Thule RoundTrip Bicycle Duffel Bag Evaluate: Chaos to Order

I realized last week that I’d used a Thule RoundTrip duffle bag for every ride since the brand gifted it to me for making the trip out to the 2023 Sea Otter Classic. This certainly warrants a review, as I cannot say that about any other cycling gear that engulfs my home and shop.

The compartmentalized duffel has eliminated my tendency to forget small items, and since I’ve started using it, I’ve been 100% on point with my cycling apparel, regardless of conditions. Over the last 9 months of use, the Thule RoundTrip has been the primary catalyst in making my preparation for a ride the most organized action I perform. Really.

In short: The Thule RoundTrip is the daily organizational tool to appease the cyclist who lays out their matching kits the day before their planned rides. The bag has a dedicated spot for everything, ensuring that you never forget anything, especially on hectic race days. And it keeps fresh apparel clean for multiday trips. It’s literally the one consistent piece of gear I use for every ride as a cycling editor.

Thule RoundTrip Cycling Duffel: Review

How Is the Thule RoundTrip Different Than Other Duffels?

The internal divider system is the key to the organizational prowess of the Thule RoundTrip and separates it from others. The main storage area of the 55L gear bag is crisscrossed with flexible nylon walls that form 22 triangular compartments.

Each “cell” is the correct size for one to three cycling apparel items. One of the cells is labeled for cycling sunglasses and is padded on all three sides. Additionally, the internal divider system is removable to convert the interior of the Thule RoundTrip to a “normal” duffel bag and to ease cleaning.

One end of the interior compartment has a large storage area specifically labeled and sized for a helmet. The other end of the bag has an externally accessed waterproof shoe compartment with drain holes. Dense closed-cell foam pads the entire perimeter of the bag.

The zipped flap lid has a zipped and waterproof pocket inside for soiled apparel, keeping them separate from clean items. It has a vent hole on the outside.

The front of the bag has a wide, zipped compartment with an internal divided mesh pocket, elastic straps to secure items like a mini-pump, and a small external zipped flat pocket. A padded shoulder strap that connects on opposite corners and three generous grab handles on top complete the Thule RoundTrip.

How I Used the Thule RoundTrip

Packing

I pre-packed a handful of internal cells with items that I might need but forget, depending on the season. Things like arm, knee, and leg warmers, a vest, long-fingered gloves, and a light windbreaker were permanent residents in the Thule RoundTrip. This ensured that I had them should I make the wrong call on the weather.

The same went for my flat tire kit, multitool, and heart rate monitor strap. I always put these in the same compartments, so a quick look confirmed their presence.

Before my rides, I packed my chosen kit, helmet (a full-face lid didn’t fit), gloves, socks, and sunglasses of choice, which varied depending on which bike and accessories I was testing and where I was riding. I also consistently put these items in the same pockets.

There were enough cells to house enough apparel to ride for 2-3 days. I placed the shoes of the day in the dedicated exterior compartment. With all the zippers open, I could quickly visually confirm I had everything required.

I also put my filled water bottles in the cubbies, and the bag kept them upright to prevent any potential leaking.

I put my gels, snacks, and other food items in the front pocket. The divided mesh pockets housed a tire pressure gauge, blinker lights, and my credentials for our local bike park. The smaller pocket on the outside was perfect for whichever cycling computer I was testing.

No more forgetting anything! Since receiving the Thule RoundTrip, not once have I forgotten an item. My training buddies will unanimously agree that I was that guy: “Hey, you got a spare gel? How about socks? Can I use your arm warmers?” Never again, thanks to this bag.

Post-Riding

After riding, I put my sweaty clothes in the dedicated top pocket, and it always kept the other kits from getting contaminated on multiday trips. I used this pocket to house my hydration bladder to prevent leaking onto my other gear. And the lined shoe pocket kept anything else from getting damp from shoes wet from creek crossings or rain.

The dirty clothes pocket, shoe pocket, and front pocket are all lined with a tarp-like material, which made cleaning mud and sweat easy. For example, a gel exploded in the front pocket, and cleaning the tarpaulin material was a breeze.

Handling the full bag was easy, thanks to the three large handles on top. I looped the padded strap over one shoulder to haul it from house to car. For commuting by bike, the strap worked adequately well as a cross-body strap, with the bag resting on my back.

Conclusions on the Thule RoundTrip Cycling Gear Bag

I don’t normally write standalone reviews for “minor” items or swag. But I’ve used the Thule RoundTrip for every ride since getting it, and it’s improved my work week and weekend rides. So, I decided it was worth the print.

The Thule RoundTrip has become a daily necessity, like my cellphone. Without it, I inevitably will forget something and have to mooch off a buddy or suffer alone without. And it clearly made the process of getting out the door to ride much quicker. I also never forgot something in the car or van or in my training partners’ vehicles or houses.

I found solace in the duffel’s organization and knew for sure I had everything required for a productive and enjoyable ride. At $160, the Thule RoundTrip is expensive for a smaller duffel bag, but as a working cycling editor, I give it the double thumbs up. And others agree; the Thule RoundTrip won an iF design award.