[Leo1903]

I was pondering the possibility of getting a frame bag for my Tricross. It would be used to store my Kryptonite Evolution ulock (longest dimensions: approx. 6"x8"), and a cable which when folded is about
10" long. If I get one, I wanted to keep the size of the bag down to an minimum - basically just what's required to fit my bike lock apparatus and essentially nothing else.

I thought the best place to mount the bag would be on the top tube/seat tube corner. Several reasons for this location:
1) I prefer my water bottle/cage mounted on the opposite side - on the down tube, as there is ample clearance here when removing and inserting bottle - not so when the bottle/cage is mounted on the seat tube. So this prefered location for my water bottle, would make a frame bag on the top tube/down tube corner impractical, as they would be competing for the same space.
2) The down tube is unusually thick on this bike and so finding a bag which has Velcro straps to easily wrap around it may be difficult.

The top tube is also thick but not nearly as much as the down tube, so it may be less of an obstacle to find an appropriate fitting bag.

Does Specialized make a frame bag for these frames with unusual tube diameters? Has anyone tried any frame bag which works for this bike? As an afterthought, I don't see many bikes using frame bags. Is there a reason for this?

Open to ideas...

Thanks,

Leo

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[knobster]

Do you use a rack? You could put one on and strap it down to that. That's what I do.

[stevage]

There was a link posted in the touring forum (I think) to a guy who builds custom frame bags. Can't find it instantly though. I don't get why they're not popular either - seems like the ideal place to store weight.

Steve

[Leo1903]

Knobster, I did bungee a lock onto a rear rack on a previously owned bike and that storage system worked well. However, I'll probably stay away from racks on this bike unless I decide to do some serious touring.

Steve thanks for the lead on someone who makes custom bags for frames. I may well look for that post once I've exhausted LBS's inventories for something suitable.

All the bags that I've seen so far, seemed to be designed for the sharp angles found in the cavity of top tube/down tube corner. It would seem easier to design bags for top tube/seat tube connections, since the angles found at that joint are less variable and more or less consistent at near right angles.

A possible downside to frame bags (and hense their being unpopular), is that they may act a bit like a sail to catch crosswinds and currents from passing large vehicles such as trucks. Sometimes cross currents from trucks are enough of a problem on their own without compounding the problem by creating additional resistance.

Leo

[stevage]

I've actually seen some "triangle bags" that go in the corner you describe, but I think they'd be too small for a D lock.

Here are the two urls I was thinking of:
http://www.carouseldesignworks.com/CDWpage1.html
http://epicdesigns-ak.blogspot.com/2007/12/current-specials.html

If you look down when you're on the bike, you realise how much space you could use for storing stuff, in the frame and then between your knees and the handlebars. So tantalising...you could be right about the sail effect though.

Steve

[Richard8655]

I may not be understanding something, guys, so bear with me. If I'm not mistaken, D or U locks come with frame mount brackets. Attaching one or two of these brackets to the inside of the frame would easily allow carrying the lock by simply snapping the lock onto the brackets. But perhaps this is not a desirable solution.

[Leo1903]

Thanks Steve for the links to the custom frame bag makers. From the pics the bags look really well made. I've book marked the sites may go back to them should I be unable to find any suitable off-the-shelf selections to chose from. Having one custom made may be a bit too pricey though and I may then be concerned about the bag getting ripped-off when bike is unattended.

Richard, I guess I could go with a ulock bike frame mound but because I'm also carrying a cable to insert through and secure the wheels; thought a frame bag more handy to store all my locking paraphernalia in one convenient location.

I'm probably being too fussy but since I'm in no rush for this accessory, I'll allow plenty of time to chance into finding a suitable one.

Although frame bags may contribute to occasional bouts of strong crosswind instability(?), they would in general seem to be much more aerodynamic than conventional side-storage bags, so a little surprised that they are not more popular.

Thanks again,

Leo