The ZEG brand Northwind originates from Germany and has stood for high-quality bicycle accessories for over 20 years, focusing on functionality, durability, and design. Their philosophy is to develop bags that perform reliably in everyday urban life as well as on long tours, meeting the needs of modern cyclists. Northwind places particular emphasis on a balanced price-performance ratio, combining quality and accessibility. Their portfolio includes rack bags, handlebar bags, frame bags, and saddle bags that impress with clever details and robust materials. Their expertise lies in the combination of precise workmanship, well-designed mounting systems, and practical design for cycling adventures where quality, function, and fair pricing are equally important. We took a closer look at the bags in the Grinder series.
Handlebar bag Grinder HBB
The Grinder HBB is a compact handlebar bag with a well-thought-out design: It attaches classically to the handlebars with two sturdy straps and another strap to the head tube, providing a secure hold. The material is TPU-coated polyester, making the bag waterproof and suitable for more rugged use. The reinforced roll-top closure is a notable feature, contributing to increased durability. With a volume of approximately 3 liters (especially compared to larger models in the test), the bag is rather small, making it particularly appealing for travelers with light luggage. In practical testing, it made a solid impression: Its compact size makes it barely noticeable on the handlebars, handling is straightforward, and it feels sturdy and reliable. However, those expecting a large volume or frequent exposure to extreme terrain might wish for a bit more space or robustness. Overall, the Grinder HBB is an excellent choice for minimalist touring cyclists who value functionality and organization.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 45 7 x x 11 cm
- Weight: 210 g
- Packing volume: 3 l
Top tube bag Grinder TTB
The Northwind Grinder TTB is a well-designed top tube bag with a sturdy construction and high-quality workmanship. It attaches to the top tube mounting points using two screws; the necessary screws are included, but were not used in the test as they are a bit too long. The TPU-coated polyester makes the bag waterproof, and all seams are fully welded, providing additional protection against moisture. The magnetic closure was a particularly positive feature: it can be easily opened and closed with one hand, which proved extremely practical, especially while riding. Overall, the Grinder TTB made a very solid impression: it sits securely, appears to be of high quality, and impresses with its design and ease of use.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 23,5 4 x x 10 cm
- Weight: 155 g
- Packing volume: 1 l
Frame bag Grinder FB
The Grinder FB frame bag also impressed in testing with its functional design: It consists of TPU-coated and reinforced polyester, and features a waterproof zipper that reliably protects the contents. It attaches to the top tube via four screw points, ensuring a very secure fit while maintaining a clean, unobtrusive look, which we particularly appreciated. Two additional Velcro straps provide even greater stability. However, testing revealed that the Velcro strap on the top tube is unnecessary, and the bag (lightly loaded) performs perfectly well on normal forest trails and roads without the extra straps. Overall, the Grinder FB offers a high-quality, well-made, and practical frame bag solution that is both visually appealing and highly functional.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 45 7 x x 11 cm
- Weight: 230 g
- Packing volume: 3 l
Saddlebag Grinder SPB
The Grinder SPB is a generously sized saddlebag with a capacity of approximately 16 liters, ideal for extended tours. It impresses with its robust outer material (TPU-coated polyester) and a roll-top closure that reliably protects the contents from water. It attaches to the seatpost via two Velcro straps and two straps that are threaded through the saddle rails. An elastic, reflective bungee cord on the top provides additional attachment points for gear. In practice, the bag made a stable impression: it sits securely on the bike and doesn't slip, even on long rides. We particularly liked that the bag sits at a relatively steep angle, far from making unwanted contact with the rear wheel. Overall, the Grinder SPB offers a well-designed, versatile solution with ample storage space and excellent everyday usability.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 60 15 x x 16 cm
- Weight: 400g
- Packing volume: 14,4l
