MXA TEAM TESTED: FOX RACING SHUTTLE GEARBAG

WHAT IS IT? The largest gear bag in Fox Racing’s line (it can comfortably hold an albatross), the Shuttle gearbag has undergone several changes since the
previous model. We should note that the Shuttle has been a perennial favorite among the MXA test crew.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Fox Racing Shuttle gearbag.

(1) Storage space. When we say that the Shuttle gearbag is large, we’re not kidding. The bag measures 35 by 16 by 18 inches and has a whopping capacity of 9924 cubic inches. The size might seem like overkill, but for riders who want to put all of their gear in one bag (helmet, boots, knee braces, leathers, chest protector, neck brace, goggles and gloves), the Shuttle has the storage space. More astonishing is the fact that this bag can hold all of the aforementioned equipment, plus a second set of gear. Wow!

(2) Compartments. The beauty of the Shuttle is that it compartmentalizes the gear. The layout allows dirty boots to be separated from clean gear (for those riders who don’t spit-shine their boots before every ride). Obsessive-compulsive riders will have a field day organizing their gear in all the various pockets. A mesh pocket inside the bag is perfect for storing gloves, riding socks, goggles and tearoffs. The Shuttle also has an attached, built-in changing pad that’s handy for keeping your feet clean while removing gear.

(3) Updates. Although the bag has the same shape as the previous model, the boot-storage areas (one on each end of the bag) have been reconfigured. The new design makes it easier to pack and remove boots. Fox added an additional grab handle for easier lifting. The retractable handle has also been updated (on the last model, the retractable button jammed from time to time). The zippers have been beefed up for greater durability, and the wild pinstripe and paisley designs have been replaced with a more conservative all-black look.

(4) Transport. The Shuttle gearbag shines in two areas. (a) Storage area. It’s the Taj Mahal of gear bags. (b) Transit. The Shuttle works great as a garage-to-track gear bag, but it excels when used in the airport. The large rubber wheels roll well, and the retractable handle makes pulling 50 pounds of gear a cinch. We like the hard plastic running boards that extend the length of the Shuttle’s base (to keep the bag and its contents safe). Several test riders not only use the Shuttle for transporting gear across the country, but they also use it for non-motocross-related trips. (Use this as a selling point when convincing your sweetie that you need to shell out $170 on a gear bag.)

(5) Weight. The Shuttle tips the scales at 13.25 pounds (without gear). Last year’s model weighed 11.50 pounds. We’re not happy to see the Shuttle gain weight, but we’ll chalk it up to the fact that Fox made the bag more durable.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? We have two complaints: (1) Weight. The Shuttle has gained nearly two pounds since last year. (2) Price. Fox hiked up the price of the Shuttle by $10.

The Fox Racing Shuttle is a serious gear bag for serious racers who want to carry a serious amount of stuff. Don’t let the price tag scare you away, because it makes transporting gear?and we mean all of your gear?a breeze.