| Product: |
Oxford Expander Sports Tankbag |
| Date: |
26/03/02 (762 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Versatility, Quality, Ease of use
Disadvantages: Slower at petrol stations
I've only been biking a few years and had never used a tank bag before when I had the opportunity to buy one of these at auction.
At first I found it a bit of a pain compared to a ruck sack, but it quickly grew on me. It's more hassle having to attach it to the bike (although it only takes seconds) than a ruck sack is, and when refuelling it takes slightly longer but these are minor niggles really. For commuting and long journeys it's good to get the load off your back (and also less risk to your spine in the event of a crash). The ability to hold a map is very useful too.
It's very multi-purpose - the magnetic bottom can be unzipped and used on it's own as a map holder, while the bottom of the bag reveals shoulder straps to wear it as a rucksack. Also the pocket at one end unzips to be used as a bum bag, and the whole thing can be expanded. It doesn't look like it can hold much, but it's surprising how much you can fit in. I frequently fit a pair of shoes, a pair of trousers, my lunch, a pair of waterproof trousers, a phone and various other bits and bobs in it when I go to work. The shoulder strap can be just hooked over the top of the bag while riding so it's ready for use as soon as you get off.
The clear panel on the top is useful to put your mobile phone in - so you can see what time it is if your bike doesn't have a clock.
I was slightly worried that the magnetic bottom would scratch my tank, but it's covered in soft rubber and provided you keep it closed when it's not on the bike it won't attract metal shards. I've used it almost every single day for about 9 months now and there's no sign of any marking on my bike.
Although I don't use the strap that clips onto the yoke it's very secure - it even survived a low speed crash when a pedestrian walked into me!
It comes with a waterproof cover which looks like a big shower cap - I've never use
d it and been out in the rain and my kit has stayed pretty dry.
I'd definitely buy other Oxford luggage and I'm now a big fan of tank bags!
Summary:
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Last comment:
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jmorley99 - 27/03/02 You have written soe good opinions but a few tips as a new dooyooer, try to read at least 5 ties mroe than you write, and restrictyu ops to 2 max per day that way you will get mre reads and people will respect your opinions instead of avoiding your ops because they think your churning... Good op though. James |
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