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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE OTOBER 10th 2025
HOW DO WE REACH THE OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
Brae Cycling Neuk Top Tube Bag
105g £30 ((19.99) at time of writing)
The Brae Cycling Neuk Top Tube Bag is a soft-shell bag that sits neatly on the top tube. As with many, it is thee for items you need easy access to when riding or need to be close to the handlebars. It does so admirably, and has some neat touches that add to its appeal.
Pros: sturdy, water resistant, easy to use zip, sensible size, three internal pockets
Cons: no hi-viz interior panel.
Specification
“Neuk”: Scottish usage, a corner or place. Sounds secure with the storm shut away. Perfect for cycling luggage. Well, the Brae Neuk Top tube Bag is made from 100% nylon, with a reinforced and soft, flexile side-walls. Personally, I prefer the latter to reinforced or stiffened walls, but that may just be me. Having said that, there is a flat, stiffened bottom (yes, we’re still talking about the Neuk). Again, this suits my preference, offering stability and a bit more paint-job protection.
It’s described as water resistant rather than waterproof, but that division is not so clear cut as one might think it should be. Certainly, even zips with baffles are generally described as water resistant, and this one does not have a baffle. Seams are stitched rather than welded.
Made form 100% nylon, there are three internal pockets, and one external for those who like to organise stuff neatly. With dimensions of 20cm (length) by 7cm (width) and 13cm (height), it has a slightly stubbier appearance than some sleeker models. The sides, top, and base are nicely padded for extra protection. Unlike some, there is not a hi-viz base. Not a major deficiency, but a consideration if you do longer Audaxes, endures, or just like riding at night.
Zip-pulls are rubber, making for a firm grip and are a decent size for use with gloves. Whilst zips can be a weak point in the armoury against water, the closure is easy and makes use on the move less of a faff than some alternative closures.
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There are three Velcro straps. Very much the norm and tried and tested.
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It is available in black or red. There’s something for the stealth cyclist and riders like me who need gear scattered around the
house to be easily spotted. Of course, this might not suit colour coordinators of every shade.
To top it off, there’s a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Mounting 3.75/5
Simples. Two loops around the top tube and one, with the nice rubber baffle to protect the paint work around the steering tube. I’ve been trying to think of a reason why it should not fit universally, but if you have a top tube and a steering stem, it should suit. The only issue might be having oversized tubes: there’s a 45mm diameter max. Equally, a flat-topped top tube may be problematic. Mind, both these factors need to be considered with any top-tube bag.
With a diet of mixed surface riding, the Neuk has been very stable. The straps have held things in place, with never a flinch when pulling the zips. Whether going light-weight with just a few bits and bobs or stocked with powerbank, cables, phone, wallet, keys, emergency fruit gums, etc.
Care and durability 3.75/5
Brae Cycling describe the nylon as “durable” and I have seen nothing to suggest otherwise. Standards of stitching and finish are reassuringly good. Certainly, there’s nothing to show that it has been in situ through beating sun and stormy tempest for nearly a thousand miles. Mind you, I’d not expect any external damage, but the straps show no signs of stress and, internally things are still ship-shape.
All care has been administered with a damp cloth. Rather unnecessarily I gave it a wipe with GTechniq’s Tri Clean. All looking good. True, some sleeker smooth surfaced bags are easier to wipe than the softer Neuk, but that is far, far from a deal-breaker in my opinion.
Performance 3.75/5
Let’s start of by confirming the rock solid security of the straps across all kinds of terrain.
How waterproof is “water resistant” in the case of the Neuk? It has been out in prolonged drizzle, heavu showers, and left out in one of the few longer periods of heavy rain that midland England has had this summer. No sign of water getting in. There was some ingress when doused with water from the watering-can, largely around the seams at the base. That volume of water rarely comes a bags way during the average bicycle ride. Avoid sending it over the Niagara Falls and contents should be ok. Even so, I’m a belt, braces, and elasticated waistband type of guy, so I’m always inclined to keep electrical items and precious stuff wrapped up in a plastic back anyway, if the weather is likely to turn nasty or river crossings are involved.
I’ve used the Neuk for long day rides, generally in conjunction with a rack pack or seat pack.. It has been ideal, with phone powerbank, cables for recharging and a couple of bags of sweeties aboard. Keys and wallet have gone in, too, when the clouds turned black. All, happily stowed away. I’ve always found a bar-bag more convenient for commuting, but if you are less lazy than me and don’t mind fiddling with Velcro straps during the end-of-work Grand Prix, then it’ll serve well for that, too. Mind you, that’s true of top tube bags full-stop.
It will be accompanying on my next major camping trip, as a store for those powerbank, cables, sweets, etc. the mesh pockets will take mitts, light-weight gloves, or a cycling cap. I’ve found this helpful, especially if they have got wet and brighter, warmer weather has come along.
I’ve found the zip really easy to operate, even in full-finger gloves, opening and closing whilst keeping up a decent speed.
One final thing, it is slim enough to avoid contact with my mighty thigh muscles – alright, podgy legs. Point is, there’s no contact.
Value 3.75/5
I’ve long been a fan of the UPSO Tebay Top Tube Bag. I like the rugged construction and have found the 1.5 litre capacity more than enough for the gear I’d like to stow in it. It is more expensive than the Neuk.
Another frequent companion has been the Zefal Z Adventure T1 Top Tube Bag. Slightly smaller than the Neuk, it is longer and lower in profile, and a bit less stretchy. Around the same price, I’d give the Neuk the edge in terms of carrying space, but the Z Adventure for sleekness.
At around the £20 the Oxford Aqua Evo Top Tube Pack offers a good deal of bang for your buck. It isn’t fully waterproof, but comes pretty close (seams are stitched rather than welded).
Other contenders include the Cycology See Me Pink Top Tube Bike Bag, which is a good bit cheaper and water resistant, complete with zippered internal compartment. You can also pay a good bit more for slightly less capacity, for example Restrap's 0.8 litre top tube bag, at £39.99, which is handmade in Yorkshire from 100% waterproof textured nylon and with a tough YKK zip.
Overall, unless you want more capacity, the Neuk will be a competitor for your hard-earned, especially if you head out in all kinds of weather. The price at the current time of writing makes it very good value for money, rather than good value.
Summary
Overall, the Neuk may not be the biggest, but it is well-made, highly functional, and, above all, very secure. Some bikepackers and tourers might want more capacity, whilst faster riders may prefer a sleeker, more aerodynamic design. Whatever you want, the Neuk is well-worth a look for general cycling and more – as ever, depending on the rest of your touring set-up.
