Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

@Heldring have you not had them pop off when on rough terrain? (The sprung hooks at the top)

It’s happened to me loads of times. Maybe I’m just getting too rad.

The rixen kaul hooks Restrap use I find much more secure, they adapt to different diameter racks without the need for different inserts. Only downside is they aren’t as easy to adjust as ortlieb (need screwdriver) pros and cons both ways.

Really surprised neither of you has had issues with your ortliebs popping off.

Does anyone know of a bag similar to the Rickshaw handlebar bags? I'm after something fairly compact (<5L) but can't seem to find anything similar that I can source in the UK. Don't really want to pay customs charges and exxy shipping if I can avoid it.

https://www.rickshawbags.com/handlebar-bag

https://roadrunnerbags.eu/collections/handlebar-bags

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BumbagsProject

Has a few options, you can pick your colours etc. EU, so no customs charges, shipping depends on size, but £6-£9 ish for something similar to the Rickshaw bag.

Try naffsacks - find them on Instagram, road runner are great but pricey, avoid Mack workshop.

Cool! How'd you come across them?

Tim Tas Rek also makes cool bags (EU)

Sweet, thanks for the recommendations guys - looks like some good options there.

No direct experience of them, but @lightbluejosh has a custom framebag from them which prompted me to have a nosey.

Tim tas rek front rack is also dope! Providing they send you one that’s finished and straight...

Carradice has small saddlebags that work well on the front too - Barley, Junior, Zipped Roll...

They do, just a big jump in size from small to 9 litre!

Sorry, missed the 5 litre part

What's happened with Mack? I got a couple of bits off him a few years ago that are still going strong

Great products, ridiculous service, leadtimes and communication.

Oh, that’s a shame

https://instagram.com/couby_wan_stitchworks?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1mnrjx2hs2a8v

Large Sporran should do.

I've booked for the Welsh Ride Thing, run by Bear Bones, from 4th-6th May.
Freeform bike adventure in deepest Wales in aid of the Air Ambulance Charity.
Who's joining me??!

I am in too!

great, see ya there

Me too!

yay! proper crew.

Ooh tempted. Checking diary.

he's still making good stuff

i ordered something a while back, waited and waited, checked things, waited

in the end a really nice frame bag turned up. I'm very pleased with it (i've not used it yet, but that's my fault)

i wasn't in hurry so the time wasn't a problem for me.

i very much like the look of the front rack bag..

How long was your wait? And what was the eta on the site?

Was there any communication?

If your willing to wait endlessly hoping it will arrive great.. but that’s not most people.

i think it was around twice the stated eta, can't remember exactly. had no communication.

as I said, i wasn't in a hurry and knew what to expect so it didn't bother me