Rwc5830

Hello everyone,

I did my first 200K last year and plan another on my bike next month. In April I plan to tackle a 300K and am now concerned about being able to carry more while on the bike.

My bike is a Specialized Roubaix SL3 Pro (yes I know it may not be a good rando or touring bike because it is a road bike). I do centuries all the time but an unsupported 300K has me a bit concerned that I'm not carrying enough.

I currently have a small seat bag that carries two CO2, a tube and a small toolkit. When I ride I also carry an extra tube, tire levels, my wallet, phone and snacks in my cycling jersey pockets.

I've done a little research and have seen some handlebar bags. Another alternative are some lightweight racks that you can put a seperate bag on. The rack attaches to the seat/seat posts. For example: Arkel brand

For my 300K I'd like to be able to carry a little more stuff like a couple more CO2, maybe another tube, my jacket (which can be rolled up very small) and some extra snacks.

So will one of those rack/bag combos on the seat be too heavy for my bike? To me, that looks like a good option as long as I don't pile a bunch of heavy stuff in it. The handlbar bags look a bit bulky to me...don't know.

Or should I just get a larger seat bag?

Ideas are welcome, but don't rag on me for doing a 300K rando on a road bike One of these days my N+1 will be more of a touring bike but for now this is working.

Pictures would be good if you have a setup to suggest.

Thanks everyone,
Richard

howsteepisit

I see no reason that you cannot do long rides on a road bike. I'd get a bigger seat bag, but than I use a Caradice Nelson and it will hold a couple days worth of stuff if I want. BtW my bike is pretty much a sport tourer configuration, definitely not a touring bike.

ThermionicScott 

There are plenty of people doing randos on "racing" bikes. I like to keep all my tools and "emergency" stuff in the under-saddle bag and use a cheap handlebar bag ($10 or something at Target) up front for snacks and jacket and for displaying the cue sheet. It's floppy and won't last forever, but was a good way to try it out -- someday I'll get a better system.

hamster

Take a look at my setup in this thread

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post15253180

Homeyba

I'm not sure why you'd think that the Roubaix isn't a perfectly great brevet bike? If it gets you there and you're comfortable on it, it's a great brevet bike. I've seen a boatload of Roubaix's on long (600k+) brevets.

I run pretty much the same set up as you for rides up to 400kms. For some 600k's and all 1200ks I use a seat post mounted rack/bag combo. You could easily go with something like that. For your bike I think that would work better than a handlebar bag. The frame bag mentioned earlier is an option too but I didn't really like mine. My legs kept rubbing on it which was a problem for me.

Machka 

Have a look at Carradice ... they've got a little device available so that you can carry something like a Pendle without a rack.

And there's nothing wrong with handlebar bags either. I like mine from MEC.

Rwc5830

Hamster, thanks for the suggestion. My biggest concern on my bike is the circumference of my top tube. I wonder if the bag would fit because my top tube is large. I saw the pictures of your bike; don't see any cannodales where I ride because we don't have any dealers in the area so nothing to campare it against. My roubaix is 58cm and a Di2 so I think the water bottle would have better clearance as compared to your 54cm model. I'm also a little concerned about hitting the bag with the inside of my knees but maybe it will be fine.

Thanks for your help

Rwc5830

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I did not realize there were so many options; especially with the "triangle" bags.

Guess my bike is OK Now just to get something and do that 300K. Have a 100 miler on Feb 16th, another 100 miler in March, a 200K in March and the 300K in April.

As usual bike forum users are helpful.

StephenH

Where is the 300k at?

The major item that takes up room is extra clothing. If you're riding out of Houston or Dallas, check the forecast. If it's adequately warm, you don't need any extra clothing. Some of us carry a pump (Road Morph, clamp goes on the top tube) so if you have one of them, or are riding with people that do, you don't need the extra CO2. If it's warmer than "adequately warm", you need a Camelbak, and you can carry some stuff in it, too.

In April, both Houston and Dallas have 300k's, but they are in connection with longer rides and you may find the bulk of the riders doing the longer rides.

Rwc5830

Stephen, the 300K will likely start at Port Isabel. I did my first century and 200K on May 9th of last year. Temps were 98+ with humidity in the beginning at 90+. Heck it was 93 degrees here just yesterday! Yes 93 degrees.

Since I'm really new to cycling I have not ventured out of the valley for too many longer rides. I'm aware of the rando club in Houson and the DFW area. Maybe later this year. I grew up in Ft. Worth so understand summers there

I's flat, hot, humid and REALLY windy here. We had wind gusts of 40+ this weekend, nothing unusual.

