Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Topeak SmartPhone Dry Bag 5"

Topeak recently came out with a new rain proof DryBag for larger sized mobile phones. This new pouch is larger than the previous version, which was only designed for iPhone 4/4S.

New DryBag for larger mobile phones

Ever since I changed from a HTC Desire to a HTC One S, the larger phone meant that I have not been able to use the previous DryBag. In order to continue placing my phone at the handlebar area, I had to use another pouch that is larger but not rain proof. This means that while cycling, if I see that it may be going to rain, I will have to stop and put the phone into my rain proof Ortlieb panniers. A minor convenience, but it is still something extra to worry about.

With the new larger DryBag, it will fit larger phones, and it is not limited to iPhones. As long as your phone can fit in it, it can be used.

Some dimensions to help you determine if your phone will fit in

Comparing the new large DryBag with the smaller DryBag for iPhone 4
Comes with the standard F55 Band Clamp mount. Your touchscreen can be used through the transparent cover.

Uses the same type of mounting as the other Topeak pouches. This means that I don't even need to change the current clamp band to use this DryBag.

Roll top closure plus zip lock plus velcro for rain proof and secure phone storage.

The pouch mounted on the Boardwalk

Strangely enough, I can't seem to find this product on the official Topeak website. This DryBag was bought from a Giant shop in Taiwan, not sure if it is already available locally.

Anyway, the phone fits nicely in this bag. I don't have a picture of it as I usually use my phone to take pictures for this blog, and a picture is not possible when the phone is inside the pouch. I am quite pleased with this new pouch, as I don't have to worry about the phone getting wet when I am out cycling!

Another little feature that I have for my phone pouch is a safety belt for the pouch. This prevents the phone pouch from jumping off the mount when traveling over bumpy ground. Check out the pictures below to see how it is done.

 
 

The basic idea is just to tie a strap around your handlebar area, and secure the pouch clip through the strap. In the event that the pouch jumps off the Topeak clip, the safety belt will prevent it from dropping off the bike. Simple but effective!

9 comments:

  1. Hi Steve,

    your blog and articles have been very useful and informative.

    I have some questions regarding upgrading my new Tern Bike. If I were to use a shimano 105 5700 rear derailleur, what kind of trigger shifters would be compatible with it, SRAM? Shimano? Are there shifting ratios I need to consider?

    Thanks and keep the updates coming!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the support!

      First, you have to see if your Tern bike can support other rear derailleurs. If your current bike uses the Neos derailleur, then you cannot mount other derailleurs. What is your bike model?

      If your bike can support other rear derailleurs, I would suggest a road RD, such as 105 5700 as you mentioned. Use it with a Shimano road shifter. MTB RD and shifters are also possible, but not so ideal for small wheel bikes due to the long cage of the MTB RD.

      Delete
  2. Thanks for the response. It's the Link P9. Yeah it is using a neos derailleur similar to your boardwalk. I looking to pick up the derailleur hanger adapter which you used as well, I believe I have seen others use it on a P9.
    As for the shifters, any shimano 10-spd trigger shift should work right ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. don't think you can use the same adaptor. currently there is no solution for the Tern bikes. the frame is different from Dahon.

      for the shifter, you need to match road rd and shifter. don't mix road and mtb components.

      Delete
  3. Hello, I have a Garmin nuvi 2450LM with dimensions 5.4"W x 3.3"H x .6"D (13.7 x 8.3 x 1.5 cm). Do you think it could squeeze into the bag?

    ReplyDelete
  4. No it will not fit. I have a HTC One X, with dimensions 13.4 x 7.0 x 1.0cm and it barely fits. Your Garmin will be too wide to fit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the reply. You saved me the hassle of having to return it.

      Delete
  5. Hi, can you please share the pricing and availability? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Price is SGD 30+, can be found at most Rodalink and stores that carry Topeak stuff such as C2C.

    ReplyDelete

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