Deuter Road One: A backpack for racing cyclists? Why not.

Test: When we at Deuters road one, a backpack for racing bikes, we were very skeptical at first. A backpack for road biking? What's that for? Sure, you have to limit yourself a bit with what you take with you on the weekly trip, but so far it has worked quite well. What advantage does the Deuter backpack have then, we asked ourselves. Long story short, we asked that road one to the test and wanted to see for ourselves whether a backpack makes sense for road cycling.

equipment and practice

Square, practical, you might think well when you look at the road one sees for the first time. Admittedly, it's not square, but it certainly seems to be practical. And it's also well made.

You can usually stow a lot in a jersey pocket, but if you're going on a longer ride, you're more than welcome to take a little more with you. For that he has road one a large main compartment, which is equipped with a circumferential zipper. An additional small compartment is located at the top of the backpack, which is perfect for storing important small companions that need to be quickly accessible. Despite the minimalist design, the main compartment offers enough space for a hose, pump, some tools and a snack or two. In addition to the main compartment, the Road One has a number of small, well thought-out details to offer. The padded straps have a small holder for glasses, there is a small inner pocket for phone and wallet, two mesh pockets and the well-known place for the hydration bladder, right on the back.

The easy one aircontact-Should back through one AirMesh-Fabric to ensure good air circulation on the back. With a simple chest strap, it should always stay in place.

The road one offers a total volume of five liters and weighs only 390 grams, which is pleasantly light for the purpose and should not be too annoying. In order to be seen better at dusk or at night, the backpack has reflective 3M prints on the outer skin and a small holder for any type of rear light. If the worst comes to the worst, it also has a rain cover, which is bright yellow-green and easily visible to other road users.

The skepticism also remains when packing the backpack. No doubt with that road one you don't have to choose what to leave at home. Every small accessory finds its place and even with a full hydration bladder the weight of the Road One is kept within limits. The chest strap makes it fit like a glove and the back area also makes a solid and comfortable impression.

It seems ideal for longer, relaxed tours. However, the ambitious racing cyclist will quickly feel a bit restricted. Although it fits well, you begin to enjoy the ride less. Due to the extra weight and the heavily bent position on the bike, moisture quickly accumulates on the back and you are completely sweaty. And even the small sprint out of the curve is slowed down a bit by the Road One. If you get out of the saddle and step out of the saddle, the backpack slips despite the chest strap and rubs your neck a bit when you step vigorously.

Conclusion

A backpack for racing bikes seems a bit far-fetched at first, but the Deuter does road one is a pleasant companion that offers enough space to have all important utensils with you without being heavy. In addition, it can be used in a variety of ways and has also proven itself in tests on one or the other cyclocross ride. For better or for worse, it will restrict the ambitious racing cyclist too much, so that they will continue to be limited to their jersey pockets. For a relaxed day trip to the lake is the road one but the perfect companion.