Oxford M15R Tank Bag £129.99 ‘Both robust and extremely useful’
Tested by Michael Neeves for one year
Oxford tank bags have almost iconic status in modern biking and it’s easy to see why. They’re robust, extremely useful and come with a lifetime guarantee against faulty materials or manufacture. I’ve had many over the years and used them for thousands of road test and touring miles. They never wear out, but in the interest of seeing how Oxford’s tank bags have evolved, I put a new one to the test last year when I needed one for my long-term Kawasaki H2 SX SE. I wanted something big enough to hold a decent stash and to lean up against to take the weight off my wrists. Oxford’s mid-size, expandable, M15R magnetic tank bag fitted the bill perfectly.
It takes a second to fit and once on it’s secure, even at high speed. Threading and fastening the security strap underneath the headstock takes a few extra seconds, but is never a drama. Once on it’s easy to use thanks to strong, easy-to-use zips and its 15-litre capacity is more than enough for what I need. On big trips I generally keep a pair of trainers in the main compartment, stuffed and surrounded with odds and ends. I can fit wash bag and clothes over the top and keys, wallet, change, toll tickets, phone and knick-knacks in the side pockets. I use a rucksack or panniers for everything else.
It comes with an internal waterproof liner that works perfectly in heavy rain, but even without it, the bag can withstand a light shower. The 420D Ripstop Nylon shell and zips are robust and after just 3000 miles it still looks like new. It’s at the pricier end of the market, but you get what you pay for in terms of quality and usefulness. That said, you can find huge bargains online if you click around.
Just like the Oxford tank bags I’ve used before, the M15R magnetic tank bag doesn’t disappoint. It’s strong, hard-wearing, easy to wipe down, simple to use and dependable. It also makes a bike with sporty bars much more comfortable on big trips, too. It’s pricey, but sensibly designed and it should last you a biking lifetime. Highly recommended. Quality Value www.oxfordproducts.com