Founded in the heart of Berlin, the brand Platzangst combines a passion for mountain biking with clean, functional design. Originally known for high-quality MTB apparel, Platzangst has long since evolved into a full-range manufacturer of bikepacking accessories, driven by a strong philosophy: gear that not only looks good but also performs reliably under the toughest conditions. Their core competence lies in combining robust materials, thoughtful construction, and a fair price-performance ratio.
Front Roller 2.0
The Front Roller 2.0 is a compact handlebar bag with a clearly structured design: roll-top closures on the sides allow for variable packing volume, while the robust polyester with welded seams offers reliable protection against moisture – in our opinion, sufficient to classify the bag as waterproof, even though Platzangst only advertises it as water-repellent. It attaches classically to the handlebars via a reinforced mounting system, ensuring a secure fit. In our test, the bag revealed both strengths and weaknesses. The additional front compartment, ideal for small essentials like a wallet or tools, was a particular highlight, as was the option to attach further equipment to the top; alternatively, cycling glasses can be secured at the designated points. We were less impressed by the stiff material, which is especially bothersome when loading and unloading, and the lack of a vent valve, which would allow for better compression of the contents. Despite these criticisms, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages: the Front Roller 2.0 is high-quality, reliable, and visually appealing. A handlebar bag that definitely impresses on tours.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 64 15,5 x x 23 cm
- Weight: 240 g
- Packing volume: 6,4 l
Top Tube 2.0
The Top Tube 2.0 is a well-designed top tube bag made from over 50% recycled plastic. The material is robust yet relatively lightweight, and an internal support structure ensures shape retention. The bag can be attached either using the included bolt-on system (two screws) or traditionally with Velcro straps – depending on the frame and personal preference. The FIDLOCK magnetic closure is particularly practical, making opening and closing significantly easier than a zipper, especially convenient while riding. Inside, a padded foam insert not only protects against scratches from the screws but also dampens vibrations, which is especially beneficial for sensitive items like a smartphone. In practice, the bag made a very high-quality and stylish impression: it feels sturdy, is functional, and looks elegant – a very successful blend of design and functionality.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 23 5 x x 10 cm
- Weight: 114 g
- Packing volume: 1 l
Framebag 2.0
The Framebag 2.0 is designed as a slim, dimensionally stable frame bag. The material is primarily polyester with welded seams for waterproofing. It attaches to the top tube via several Velcro straps, and the bag's design allows for flexible mounting: up to 11 different strap positions offer a wide range of adjustment options. Inside, the bag features a spacious main compartment with two zippers, containing an organizer with two small, bright orange pockets – ideal for multitools, keys, or other small items. On the opposite side, there's a narrow, flat compartment with a divider. We found this compartment particularly useful for securely storing a power bank and a cable. We were especially impressed by the bag's reinforced construction, which provides excellent stability without adding excessive bulk. The numerous Velcro positions also ensure a very secure mounting and allow the bag to adapt well to various frame shapes. The only downside: with a volume of 2,75 liters, we would have liked a bit more space for longer bikepacking tours. Overall, however, the Framebag 2.0 makes a very high-quality and well-designed impression.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 45 5 x x 15 cm
- Weight: 170 g
- Packing volume: 2,75 l
