Under the tube bag versus rear trunk bag

27 replies · 987 views

Zurichman
1,526 posts
#1Apr 27, 2017, 7:18 AM
Since I am the newbie to gravel grinding I have a question. I saw over at Bike Forums some folks like the Blackburn under the tube bag. Is there a possibility that set up will rub your legs while riding versus a rear trunk bag? What rear trunk rack does folks like? I guess you could say I am not a weight weenie but at the same time for the ultra rides I am guessing the less weight you are carrying on the bike the better off you are.

Any and all help and suggestions will be gladly appreciated. I have had to learn the hard way on some of my road cycling purchases and hoping not to have that happen on the gravel grinding end.

Thanks
Zman
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drwelby
531 posts
#2Apr 27, 2017, 9:50 PM
Usually you don't rub your legs on a frame bag, unless you overstuff it and have a knees-in pedalling style. Standing up you might brush your knees on it depending on your proportions. I'd say for most people the convenience of being able to strap something on with no tools and to have easy access to it while riding makes up for any shortcomings.

A rear rack trunk gets things out the way. If it's saggy or heavy you might get a "tail wagging the dog" effect when you stand up. Some people like to have things out of sight. In most cases you can carry more stuff since there's more volume to work with.

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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#3Apr 27, 2017, 11:14 PM
So give me an idea of what you would carry on a 100 mile gravel grinding ride except for

spare tube
warm clothes if needed
food
tire levers
some kind of air inflation I use CO2
Tire boot

Do you guys carry any small first aid kits as I guess chances of crashes are more common or likely on gravel than on smooth rides?

Thanks
Zman
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drwelby
531 posts
#4Apr 28, 2017, 8:24 AM
Stuff that I carry that I wouldn't on something like a 200K?

More stuff for fixing a slashed tire, though I've never had this problem: crazy glue, needle & thread
A small multitool with pliers like a Leatherman
Tiny bottle of chain lube and a scrap of rag
Fix-it parts: extra bolts, washers, locknuts, zip ties, duct tape, quicklink
In winter: a piece of tyvek to sit on and eat a snack when its slushy
Dog cookies for making friends
If water seemed like a big concern maybe a Sawyer Mini or purification drops

I would love to have a compact guide to local birds.

I don't carry extra first aid but that's not a bad idea.
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jruhlen1980
53 posts
#5Apr 28, 2017, 8:33 AM
Zurichman wrote:So give me an idea of what you would carry on a 100 mile gravel grinding ride except for

spare tube
warm clothes if needed
food
tire levers
some kind of air inflation I use CO2
Tire boot

Do you guys carry any small first aid kits as I guess chances of crashes are more common or likely on gravel than on smooth rides?

Thanks
Zman

I tried a frame bag a couple years ago, ended up hitting my knees a bunch even though I was pretty careful to avoid over-stuffing it. On the hike-a-bike sections it sucked because I couldn't should my bike.

I use a gas tank bag to hold my food and an extra large saddle bag with three tubes, tire levers, quick links, multi tool, and a couple other items. I use pretty much the same setup for all rides from 50 to 200 miles.

I have a small first aid kit in my saddle bag but I'm not going to pretend it's necessary. I don't crash more on gravel than on the road, and road crashes are more serious because pavement is hard.

I do it because I needed some bandages once on one ride years ago. Haven't needed to use it since. The weight penalty is negligible and I figured it's better to have it and never need it. Plus during a big ride with lots of other people I figure I might be able to use it to help if someone else crashes.
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#6Apr 28, 2017, 8:54 AM
jruhlen1980 wrote:

I tried a frame bag a couple years ago, ended up hitting my knees a bunch even though I was pretty careful to avoid over-stuffing it. On the hike-a-bike sections it sucked because I couldn't should my bike.

I use a gas tank bag to hold my food and an extra large saddle bag with three tubes, tire levers, quick links, multi tool, and a couple other items. I use pretty much the same setup for all rides from 50 to 200 miles.

I have a small first aid kit in my saddle bag but I'm not going to pretend it's necessary. I don't crash more on gravel than on the road, and road crashes are more serious because pavement is hard.

I do it because I needed some bandages once on one ride years ago. Haven't needed to use it since. The weight penalty is negligible and I figured it's better to have it and never need it. Plus during a big ride with lots of other people I figure I might be able to use it to help if someone else crashes.
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#7Apr 28, 2017, 9:05 AMedited
Thanks for both the replies DrWelby and Jrulen. You can see I am not techy as somehow it posted your reply and I have no clue how it did it. Looks like you save me some wasted money on buying the frame bag as I never thought of caring or shouldering your bike. So now the following questions

Can you post a pic of what you call a gas tank bag as I am not familiar with that.

I guess if you carry quick links I guess you would have to take that link breaker or what you call a link breaker repair tool.

Thanks again for both replies as I was going to pull the trigger on a frame bag today. Hope to see both of you on a gravel grinder ride in the future.

I do see that there is some carry over from gravel riding and rando riding. I knew of zip ties and duct tape but never carried it lol as I usually had my bike in tip top shape but always carried some kind of emergency clothing on the longer rides..

So maybe another question I have. If the conditions are terrible has anybody every used what you would call temporary clip on front fender with a mud flap to keep all the mud or slop off the drive train. Just curious

I now see a thread on fenders. Does clay actually get stuck to fenders and if so without fenders how do you keep your drive train rolling mid ride?

