I have a thing for interesting bike bags made by hand in interesting places. I learned that WOT Bags are made in Wakayama, Japan! I saw the WOT bag on Dunk Wilson’s Smokestone in some pix in our Fat-bike Lab Community. I asked Dunk if he wouldn’t mind doing a bit of a write up and he said “Yes I’ll do that no problem :) Love stuff like this.” So, I sent him some questions and you get what we’ve got here.
Tank it away, Dunk!
What model/size WOT handlebar bag are you running, and what made you pick that one for your fat-bike setup?
I purchased the handlebar roll top bag from WOT bags after seeing his post on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wotbags), I liked that it was from an independent maker and the bag just looked perfect for what I wanted. I had used various bar bags and was never happy…. This bag ticked all my boxes and I was not disappointed once receiving it.
WOT Roll Top Handlebar Bag
How are you mounting it (strap layout, accessory bar, head tube strap, etc.), and does it stay put?
The bag fits with two rubber straps that came with it and a support loop to hold bottom of bag in place they work perfectly, does not bounce about or move at all, it fits between my crazy bar setup and I loop the closure clips over the bars that makes opening when riding real easy.
Any interference issues with fat-bike controls: brake/shift cables, dropper lever, lights, GPS, or hand position?
The only issue is my GPS need to be moved to a stem mount above headset cap, I’ll be doing that very soon no other problems as my bars keep light and cables away from bag.
Before the new stem mount.
GPS unit on the new over the stem mount.
How’s the stability when it’s fully loaded? Does it sway or bounce, when you’re descending or climbing?
The bag has no movement sway when loaded at all it does not move… it’s perfect
What do you typically carry in it on winter rides vs summer rides, and what’s the realistic capacity?
I use it for all my tools pump, spare tube, GoPro Mini DJI drone, snacks and in wet weather take my waterproof jacket attached to the elastics at bottom of bag.
Bottom Bungees
How does it handle wet conditions (snow melt, slush, rain): water resistance, zipper performance with gloves?
It’s just so waterproof! I’ve not had any water get in when I’ve been on bikepacking trips in torrential rain. It’s been left on the bike overnight, outside my tent in wet weather, and everything has been dry inside. Clips to close the roll top are just perfect. It also has a little loop so you can open bag and leave it open when riding but you can use the loop to hook over stem to stop things falling out too.
How easy is it to access while riding (one-handed access, opening/closing with gloves, pocket layout)?
It’s just great using the loop for this, does take me stopping to open with the clips when riding, but love it’s totally secure and no worry about anything coming out.
Any wear points after use (strap fraying, fabric abrasion, zipper snagging, buckles cracking in cold temps)?
The bag is wearing well. No fabric wear, buckles still fine, everything is like it was when new but a bit grubby now :)
If you were buying again, what would you change (size, mounting method, add-ons), and who would you recommend it to?
I would buy this bag again if it got lost, it’s an amazing bag and does everything I need. I could not find anything better and I’ve now had a fair few, would recommend to anyone after a great little bag that just ticks all my boxes. It’s just Ace and I love it!
Cheers, Dunk (Freakin’ bikes)
Cheers, Dunk!
WOT Bags - https://www.instagram.com/wotbags/
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