General Cycling Discussion - Top tube / Bento Bag recommendations?

Hi there -- I'm looking for a bag I can access while riding. I'm thinking like a bento bag or just some kind of top tube bag, but my local stores don't have any in stock. So I'm thinking amazon, but would love to hear some recommendations (or warnings).


Right now I have no bag. My rides are just 10-20 miles, and I would love to fit my cell phone, multi-tool, garage door opener, and well... some kind of repair thing if I actually learn how to use it. lol

Thanks!

Hey Mysterious
I have this one made by Serfas. http://www.amazon.com/Serfas-SB-2-Mount-Bento-Large/dp/B003JHZOY8
Purchased at LBS. It fits a cell phone, extra glasses and snacks. A friend has one from Hammer nutrition thats pretty nice too.
http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/bike-mount-tri-box.bmtb.html?navcat=accessories
Good luck

I've this one (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_167563_-1___), picked it up for $5, and would of happily paid $10.

The big ones are more practical, but often floppy and somewhat ackward looking (Axiom, Serfas). The small, stiff ones fit much better but space is limited (Soma). Frankly, something heavy like a multitool in a top tube bag, not ideal. A small saddle bag for tube, tools, and small top tube bad for snack, cell phone and cash has been pretty efficient for me.

FWIW, my iPhone fits exactly in the side pocket of my Axiom bag.
http://www.axiomgear.com/products/gear/bags/specialty/power-bag/

The sell a double, too; I haven't seen it in person, though.
http://www.axiomgear.com/products/gear/bags/specialty/double-power-bag/

A small seatbag with tube, levers, minimal multitool, CO2 and ID. All that stays on the bike, you don't have to mess with it each ride. Then a top tube bag for phone and snacks.

I've had a couple different bento bags, and have looked at several more. I like smaller ones, and ones without plastic tops. I keep tissues and a small amount of food in it, which is exactly what I wanted it for. Anything more and it would be too floppy.

If you're looking to carry tools, go for a small seat bag.

Check out places like Anaconda/Decathlon/MEC/REI ... or even Canadian Tire and Walmart for the small seat bags.

Thanks for all the recommendations! I hadn't considered the weight of the multi-tool. And I appreciate all the links, too! I actually just saw the double Axiom bag BarracksSi mentioned -- the only top tube bag I've seen where I live:
http://www.axiomgear.com/products/gear/bags/specialty/double-power-bag/

I'm not sure if that double bag would seem cumbersome, like it would slow me down. lol (Because of course I'm going at lightning speed, right?? lol) But the biggest thing I NEED to have quicker access to is my phone, which is just a little candy bar phone. I wouldn't be entirely opposed to a small seat bag otherwise. Anyway, just thinking out loud here. Thanks, guys!

Thanks for all the recommendations! I hadn't considered the weight of the multi-tool. And I appreciate all the links, too! I actually just saw the double Axiom bag BarracksSi mentioned -- the only top tube bag I've seen where I live:
http://www.axiomgear.com/products/gear/bags/specialty/double-power-bag/

I'm not sure if that double bag would seem cumbersome, like it would slow me down. lol (Because of course I'm going at lightning speed, right?? lol) But the biggest thing I NEED to have quicker access to is my phone, which is just a little candy bar phone. I wouldn't be entirely opposed to a small seat bag otherwise. Anyway, just thinking out loud here. Thanks, guys!


A bag that small (it's tiny! - (5" x 4" x 2") x2) shouldn't slow you down. The only issue I can see with it is whether or not your knees would hit it when you pedal.

I just got a FuelBox the other day:

http://www.amazon.com/FuelBelt-3669-FuelBox-Medium-Black/dp/B000V98PD4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319373295&sr=8-1

Got the large size. It's got a side zipper for ID/cash, a removable hard plastic liner (I removed it). I was able to fit 2 granola bars, 2 clif shot bloks, and 2 string cheese in it, with extra room left over. It was way more than enough for a 50 mile nonstop ride yesterday, probably has enough for a century. I like it, but it would be nice if someone made one of these with a quick release to get it off the bike. If I had to stop at a gas station for water it would have been great to be able to snap it off the bike and take it in with me. Otherwise, I love it already.

there are bottle cage fitting cases, and the Two-fish velcro fitted bottle cages..

or you could put a band on bottle cage on top of the top tube..
I See boss' are put on top of a Trek's time trial/triathlon bike to fit onto..

note, you can get the LBS to order .. that which you did not find them to be
anticipating your visit, by stocking on spec.

I use this one:
http://www.distancebiker.com/store/index.php/bags/q095.html

The designer is a rando rider and has pretty much thought through the needs of a rider. I especially like the Velcro sling which keeps my camera suspended above the top tube, reducing jarring and vibration.

YMMV
-dg