
The waterproofness of the bike bags is an absolutely crucial point for bike tours and bikepacking, but also an important criterion for everyday use. After all, no one wants to unpack their luggage soaking wet after the tour.
Yay – rain on the test ride!
Fortunately, during our bag test, we were able to find out directly whether the Platzangst bags keep tight ☔. To be honest... we were a bit skeptical because Platzangst bags are classified as water-repellent rather than waterproof. On one of our test rides, it rained heavily and lo and behold... our stuff was still dry even after an hour in the rain.
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Test result: Downpour – no problem for Platzangst bikepacking bags! |
Practical test with the garden hose
When later spraying down the bike with the garden hose, we wanted to know for sure: Experience shows that the material of many bags is tight, but unfortunately the seams and zippers are not. So we held the water jet directly on the zippers – unfortunately, the zippers did not withstand this stress test – a few drops managed to sneak inside the bag. For bike tours on rainy days, we can unconditionally recommend the Platzangst bikepacking bags.
Tip: Roll closures make the bags really tight – front rollers and saddle bags are therefore extra secure!
Image overview: Bike bags + contents
What fits in the bike bag, what do you really need? Here you see a packing example + bag setup from one of our test rounds:
Conclusion of our bike bag test
When Platzangst launches a new product on the market, a lot of love has certainly been put into the details. The bag series impresses with a good selection of different models, a chic appearance, an optimal layout for large and small tours, a robust and decently water-repellent material, as well as an excellent price-performance ratio. Two small notes after the test: Honestly, there are lighter bags and the zippers are not completely sealed. Anyone looking for good bikepacking bags at a fair price will definitely be happy with Platzangst.
Platzangst 2026 – the new generation of bicycle bags
Our test was a while ago – in the meantime, the makers of Platzangst have revised the bags several times. And a few new models are also available.
New bags, new color: The Stratum series was released in 2026
Platzangst Dry Bags
To keep your luggage really dry, you can now put it in a dry bag. This way, it is extra securely stored, as moisture and dust have no chance!
The Gravel Cage
The Gravel Cage is not really a bag, but a real asset for your touring luggage... We didn't want to pack the dry bag into another bicycle bag, after all, every gram counts. There's a solution for that: The Gravel Cage. The cage attaches to the fork, holding the dry bag, sleeping bag, or snack pack securely.
Attachment: Bolt-on or velcro-on
The new version of the top tube bag can be attached with velcro, but it can also be bolted on. This way, the bag is not only securely mounted but also theft-proof.
Waterproof instead of water-repellent
The few drops in the rain/garden hose test were obviously too much... The new generation of bikepacking bags is waterproof. Not only the material, but also the closures have been revised and they are now really sealed.
Weight
The 2.0 generation is slightly lighter than the older versions. Here are a few examples:
- Front Roller 2.0: 240 grams
- XXL Saddle Bag: 450 grams
- Frame Bag: 365 grams
Better organization
Against chaos – the new generation has internal compartments. NEW: You can also buy separate inner bags to neatly sort your small items.
New colors
To keep things from getting boring, Platzangst has new colors in the program. Black always works, but gray or guacamole are cool alternatives. Especially nice: The new Stratum series in gray with colorful details.
Platzangst Discover bags
Platzangst in the BMO online shop | Platzangst panniers | Platzangst homepage
Read more in the Bike Blog
Bikepacking bikes | The bikepacking checklist | Hydration pack or bottle?
