Finally Some More Storage
 

Two things have been bothering me now that I have been riding longer distances. 1) I can't carry my camera easily and 2) I can only carry a limited amount of food. I was using a Profile Design top tube bag for carrying my snacks, but I was limited in what I could carry. At most, I could carry a couple packs of Nature Valley crunchy granola bars or one of those and a banana (but the banana would end up badly bruised). I knew at the very least I was going to have to buy another top tube bag and install it in front of the seat post.

I ended up finding a bag that I kind of liked on Amazon for about $20, but then I decided to run one last Internet search; I stumbled across a thread on these forums. One of the last posts in the thread had a link to this top tube bag--now that's a top tube bag!

Late Sunday night, I ended up ordering one of them. It came to a grand total of $43 shipped. That seemed kind of pricey for a top tube bag, but it looked like exactly what I was looking for. It had plenty of room, the mesh pocket on the side should hold a banana or two without bruising them, etc. I also figured that if the company's owner was using them on his long-distance tours and such, it had to be a decent product. When I got home today, the bag was waiting for me on the porch.

The bag is even larger than I had expected it to be, but that's OK. My camera fits in it well and there is still plenty of room to spare. Here are a couple of comparison shots of the Distance Biker Brevet bag vs. my Profile Design top tube bag that I had been using:

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=263467 http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=263468

This bag will probably be overkill for most folks, but for those of you who want to carry a little more (e.g. food, gear, etc.), want access to those items while riding, and who do not want to use one of those large saddle bags or a rack, this should be perfect. If your a rider who doesn't like to clutter up your bike with various bags and gadgets, then this bag probably isn't for you. Me, I don't mind because I love gadgets and the like. If, however, you don't want such a large bag, that company sells a couple more sizes as well.

Here are a couple of pictures of it mounted on my Rapid 3:

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=263465 http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=263466

Now I just have to start riding enough miles to take advantage of that extra room!:ride:

Man I need something like that, either that or a larger saddle bag. My current saddle back is way too small, can barely fit keys, iPhone, tire levers and multi-tool in there at the same time.

I have a small phone, so I don't have to worry about that! My saddle bag has a first aid kit, tire levers (2), patch kit, allen wrenches, a folding utility tool (similar to a Leatherman), some zip ties, and a couple more misc. things. I put my phone and some cash in the bottom pocket.

I use a string bag similar to this. If I lock my bike somewhere, I want to take my valuables with me and this keeps hands free. Helmet also fits in the bag.
http://www.amazon.com/Nike-Team-Trai...ag+with+pocket

I went for a 48 mile ride this evening. I was able to pack my camera (never used it) and food into that bag and still had plenty of room to spare. Granted, I didn't have enough food because I wasn't originally planning on riding that far, but still. I stopped for some ice cream 11 miles from my car out of desperation, but that didn't do much for me. As an aside, People always say that they wish they had my metabolism (I can eat all I want and not gain weight, I can ride my bike all I want and not lose weight...other than water weight). The draw back is that I need to carry about twice the food someone with an average metabolism does. Win some, lose some I suppose.

At any rate, I'm rambling...back on topic. As noted by the seller's website, some people will probably have issues hitting their knees on the bag. I do on occasion, but it's because I have a nasty habit of not keeping my legs perpendicular to the pedals. This bag should actually help correct that. It's also a tight fit when I'm at a light/stop sign standing over the top tube. Larger riders on smaller frames will probably not have much/any room.

So the size definitely has its drawbacks, but they're not too much of an issue for me. Someone with a smaller frame than mine (compact medium) would probably want a smaller bag, though.

I like to carry stuff too, just in case I might need it. You have all your flat parafinalia (tube, patches, levers), nitro pump, food, comb, cell phone, keys, band aids, and more, I think. I'd never be able to fit a windbreaker in mine. I have a large Topeak saddle bag that pretty much does the trick, but just barely, as I have it usually have it crammed full. If I had a bigger bag I'd just put more stuff in it, lol.