Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

The centre of the triangle is a "dead weight", it's something that won't affect the feel of the bike (much).

That I think is also another contributing advantage of a frame bag.

Because there would be nothing to stop it swinging about, so it would hit chainrings and feet.

I was thinking of having a hard plastic backing on the drive side, maybe with a reinforcing line from the saddle bolt.

But you are prob right it wouldn't be strong enough.

Ed, I was thinking as part of a frame bag. In fact I was thinking about a single structure that would fill the majority of the space between the wheels and contact points. I was also thinking that having more weight low down would help with the balance.

The swinging force with weight inside would still allow it to move enough without it being held anywhere but it's top edge.
The most underused area is usually in front of the seatpost. You can fit a pretty big triangular bag from the saddle to about a third of the way along the top tube without it getting in the way at all...even if you're straddling the top tube when you stop.

By the way in case either of you are interested, my interest comes from the idea of riding to polo tournaments.

Hence not wanting to have a rack and basically wanting bags I can remove fairly easily when I get to court.

This does also mean I'll have two metre long aluminium poles which could be used structurally...

By the way in case either of you are interested, my interest comes from the idea of riding to polo tournaments.

Hence not wanting to have a rack and basically wanting bags I can remove fairly easily when I get to court.

This does also mean I'll have two metre long aluminium poles which could be used structurally...

I figured I'd add a few extras to the frame bag and things I'm making for touring that will allow me to use them to/from polo. Going to try and get sewing on Monday so hopefully I'll have some more details soon.

Great article HERE by Eszter Horanyl on how she packs for rides like the Tour divide...which she is currently killing!
Worth a read for anyone interested in bikepacking.

Also a nice shot of her bike a few days ago on the divide...

And here is Tracey Petervary's divide bike. Great to see so many women racing the divide this year.

Wait, Tracey Petervary?

What's the best thing to use for a waterproof liner? Confused looking through point north website.

Unless you are needing a specific shape I would think getting something from Alpkit (online) or Exped in an outdoor shop would be easier and more economic. They will also be properly sealed.

Wait, Tracey Petervary?

Yes, Jays wife.

Went to a vintage bike show in Sheffield yesterday and there was a bike that was fitted with some old Carradice top tube mini panniers. No thinking that I would really like a set of these for my next PBP attempt which will be unsupported.

Wondering how easy it is to sew cotton duck. Guessing not that easy.

I know what you're speaking of, I'll find some example when I'm on an actual computer.

Saying that, a frame bag is a lots more useful and stable than the top tube panniers.

This is what they look like, although the ones I saw yesterday were in much nicer condition.

I like BRP's point about utilising some space under the front of the seat post as well. I'm thinking that the weight distribution should feel pretty neutral. On PBP, a fair few people utilised this space for stowing a spare folding tyre.

I was favouring the top tube pannier because I like to keep the handlebar area free for lights, maptrap and as many hand positions as I can muster. Frame bags might be an option if I can manage similar on the fly accessibility.

Any reason why both of those Tour Divide bikes are running cable disks?

I would guess that with hydraulic there's a risk of damage to the system well away from support or civilisation. Considering the sort of distances between habitation in North America and the terrain involved, you wouldn't want to be down to one brake only and potentially having to do a lot of slow downhilling or downhill walking. Cables are relatively light and easy to replace and discs offer the advantage of allowing you to warp the wheel without losing braking effectiveness.

Just guessing, but that would be my choice and reasoning if I were undertaking such a challenge.

Mmm. Not convinced, if this is the case why is the Ti Salsa running famously eploxe-y eggbeater pedals?

Couldn't tell you but I don't think you can reasonably link one piece of equipment choice to another.

I think pedal choice is a lot more personal than brakes. This is because just about anyone can get used to a braking system but it's often easier and better to match pedal type to personal physiognomy. In this sort of situation that is a question better asked of the rider than a comparison of kit pros and cons.

If I were doing the GD then I would strongly consider packing flatplates or running doublesided SPD pedals to allow for options in the event of strain around the knee/ankle.

Are eggbeaters that much of a risk? I think if you have a pair that has been tested thoroughly in training and found to be reliable then as SK has highlighted, contact points are a personal choice and people with go with what what works for them.

Personally I would be on time atac to avoid knee/ankle problems in the first place, but this is me personally.

You could also argue about Jay using a carbon fibre cannondalr with A lefty, but he still managed.

I gather it depend on the risk of using such component in favour for big advantage (I.e. hydro disc brake).

Same also can be said to the Cranes when they did the journey to the centre most part of the Earth on 700c bicycle with a limited gearing, rare component and limited luggage.

Are eggbeaters that much of a risk? I think if you have a pair that has been tested thoroughly in training and found to be reliable then as SK has highlighted, contact points are a personal choice and people with go with what what works for them.

Personally I would be on time atac to avoid knee/ankle problems in the first place, but this is me personally.

The older designs are, I managed to separate the pedal body from the axel whilst riding up a steep hill, I think perhaps they've fixed that issue with the latest model.

If I were doing the GD then I would strongly consider packing flatplates or running doublesided SPD pedals to allow for options in the event of strain around the knee/ankle.

Jill Homer did just the latter due to problem with her feets during the Iditarod Trail.

She said it's the best decision she made after the ride (rode with running shoes + cheap flat pedals).

You could also argue about Jay using a carbon fibre cannondalr with A lefty, but he still managed.

You could also Argue that Jay didn't use a carbon cannondale with a lefty....but who am I to argue? :]

Fixie Dave Nice is currently storming the divide from South to North on his fixed MTB with flat pedals....it's a completely personal thing as has been said already.
You run what you trust and feel most comfortable on.