Update: Decathlon Rockrider ADVT 900 Bikepacking Bags – lighter, more sustainable, more flexible

Note: Decathlon provided me with the bags for testing at my request.

Just over three years ago, I extensively tested the Decathlon Riverside Bikepacking bags and was impressed by their performance: waterproof, robust, cleverly designed, and with excellent value for money. And I really like the fact that behind the bags and bikes there is a team of passionate bikepackers who bring their experience and requirements into product development.

Now Decathlon has completely revamped the series and relaunched it as the Rockrider ADVT 900. And even though I haven’t (yet) ridden the new models on tour myself, many improvements can clearly be derived from the technical data and product development.

I’ve taken a close look and would like to show you the differences compared to the models I tested, what has been improved, and why the new bags are not only lighter and more practical but also more sustainable. So, it’s basically a classic update – based on my experience with the predecessors.

As before, I ordered the new handlebar harness roll, the harness saddle bag, and the top tube bag for testing. But this time, new additions include the frame bag, fork bags, and food pouch. Looking at the complete set, you get plenty of storage space for relatively little money: altogether, the ADV 900 bags offer 49.2 liters of volume with a total weight of 2.35 kg – all for a combined price of €325.

What has changed compared to the old version?

Proven strengths remain: The ADVT 900 bags continue the successful recipe of the Riverside range:

• Waterproof (IPX3 for the bikepacking bags and IPX6 for the handlebar and saddle roll, fork bags, and panniers), roll-top closure, and made for tough conditions
• Robust thanks to durable fabrics and solid workmanship
• Attractive price compared to many other brands

What’s new? The differences.

1. More eco-friendly materials

According to Decathlon, the outer material is now made of recycled 600D polyester and coated with TPU instead of PVC. This makes it lighter, more flexible, more durable, and free from the problematic plasticizers of PVC.

In addition, Decathlon uses the dope-dyeing process, where the color is already integrated into the yarn. (See also my test of the Fly Creek tent from Big Agnes). This saves up to 60% water and energy compared to conventional dyeing methods. The cutting process has also been optimized to produce less material waste.

2. Less weight with the same robustness

Here Decathlon has noticeably slimmed down. I compared the weights of the old and new bags (self-measured):

3. New reinforcement and attachment system

In addition to the harness systems, the ADVT 900 series also includes classic panniers. Instead of rigid plastic plates, thermoformed EVA elements are now used. They are lighter, dimensionally stable, and shock-absorbing. Hooks, buckles, and rails are replaceable and made of aluminum or high-strength plastic. This makes repairs easy and extends durability.

The attachment of the saddle harness has also changed slightly: two overlapping closures now wrap around the seatpost. I still like the molded plastic shell, which hugs the seatpost and not only distributes pressure evenly but also provides stability.

4. Improved details

As so often, the innovation lies in the details. The new bags feature more reflective elements for visibility, which are invisible during the day. I find the reflective pattern on the bags very well designed, with a nice connection to the theme of bikepacking.

There are now (finally) air-release valves on all roll-top bags for easier packing. This was missing on the handlebar roll of the first generation but is now included. The saddle bag’s dry bag already had this feature from the start. The fork bags don’t have it – but it’s not really necessary there.

According to Decathlon, the straps have also been optimized for faster handling. I find them all very easy to use – though I can’t quite remember what the straps of the first generation were like.

And of course, with the ADVT 900, Decathlon has significantly expanded its bikepacking bag offering. Now there are hardly any wishes left unfulfilled – you can get a complete bag set for both big and small tours, from frame and top tube bags to fork and touring bags.

The new bags in detail

Rockrider ADVT 900 Frame Bag 9L

Shortly after I was able to test the Riverside bikepacking bags in January 2022, Decathlon also released a frame bag. With the new ADVT 900 frame bags Decathlon has a very competitive product on the market, and I make no secret of the fact that I like these very much – also because of the new color scheme.

In addition to the 9L version, there are also 6L, 3.5L, and 3L versions – something for every need and taste.
The large frame bag weighs 360g, which is very good for this size. That puts the ADVT 900 in the top league. And not only with the weight, but also with the price of 70 euros.

The frame bag is divided into two compartments, but the divider can be removed so that only one compartment remains. The zippers are protected against splashing water and run very smoothly. The opening is large enough to conveniently search inside the bag and stow things. On the non-drive side, there is an opening for cables or a water hose. This allows the frame bag to be used for a hydration bladder, and power banks can be charged while being protected from water and dirt.

Speaking of water: the frame bag is waterproof according to IPX3. The specification IPX3 describes the water protection of a product and means that it is protected against spraying water up to a 60° tilt angle – so it withstands light rain or splashing water from above. However, this does not provide comprehensive protection against heavier rain, direct jets of water, or even submersion.

For outdoor and bikepacking use, this means: while IPX3 is still sufficient as basic protection, for touring use where it can get really wet, at least IPX4 (splash water from all directions) or better IPX6 (strong jets of water), as offered by many high-quality bags today, is recommended.

Therefore, the dry bags of the Rockrider harness systems at the front and rear, as well as the fork bags, have IPX6. In my view, IPX3 is sufficient for the frame bag, but one should not expect miracles. I will still do a practical test once it gets a bit wetter. So the frame bag is not waterproof, as Decathlon writes on the website.

It is attached with Velcro straps and nylon straps. These can be adjusted in length to the respective frame diameter. I was a bit skeptical whether the Velcro straps would hold properly, but as far as I can tell, it works well.

In terms of weight, the new frame bag has lost a lot compared to the first generation from 2022: from 560g down to 360g.

Rockrider ADVT 900 Fork Bag

The new ADVT 900 fork bags offer a lot of space with 4L volume and are optimized for transporting the Decathlon MT500 cooking set. Made from PU-coated polyester, the bags have a roll-top closure and offer IPX6 water protection. This is also necessary, as they are very exposed to the adversities of the trail and weather on the fork.

They appear very robust and offer a lot of space. I don’t even know what to take with me, there is so much space with the new ADVT 900 bags on the bike. But anyone going on a longer trip will definitely find enough options here.

The fork bags can be attached to standard Anything Cages. For this purpose, there are two nylon straps with which the bags are fixed to the cage. I used the Blackburn cages for this and it holds very stably and does not move. As always with fork bags, of course, you have to make sure that the roll closure does not point toward the tire to avoid possible contact.

However, Decathlon has mainly developed the fork bags for their own cargo cages. These have a small tab at the top into which the fork bags are hooked, thus providing additional fixation. They are fixed with three screws and can carry up to 4 kg. The price is 15 euros, and at 96g they also weigh less than, for example, the Blackburn cages, which weigh 126g.

Rockrider ADVT 900 Food Pouch

There is not much to say about the ADVT 900 Food Pouch except that it works very well, using the same closure system as the Revelate Designs bag, which I like very much. This allows the bag to be easily opened and closed even while riding. With 1.2L volume it offers plenty of space, and the small mesh side pockets are ideal for bars or small items. At the bottom, it has a small hole through which moisture and dirt can drain.

The Food Pouch is attached at three points: stem, handlebar, and at the bottom of the fork using a strap. Decathlon specifies a weight of 150g. I only measured a weight of 97g.

My Conclusion

The ADVT 900 series is not a revolution, but a consistent further development of the Riverside bags that I tested three years ago. The basic strengths remain, plus noticeably less weight, better materials, and a clear focus on sustainability and repairability.

For me, this is once again proof of the good bikepacking community work by Decathlon/Riverside and shows that they listened and optimized, with the result that there is now an even more versatile series for everyone who wants bikepacking to be practical, robust, and affordable.