Boblbee Megalopolis Aero

The Boblbee Megalopolis is, I grant you, not a very catchy name for a backpack. It’s not primarily intended for cyclists, but this piece of kit is safety accredited as TUV/CE as a back protection device and it can provide a valuable service to road riders, especially those of us that do battle with the traffic or need extra back protection.

First impressions then. The Megalopolis has a very hard, very bright moulded outer shell available in a range of colours. The construction and visibility combine with high quality materials to create a tough backpack which is great for added confidence when out riding. I have a back injury and knowing that this pack has TUV/CE accreditation safety award does wonders for my state of mind. I don't want to have to use it but it's good to know that should a spill ever occur the bag will help dampen any impact.

Internal space is provided by one large section with strategically placed dividers and liners to keep, papers, laptops and the like still. The hard shell means that the space isn't quite as flexible, but there's plenty of room inside. Externally there is a well positioned top pocket which is watertight due to its rubbery material and taped seams. The clip on webbing that will grip virtually anything you place in there and restrain it firmly in place against the moulded outer shell of this pack is an excellent option. Unfortunately it is just that: an option with a cost of around £20

The construction of the Megalopolis is certainly based around strong engineering principles. The high visibility fluorescent yellow outer shell is screwed onto a reinforced plastic plate on either side by a series of 8 Allen bolts. This plate sandwiches a layer of durable rip-stop fabric between itself and the high-viz shell to allow the internal compartment to expand for larger loads. The pack uses quality materials, very well put together.

The back plate features high quality foam padding with raised, double layer sections strategically positioned to allow your back to be fully supported and encased should the worst happen. For the base of your spine the materials change and a synthetic leather-like material replaces the meshed surface of the foam, this new section follows the waist strap part way around your hips offering enhanced grip, comfort and protection. It's not a light bag but it is supremely comfortable to wear.

Other small but well thought out features include the padded, waterproof mobile phone pouch (again an option), this could be just as well suited to a GPS unit or an mp3 player.

The pack is finished off with heavy duty, chunky buckles and straps that only serve to reinforce the message that you can rely on the Megalopolis in an accident – it really is a tough cookie. Whether you need to spend this much on this kind of protection is your decision. I have a bad back and a city commute and felt a lot safer wearing this pack, but it's a lot to pay if you don't need the extra safety net.

Verdict

I think it is a strong product – in all senses of the word – and I'm suprised that they don't target cyclists more: we are a large and growing sector of the market. The Boblbee Megalopolis is a strong, durable and visible addition to the cyclist, especially useful for those who encounter busy roads on a daily basis and have to carry valuable and vulnerable cargo.