Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Voile straps by any other name. Look like they compare ok price-wise .

Looks like they've created something that didn't need to be created and perhaps a little more faffy than a Voile strap. (How we pronouncing that? I go all Francais n say Vwaal)

They claim it's pronounced voh-lay.
Seems a bit off to me, but 🤷‍♂️

They’re from Utah : )

Not like Americans to mispronounce their own names.

If you are a cheapskate like me, you'll find some excellent straps on BikeInn's website, much cheaper and seem to work fine.

I might have to buy some Tailfin straps just to make sure that the catches in the pretty diagrams aren't a little bit different.

There was an article a while back on how they developed and tested it. If they kept their promise it should the best value for money kit, and maybe even some of the best otp stuff overall.

I’ve spent a while trying to find a frame bag that fits my 54cm Kinesis ATR properly. It’s either 3 inches too short or an inch too long. Took my bike to the shop where I got the frame set and they had a full bikepacking setup on display. Turns out the Ortlieb Top Tube Frame Pack fits like it was custom made…

Fjallraven X Specialized drop two coming soon, this week maybe ?

Edit - has this been up for a while - https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/specialized-fjllrven-handlebar-bag/p/220838?color=361902-220838&searchText=41123-6800 ?

Have we had the Cantii Way yet? https://www.ft.com/content/fbd432c2-1bbf-44ae-b01d-a227fe068f58 https://archive.ph/VLdtP

interesting, looks like it will be "launched" this week by cycling uk.

No doubt the citizens of Kent will be welcoming to novice bikepackers on their lanes and byways.

Cantis only!

https://www.cyclinguk.org/route/cantii-way/get-the-route

Top tip for swimming at Camber: it's warm at the furthest westernmost corner next to the wooden barrier between the beach and the harbour channel. Swimming pool temperature, not English Channel. Nobody goes there. You can have it to yourself. Easiest way to get there is via this track https://goo.gl/maps/7WRKdqNBrNZ93sPp7

Don't know if this is the right place to ask, but does anyone know if these work well? 14 EUR is not a lot of money and Instagram seems convinced that I need them.

Shopping bags are tremendously useful.

We bought a couple, they're super useful. Need to shove them right back on the rack to not get heel strike though and mudguard stays are important to keep them away from the wheel.

you know one of those stem bags; if you put a bottle in it, how do you turn your bars fully? or you just cant and #bikepackingisshit ?

Why would you turn your bars fully? When does this happen in normal riding?

"OMG you mean I can't do bar spins when my bike is fully loaded?"

Put something squishy in your stem bag and put your bottle in a cage where it won't bounce around.

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You can also keep your drinks outside your feedbags...

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Or just like, you know, hold your bevvies...

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Anyone used a Restrap Race saddle bag?

https://restrap.com/collections/saddle-bags/products/race-saddle-bag

I'm once again looking for a bag that's a bit smaller than the 14L Revelate Viscacha that the grrl has.

Need to see the 4L version of this in the flesh: https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/saddle-bag-two+F9424

EDIT: I think we've found a workaround and she can keep the Viscacha.

I've got fed up with my Carradice Super-C saddlepack because the straps on the saddle don't stay tight enough and it doesn't fit in the space.

But, I really like the zipped/mesh side pockets for keeping little bits in. I've looked at various options to replace it, but can't see any that have similar easy access. Does anyone know of any?