Friday evening, the van is parked in front of the garage, and tomorrow morning there is practice at the MX track. Albek built the Econohaul for exactly this moment: a wheeled travel bag with 115 litres that takes your complete moto or bike kit, sorted instead of jumbled.

In Covert Black the Econohaul is entirely understated. All black, matt fabric, no frills – a bag for people who would rather ride than show off their luggage.

What makes the black Econohaul stand out

It takes its name from the Econoline van, and as in a well-packed van, every item has its place. Albek calls this Split-Level: several levels stacked on top of each other, so that dirty and clean never end up in the same compartment. Compared with the big Meridian, it is the slimmer sister with 115 instead of 165 litres.

In short

• 115 L of storage on several levels
• Waterproof compartment for boots, knee guards and protectors
• Padded zone for helmet and protectors
• Own compartment for goggles plus a compartment for spare lenses
• Telescopic handle, tough wheels and Albek Cush carry handle
• 4.5 kg unladen weight thanks to a light, moulded base

Order from bottom to top

At the very bottom sits the waterproof compartment, where the muddy boots, knee guards and protectors go after the last session. The dirt stays down there. Above it, your helmet finds a place in a padded zone, the goggles get a compartment of their own, and spare lenses a second one. At the top is the large main compartment, big enough for more than one kit, so pants and jersey for Saturday and Sunday.

The small stuff that is usually missing

For gloves there are elastic pockets in which several pairs stay put. Chest protector and technical underwear have an area of their own. Ventilated compartments, called Anti Bag-Tang at Albek, let sweaty kit breathe on the way home, so the van does not smell like a changing room on Monday.

From the van to the pit

You pull the full bag on its wheels by the telescopic handle across gravel and tarmac in the paddock. To heave it onto the loading area you take hold of the padded Cush handle. At 4.5 kg empty, more reserve is left for what really has to come along.

Covert Black in the paddock

Black forgives a lot: dust from the pit, chain grease on the floor of the van and splashes from the wash area hardly show. But because there are often more dark bags standing next to yours, the embroidery zone helps, with room for your name or team logo.

Who the Econohaul in black suits

• Motocross and enduro riders with a complete set of protective gear
• Mountain bikers with full-face helmet, goggles and protectors
• Anyone who wants to transport two kits for the weekend in an organised way
• Everyone for whom the Meridian is too big

Before you order

According to Albek, only the lower compartment for boots and protectors is waterproof, not the whole bag. A changing mat and tool compartment are found only on the Meridian. Albek gives the original buyer with proof of purchase a Limited Lifetime Warranty on defects in material and workmanship.

Verdict

The Albek Econohaul in Covert Black is your organised wheeled travel bag for the race weekend: 115 litres, separate levels for boots, helmet and clothing, and a look that does not shout.