I almost went to HHH last year but I did a 250 mile ride in 30 hours at the end of June in 108 temps...so I decided why go all the way to Wichita Falls But the 250 was supported so I want to eventually get to self supported so I can possibly do some long tours when I retire.

Sometimes I imagine just riding my bike into the sunset and just going!

Thanks for your suggestions.

Carbonfiberboy 

I've been using a Detours rack bag that isn't made any more. However, Topeak is now making a very similar product which is perfect for rando work:

https://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/DynaPackDX

It clips to an unobtrusive seatpost mount. The problem with most seatpost rack mounts is that they are bulky with nuts and bolts or velcro, all of which tears up my shorts legs. Plus they are heavy. This mount is very narrow, smooth, and light.

The great thing about a bag like this is that it's completely in your slipstream, so no extra windage and the whole 9.7L bag and mount weighs only 720g. They also make a couple of smaller ones that clip into the same mount, so you could have a selection of them if you wanted. These, or any seatpost rack mounts, are not for use on solid carbon seatposts. Though many carbon-appearing seatposts are just a little carbon over aluminum. It's worth running an aluminum post just to be able to run a bag like this, IMO.

I also use a top tube bag for immediate stuff, something like these:
https://www.topeak.com/products/Top-Tube-Bags
but don't get one with velcro on the sides, because it will tear up your shorts legs when standing.

hamster

It's not obvious from the picture, but Supersix has a wide top tube, almost up to 2" near the spot where the bag is mounted. Roubaix does not seem to be much thicker/wider. The bag itself is 2" thick unless stretched with too much stuff, so it stays clear of the knees.

Rwc5830

I measured my roubaix and it is almost 7" inches in circumference (around) at the widest. Yes that is 7 inches about 175 mm. May e if I send them an email to check.

hamster

Hmm, 7" will be tight. Mine is about 5.5" in circumference at the widest point.

Rwc5830

Thanks I'll just give them a call. They do have a handlebar bag with a Texas flag on it...just might work instead

Chris_W

Get rid of all that CO2 and get a manual pump!

Handlebar bags are great because you can access them while riding and you can have a map in the top pocket.

Keep your jersey pockets empty and you'll be far more comfortable, especially when doing long distances.

rodar y rodar

Wow. Figuring that it contains its own support, that sounds like an excellent weight for a bag of that size. It says 10 lb max capacity, which seems kind of hard to believe. Do you think your Detour frame would actualy handle similar weight?

Must be a REALLY big handlebar bag!

Commodus

The Moots Tailgator looks good too...400 grams for the complete system, and a reasonable price.

https://moots.myshopify.com/collectio...ilgator-system

marqueemoon

As long as you have an easy view of a cue sheet easy access to food you really don't need a big bar bag.

Carbonfiberboy 

This is what you use for a cue sheet holder:
https://www.rei.com/product/637973/bar-map-holder-small

You don't need a bar bag at all. Takes up valuable real estate, not to mention the weight. I know, they're fashionable.

Carbonfiberboy 

I think my Detours is rated for about that weight, but I've never put that much into it, though I've filled it up a few times. Different bag and attachment system anyway. Sure don't need 10 lbs. of stuff to go a-randoing. In mine, a lot of the weight and volume comes from my powdered food supplies. I think the most I ever took was 6 c. of it. Otherwise it's a multi-tool, chain tool, spoke wrench, spare cables, Fiberfix spoke, zip ties, first aid, spare tire, tiny bottle of chain lube, several spare tubes, patch kit, boot kit, spare gloves, chamois for glasses, spare lenses, and whatever spare clothing seems appropriate.

Rwc5830

Great comment!! Love it, noticed you're from Reno, a place I've visited many times and like.

rodar y rodar

Thanks, CFB.

The Moots bag does look very nice, but my idea of "reasonably priced" is a little different.

Rwc, unfortunately I can`t say I`ve been much in TX other than passing through an airport from time to time and the little chunk of highway between Las Cruces and Juarez. If you end up in Reno again, give me a holler. And couch is up for grabs too (WS members Brian and Lupita in Lemmon Valley).

Bacciagalupe

I second the large Topeak Dynapak. I've been using the small one for awhile, and it works very well.

I'd also add a Bento Bag for easy access to snacks and other vital items.

davidmikesell

these are pretty expensive, but check out revelate designs
https://www.revelatedesigns.com/