Update: Full review on the Ergon BC3 Cycling Pack | Click here
Ergon Bike Ergonomics sent a BC3 cycling backpack over for review this week. The BC3 is the largest out of the Ergon pack/hydration system lineup and it delivers a ton of storage space for the bike commuter on the go or weekend warrior ready to hit that epic trail ride.
What does Ergon say about the BC3?
From ergon-bike.com:
A cycling backpack built to take the punishment of a TransAlp race or your day to day commute. Double the capacity of our BD2, the Flink® Link ball joint equipped BC3 features a lightweight frame and allows for natural freedom of movement for the upper body yet still provides optimal load distribution. The BC3 utilizes a high-tech, heavy-duty water proof material (water proofed on both sides), with water resistant zippers, a helmet holder, internal compartments to keep you organized and a sleeve for a hydration bladder. The BC3 can carry your gear on an overnight mountain bike trip or your office clothes and laptop on an everyday commute. Gender specific carrying systems available in two sizes
Gender • Male / Female specific Capacity • 25 liter Main fabric • 210 D Nylon Max. load • Recommended up to 10 kg Hydration Pack • optional
A little bit more about the Backpack Motion System…
From ergon-bike.com:
The central Flink® ball joint isolates the pack from movements of the shoulders. This creates massive freedom of movement for the upper body. The frame distributes the load over a large surface area placing the load’s centre of gravity at the waist, almost completely relieving the spine and the back muscles. Compared to a normal backpack any shoulder movements do not require your shoulder muscles to shift the entire weight of the pack. Ergon pack users experience 10 – 20% of the total load on their shoulders, perfectly balanced with even pressure distribution. This protects your back. This brilliant construction method is the reason for its comfort like no other. The backpack stays put in every situation. Undesired slipping is prevented. A huge advantage.
Optimized Ergonomics for every body size
Unbelievable but true. The fit of the majority of traditional small to medium backpacks is dictated by their capacity. Small packs are for smaller people. Large packs are for larger people. Additionally very few manufacturers account for the physical differences between men and women. The Ergon backpack geometry is developed to fit exactly to different body forms. Big and small, male and female. There are two different men’s carrying systems, and two different carrying systems for women. Each one has adjustable back length settings. It is a little thing, but you can feel the difference and it really works. Tall or short in the torso, broad shouldered or not – an Ergon backpack will fit perfectly. The prerequisite for optimum Ergonomics.
Initial Thoughts from 198
Ergon Bike Ergonomics is known throughout the cycling industry for producing products that are both functional and extremely comfortable. When I pulled the Ergon BC3 out of the box, my first thought was…wow…this is huge! This pack has a ton of storage capacity with multiple waterproof pockets. The overall constuction is high quality with an emphasis on detail. I am partial to black packs…so the overall look is pleasing to my eye.
I immediately changed the shoulder harness location to fit my 6’2″ height and tried the pack on. The overall feel of the BC3 cycling backpack reminds me a lot of my backpacking days. When you put the pack on, you feel like it is secure on your body and the weight is being transferred through your hips. This is the process that Ergon had in mind while designing their line of packs. With all of the harnessing, the pack actually stands up on its own as you can see in the pictures. I was concerned that weight was going to be an issue, but the pack (empty) does not feel heavy at all.
Some serious time in the mountains will tell if this pack can cut it…so stay tuned for more pictures and thrashing of this cycling backpack and hydration system from Ergon.
Short low quality video of the harness in motion…
Where can you buy a BC3?
For the absolute best price I could find on a BC3…click here.
