Bicycles

Speed Up Bag carries cyclists' stuff and reduces drag

Speed Up Bag carries cyclists' stuff and reduces drag
The Speed Up Bag is a combination cargo compartment and aerodynamic partial fairing
The Speed Up Bag is a combination cargo compartment and aerodynamic partial fairing
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The claimed aerodynamic advantage of using a Speed Up Bag, as opposed to no bag at all
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The claimed aerodynamic advantage of using a Speed Up Bag, as opposed to no bag at all
The base version of the bag has a waterproof plastic body, a capacity of four liters, and a zippered opening in the back, facing the rider
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The base version of the bag has a waterproof plastic body, a capacity of four liters, and a zippered opening in the back, facing the rider
According to Petkovsek and his business partners, the drag coefficient of the Speed Up Bag is 60 percent lower than that of a standard handlebar bag
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According to Petkovsek and his business partners, the drag coefficient of the Speed Up Bag is 60 percent lower than that of a standard handlebar bag
The Speed Up Bag is a combination cargo compartment and aerodynamic partial fairing
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The Speed Up Bag is a combination cargo compartment and aerodynamic partial fairing
Use of one of the bags is said to lower the rider's own drag by approximately 15 percent
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Use of one of the bags is said to lower the rider's own drag by approximately 15 percent
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It's not uncommon for cyclists to carry snacks, phones, wallets or other items in a handlebar-mounted bag when out for a ride. Unfortunately, though, putting a block-shaped bag right on the front of the bike doesn't do wonders for its aerodynamics. That's why Slovenian inventor Joze Petkovsek created the Speed Up Bag. Not only is it sleeker than a regular bag, but a bicycle equipped with one is claimed to produce less wind drag than one with no bag at all.

The base version of the bag has a waterproof plastic body, a capacity of four liters, and a zippered opening in the back, facing the rider. There's no word on weight. Plans call for it to be available in a variety of colors, plus a lighter, pricier carbon fiber version is also being offered.

According to Petkovsek and his business partners, the drag coefficient of the Speed Up Bag is 60 percent lower than that of a standard handlebar bag. Additionally, use of one of the bags is said to lower the rider's own drag by approximately 15 percent, as it channels air away from the concave wind-catching surface of their chest and abdomen. This reportedly results in an average cycling speed increase of 6 percent, or 10 percent more range in the case of an electric bike.

The base version of the bag has a waterproof plastic body, a capacity of four liters, and a zippered opening in the back, facing the rider
The base version of the bag has a waterproof plastic body, a capacity of four liters, and a zippered opening in the back, facing the rider

It's quite similar in principle to the Zzipper, a handlebar-mounted clear Lexan fairing that's been available for decades – although a Zzipper can't hold your stuff.

Joze is currently raising production funds for the Speed Up Bag, on Indiegogo. A pledge of US$269 will get you one, when and if they're ready to go – if you want a carbon fiber model, you'll have to offer up $399.

More information is available in the pitch video below.

Source: Indiegogo

Speed Up Bag - Worlds most aerodynamic bicycle bag

View gallery - 5 images
12 comments
12 comments
srv
very good
Giorgio Taroni
Sorry Joze but the drag a vertical cut piece produces behind is even worse that not having it, must be fixed.
Alzie
Or, you could go recumbent with a full fairing, add 20 mph!
Jonny Midnight
I don't ride a bike, any more, but, if I did, I would save my $300 for something useful. Can the average rider detect a 15% drag reduction? I doubt it.
Martin Hone
The average person would be able to detect a change in excess of 10% but it is pretty expensive, and if you are cycling for exercise, then hardly need it ..
Slowburn
Expensive but if you ride a lot it might be worth it. But how hard would it be to build something similar.
Bob
I love bike riding but have always been puzzled by those who claim to ride for exercise but need a super light $1000+ bike or latest aerodynamic accessory to make it easier for their two mile ride. I know that serious competitive riders who often cycle long distances could use the more expensive bikes but it sure seems like a waste of money for the rest of us. I remember many years ago when a guy made a super heavy bike with a concrete frame for those who seriously wanted some exercise. Hopefully, this year I will make it to the gym more than three times on my one year membership but that's another story. We all have our fantasy.
Sam Ram
Spot on Bob!
Slowburn
@ Bob Exercising is miserable the light bike aeropack is about making it a fun leisure activity.
maak
Cyclists are about as aerodynamic as a block of wood so a 15% reduction (if it's REALLY 15%) wouldn't make much difference.
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