I'm currently running a trunk bag and rack on my Vaya, but I'm considering changing over to the Tangle frame bag size medium by Revelate designs. The bag I have holds everything I need and has some left over space but I don't like having to dismount to get to anything I need. It get's a little frustrating having to stop, pull over, and completely dismount just to grab a bite to eat or check my phone because I got a text.

I have some concerns about the Tangle bag and none of the local bike shops ever seem to have it in so I'd have to order the bag just to see it in person.


My concerns are:

1. I've read online that the bag can wear away the finish and paint on the bike where it straps on. I'm aware that the bike is meant to be used and will get dinged up but on a steel frame I want to keep as much paint and finish on as possible to help prevent rust over time.

2. I run two water bottle cages on the inner triangle, I know the Vaya has a third mount outside the triangle but I don't want to use it. Would the tangle size medium leave enough height for two large water bottles or one large and one small? My frame is a size 57.

The water bottle issue isn't a deal breaker but it's a concern. However, if the bag will wear into the frame over time I may have to go a different route. Any advice from people with experience using this bag would be greatly appreciated.

Spray the contact points of the bag with rubber undercoating. This will minimize slipping of the bag around your frame. Then more importantly wrap your frame in clear tape just like you would protect your chainstay from the chain protect your paint from the bag. Take the bag off and see how it's doing every once in while and replace tape as necessary.

kwog

Can't help with Revelate but I'm using an Apidura frame bag.The top straps have rubberized coating on the underside and do not slip in spite of being very soft - I'm sure these won't wear the frame. The front and rear straps are typical nylon webbing and I'll be adding Lizard Skin frame protector tape as suggested by [MENTION=201827]lovemachine[/MENTION] above.

I switched to side loader cages after this picture was taken for better access to the bottles. This is the smallest bag they make. I'm very happy with it. It is very stable.




-Tim-

I use the Revelate Tangle bag on my Motobecane gravel bike. I can pack all of my tools, pump, cell phone, keys, rain gear, etc... without having to ride with a backpack, which is nice. I use two 20oz. Polar bottles with Tangle bag. This bike has a 55cm frame.

The wear you may see on he paint will be more of dulling the shinethan removing paint. The Tangle doesn't move much so there isn't a lot of wear. But if you are really worried, you can put clear "helicopter tape" or similar under the straps (I think Revelate even sells that tape. Or at least they used to)

As for bottle clearance, it will depend on the frame. I use a side loader cage on mine when I have the Tangle on.

I run the Ortlieb frame bag and it's straps are rubberized as well. If you have concerns, you could always wrap the frame with some rubber tape for protection in rub locations.

- Cpt. Bob

+1 I used sideloader cages when I used a frame bag with my 25-oz bottles, no issues.

Thanks to everyone for the great advice and an extra thanks to TimothyH and Zebkedic for mentioning the Apidura and Ortlieb bags. I'll probably go with a frame bag with some sideloader cages after I've checked out Apidura and Ortlieb and then compared them to the Tangle bag.