Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Ah, feedbags? I had one for TCR. Also quite useful but not something I'd use on a bike normally, unlike a top tube bag.

Yeah I think a top tube bag would be ideal but it's just the top routed cable that's going to mess that up.

Hopefully a feedbag would also be useful for the commute. Easy to find my keys when I get home rather than fumbling around in my panniers!

Why not a small framebag? One that's just under the front of your top tube? Most out of the way if you're not using a full frame bag

What he said - frame bag is a game changer

I've actually got a planet x one but it means I can't use my frame fit pump which I do really like. May have one consider using the planet x frame bag and going back to the mini pump

I've not used it yet but it looks like it would make it a massive pain to get bottles in and out?

My old TT bike has exposed cables on the top tube and it's fine under a top tube bag.

Depends on frame size. Short bottles, side-mount cages, etc. can all work around this.

I don't use a framebag for normal riding though only longer stuff.

And if it would rub, just putting a piece of outer cable where it's exposed, problem solved.

I got an Alpkit 13L airlok dual bar bag at Christmas and used it on my 10 mile commute this morning.. worked great and nice not having a bag on my back (less sweat) but it's fitted tight around the bars and I was having trouble grabbing onto the bars as the bag was sitting directly below, how do people get around this? loosen the bag? does it foul the brake / wheel?

Ah thanks guys :-)

Looks way better than pictures show. But shout out to RankinJ for my custom framebag. Fits perfect and the straps are long enough to go around my fat tubed cannondale
Very pleased

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Awesome work @RankinJ

Just tried the planet X framebag. Doesn't fit on the pompino, straps are too long for the skinny tubes. Shame as otherwise it's perfect and a good price.

Looks great, I'm glad you're pleased!

It fits better than it looks in the pictures like it does. Also fits another frame of mine which is a bonus. Definitely pleased with it. Looks solidly made. Thanks again

@RankinJ would you be up for making another? maybe two.

@thrasher Yup, happily! Less busy at the moment so will have some sewing time. PM over what you are thinking of.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a decent sized saddlebag (looking for 13l+) for use with saddle loops? Obviously could just get a standard Alpkit/restrap/similar one but wondering if having a saddle with loops (Brooks swift) opened up other interesting options.

Obviously carradice springs to mind as the main option. But you could use something like this:

https://www.alpkit.com/products/airlok-xtra-dual-20-litre

swap the straps for ones that fit saddle loops an get a support?

Spa cycles have good deals on Carradice at the moment.

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/m2b5s73p0/Parts-and-Accessories/CARRADICE/Bags-Saddle-Bags

That's a good idea actually, I have a 13l one of those already that I've been using on the bars but it's been kind of annoying me how it gets in the way of my hands in a few positions. Will look into that, thanks.

Thanks will take a look

I think this guy does roughly that in combination with a handlebar harness

holy seatpack!

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