One of motorcycling’s simplest gadgets.

I first discovered Rok Straps around 2004, at the Vancouver motorcycle show. After years of dealing with metal- hooked bungee cords, one look at the Rok Straps and I could envision their functionality; and I bought a package of two of the 150 cm (60-inch) straps. I haven’t used a traditional bungee cord since. I have, however, purchased more pairs of Rok Straps over the years – they’ve gotten misplaced, or I’ve given them to family or friends.

The beauty of Rok Straps is the strong 15 cm elasticized section that offers a limited amount of stretch combined with the regular nylon strap that has attachment loops at each end, making it easy to secure the straps to any mounting point of your motorcycle. The fact that there are no metal hooks to damage painted or chromed surfaces is an added bonus.

The limited stretch of a Rok Strap keeps your cargo snug at all times, no matter how rough the road is, but has just enough stretch to maintain the proper tension – something that a straight strap can’t do, while a full-length elastic strap has too much give to keep a consistent tension.

It’s easy to use: Undo the plastic side-release connector and simply feed the strap through the loop at each end to secure it to any mounting point of your motorcycle. Reconnect the side-release connector and pull the loose end of the strap to cinch down your cargo.

To loosen the strap, just lift up on one end of the plastic connector to relieve the elastic’s tension and undo the clip. So simple and so efficient. Once you try them, I doubt you’ll use bungee cords ever again.

A package of two 46 to 150 cm straps retails for just $25, while a shorter strap package sells for $15. To purchase or to find a dealer near you, go to rokstrapscanada.com.