CFar

I have a 60 mile round trip commute and when I ride, I've been using my backpack. It works but I've been looking for something a little more discreet that I can leave on the bike.

I've tried seat bags and and handlebar bags but there's a catch. I'm a cop and being that I carry my off duty with me, nothing quite works.

I tried a Bontrager seat bag but it didn't have the width to fit my gun. I tried a handlebar bag but the weight was pressing down on the front brake line near the caliper.

The bar bag was already pushing my discreet qualification so panniers are out. I'd prefer a seat bag that is wide and can also fit my co2 pump, tube, etc.

I would have posted this in commuter section but I figure it's 6 a one half dozen the other.

Thanks
Chris

3kmi

you could get a frame bag, might have to be custom made for the bike though

10 Wheels

3kmi

precisely

Bianchigirll 

What about a Galco shoulder rig and S&W Scandium Airweight? or do you have to carry block?

Any pics of the handlebar bag setup? Most I have seen push on the cable a bit but should not be enough to affect the operation.

Actually its funny this was posted today. a friend of mine stopped yesterday when he saw what appeard to be a woman being battered by the driver of the car whe was in. The driver then got out and decided perhaps he may want to pick a fight. fortuanately he was only assaulted and not battered but we are both shopping for .380s (yes we have permits)

BentLink

+1 Handlebar bag, but try it with a front rack like one of these from VO. Stitch in some hook-side velcro and spend $10 on a Maxpedition Universal.

Commodus

Pretty cool seat bag on the VO site too, the "Ostrich" one. Might fit the bill.

CFar

It didn't effect the operation of the brake so much as it looked like it would have bent it after some time and hard knocks.

Unfortunately, I have a limited range of guns I can carry per our departments standards. I have a .38 that rumor has it, I'll be able to carry soon after qualifications, but that's all beside the point.

I like the idea of a frame bag but they're hard to find. Does Dick's or other sporting goods stores (not just LBS) carry worth while bike stuff?

Yo Spiff

I was just over at my LBS and saw this Jannd Mountain Wedge III. It's enormous. About the size of a small rack trunk, and expands an additional 20%. I might consider one for carrying my camera on the road bike. I'm sure it would fit a handgun.

dnuzzomueller

Done.

Revelate

As for a handgun, I suggest taking one of those kryptonite lock brackets and retrofitting the little metal bracket to the gun. Nothing like having your bike packin.

PHLevel

That's exactly how I want to set my bike up for long rides. Lots of storage space for food plus liquids.

10 Wheels

I was training for 100 mile rides.

Got the frame bag from Nashbar. They had 2 sizes. This was the large one and it holds much.

catmandew52

https://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___90488

Stealth fanny pack

doctor j

I have a Triangle Bag from Inertia Designs, https://inertiadesigns.com/Documents/cat2012.pdf . It will hold a Kel-Tec P-11, and it is fairly accessible from the bag. Page 11 in the link.

Jandd makes a Frame Pack, which as I recall is a little larger than the triangle bag, https://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FFP .

If you are allowed to use the .38 Spl, I suspect a Smith & Wesson J frame or a Ruger LCR housed in a pocket holster might fit in one of these bags.

Good luck with your search.

G

MagicJade

CFar,
What is the volume you need to carry on your bike? I would look into Topeak DynaPack or DynaPack DX. The first one is around 4L while the other about 9L. I have the bigger one and it can handle quite a lot of things volumewise. It is attached to the seatpost throught dedicated fixer and can be mounted/dismounted within a second.

STP

THIS.

I don't necessarily endorse this particular bag, but I endorse Relevate wholeheartedly. They made great stuff and it's very versatile. They'll even make stuff custom fitted for your bike or purpose. Give them a call and let them know the particular frame you intend to carry and they may be able to produce a "tangle" type frame back for you that has a holster slot sewn inside. That would be my advise. You'd be surprised what these custom guys will do for their customers.

CFar

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. MJ, this is actually what I've been leaning towards. I'd like to see the actual bag itself but found it last night. I read a review that said the bracket is flimsy and prone to breaking over bumpy terrain.

What's your opinion on that MJ?

seypat

What about a rear rack? Then you can strap all kinds of bags on. Even the backpack you are carrying now.

MagicJade

CFar

I got this bag almost two years from now and used it several times during some long events. It was done mainly on the normal roads, and found that with heavy load the bag could move around the seatpost a bit. I used to keep my tools there in the plastic box and had some noise on the bumps. Since then I started to put mainly soft things and everything is fine.

The resistance to breaking due to the road condition depends on how close you are to the load limit, which for the DX model is somwhere about 4.5kg. I didn't reach this so far, so can't comment.

I like mine a lot as I got it from Amazon for about 30$ brand new. As long as you stay away from its limits, it should serve you well.

The typical road bike is not designed for almost any cargo, so whatever you put on it will have to sacrifice either the load or strenght.

Hope, it will help you to make a decision.