Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

+1 on that, excellent bags. Easy to open on the go, and sit in a nice position on the bars.

I asked for a custom one with an elasticated pocket on the top as I think thatd be a great improvement for quickly slotting stuff like a phone, or bananas etc, but no joy.

Agreed, extremely underrated bag.

I actually have a custom one of those from ages ago, 6/7 years even. And you’re right it’s pretty nice.
But boxier than I’m looking for for this bike.
I opted for the Carradice one in the end, ordered a couple of days ago. I’ll report back once I try it a few times to let
People know my opinion of it.
I’m already a fan of Carradice bags so I have confidence.

planet x stem bags are back in stock for the princely sum of 7 quid each https://planetx.co.uk/products/podsacs-stem-bottle-bag

1 Attachment

• CCPODSBB-P1-04_713x.webp

wrong file

7.99, a quid more than Decathlon.

Does anyone have the dimensions of the decathlon one? I am interested in them but the planet x ones have been perfect because of how deep they are. I'll measure the planet x ones depth later today.

Specifically this one https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/fabric-handlebar-bottle-cage/_/R-p-168751

Stem bags without the single handed opening actually aren't worth it, even at 7 pounds.

Haven't measured it but it fits a 500ml bottle easily and a 750ml bottle with around a third sticking out of the top (but still fairly securely held).

For reference, with 500ml bottle inside:

1 Attachment

Here's my planet x one. Measures 140mm deep.

It's been a terrific bag. I don't know if it makes any difference but it's also foil lined or has some kind of insulative lining.

I only really use them for bottles because I find it a heap easier to drink from the stem than the bottle cages on the frame, and also keeps the bottle out of the way of road/path spray. Also leaves more room for a frame bag

1 Attachment

Just measured my decathlon one - 150mm deep

Decathlon is 14 by 9 diameter. They look almost the same size, but the Decathlon one doesn't have any insulation.

Nice sounds like theyre basically identical then.

I have both and can provide side by side pics if required

I would only buy one of those if it was going to sit permanently on a lock up bike. Otherwise get the Topeak one for 30 bucks with the one handed opening. I promise you it is worth it.

I have literally never closed my stem bag, so not gonna pay an extra 23 smackeroos to be able to open it one handed

I have lost so many M&Ms and Jelly Babies this way.

WOn't somebody think of the Snickers!??!?!

Exactly.....Just put snacks inside a ziplock within the bag, 30 for a bag that is merely for food/drink is ridiculous.

Sounds like the words of someone that hasn't watched their remaining food supplies bounce out and over the edge of a mountain on a descent in Montenegro. So long cruel world...

I've also carried my camera in my Revelate feedbags. It's rare that I don't close them. The drawstring top allows you to fit in odd shaped stuff and have it not fly out and the newer one-handed versions are better and more than £30 too so they're gonna fully blow your mind.

I did loose my entire carefully planned nutrition regime from a poorly secured Decathlon stem bag.
The replacement pack of Hon-Nobs from a petrol station perfectly fitted in the bag

I use my stem bag for my camera, so definitely want the one handed open/close, so that's a use case they're good for.

Can still put a bottle etc in it and not cinch up.

It’s a shame the kids variant won’t fit my bars

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/kids-2-6-years-bike-and-balance-bike-handlebar-bag-yellow/_/R-p-323902

1 Attachment

If you untie the drawcord on the cheap Riverside bag and then reroute each end either side of one of the daisy chains, then retie with the toggle above the daisy chain, you can create a single-handed close function. It’s not perfect, but it works.

Mine are in the loft so this sketch will have to do…

1 Attachment