I see your link to the fuel tank by Revelate. tks

Thanks again
Zman
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drwelby
531 posts
#8Apr 28, 2017, 9:55 AM
The Jannd frame pack might work for you since it doesn't fill up all the space under the top tube. They also make other sizes and funky retro colors.

When I run a frame bag (which is rarely because I hate stuff between my knees) and have to carry the bike I reach over and grab the down tube to pick up the bike. I put the seat on my shoulder for longer distances.

Frame bags are hot right now so you should have no problem reselling one if you don't like it. You're going to have to experiment to find out the best setup.

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jruhlen1980
53 posts
#9Apr 28, 2017, 10:55 AM
Gas tank (aka bento box): Here's what I use, there's a billion choices out there:

https://www.ovejanegrabikepacking.com/collections/top-tube-bags/products/snack-pack-top-tube-bags-large-xl

Adding to my comments about frame bags: some people love them. Not my thing, but it's all a matter of personal preference.
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RoverAl
489 posts
#10Apr 28, 2017, 11:07 AMedited
I have the large Revelate https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/frame-bags/TangleFrameBag bag which is very well made and does not rub even when stuffed lots of variables whether it would rub for you or not.. Can fit a water bladder inside. The medium looks like it would be great too. I had a regular Jaand and it was a perfect bag for most rides but I tend to take lots of stuff with me for example Sno peak cannister, stove and boiling pot/cup, poncho, tools tubes,layers when needed, water, sardines, tuna, survival knife, first aid kit, rag, soap, bunch of other stuff depends on the ride.
The ortlieb saddle bag is very nice too.
I am now using and liking the Topeak BAckloader 6l and it is very well made and a good price and can hold most of my stuff for a day trip. https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/bikepacking-series/969-backloader
I prefer a saddle bag over a frame bag/ top tube bag unless I need the space for extended journeys..

Axiom or topeak makes some nice rack bags along with many many other brands. Racks are somewhat bike specific, I have and like my Topeak 29er rack and have different trunks for different applications. However I don't use a rack and bags much waiting for that grand tour on my bucket list. The seatpost bags are currently doing the trick. Below set up works well for me currently but I don't like my handlebar bag.
Zurichman
1,526 posts
#11Apr 28, 2017, 11:26 AMedited
Not that I have the gravel riding fever or anything. ha I just spent an hr. over at the Jannd site and they have a special right now. Buy one frame bag get the other free. So I was able to get 2 different style frame bags and since one is free how could a guy go wrong. lol I still spent $127 as I bought what I call a bento box/top tube holder and an under seat pack. Still cheaper and better for you than going to the race track or casinos and much better for you. lol

Thanks for all the suggestions. Since I am new to this there will be a trial an error period because coming from the long distance cycling end I do know what works for one won't necessarily work for another. At least it gets me to a starting point though.

Thanks RoverAl for the link to the Topeak Backloader. I like the looks of that bag and could also use it on my longer rides rando road bike.

Zman
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#12Apr 28, 2017, 12:29 PM
jruhlen1980 wrote:Gas tank (aka bento box): Here's what I use, there's a billion choices out there:

https://www.ovejanegrabikepacking.com/collections/top-tube-bags/products/snack-pack-top-tube-bags-large-xl

Adding to my comments about frame bags: some people love them. Not my thing, but it's all a matter of personal preference.

I am familiar with the gas tank aka bento box as I use them rando riding.
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moe53
45 posts
#13Apr 28, 2017, 2:12 PM
Zman, I don't know if your frame has a replaceable rd hanger, if it does you want to keep one with you. Many have ripped them off from mud and sticks in drivetrain/spokes. I take a pump not a co2, I've seen failures with the co2. Pumps never run out, Lezyne makes good ones with a short hose built in that attach under the water bottle mounts. I use a third water bottle cage under the down tube, I use a side entry cage there for more bottle security.

Jannd makes nice packs, I have 4.
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#14Apr 28, 2017, 8:41 PM
moe53 wrote:Zman, I don't know if your frame has a replaceable rd hanger, if it does you want to keep one with you. Many have ripped them off from mud and sticks in drivetrain/spokes. I take a pump not a co2, I've seen failures with the co2. Pumps never run out, Lezyne makes good ones with a short hose built in that attach under the water bottle mounts. I use a third water bottle cage under the down tube, I use a side entry cage there for more bottle security.

Jannd makes nice packs, I have 4.

Moe53 any chance you could give me the name or a link to that Lezyne pump.

Thanks
Zman

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moe53
45 posts
#15Apr 29, 2017, 4:55 PM
http://www.lezyne.com/product-hpumps-hv-alloydrive.php#.WQULUPQrLrc

This is the one I use on my gravel bikes and mtb bike. There are many models to choose from on the Lezyne site.
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#16Apr 29, 2017, 7:13 PMedited
moe53 wrote:http://www.lezyne.com/product-hpumps-hv-alloydrive.php#.WQULUPQrLrc

This is the one I use on my gravel bikes and mtb bike. There are many models to choose from on the Lezyne site.

moe53 thanks for that link and that info. I have entered my 1st bike gravel ride. The Farmers Daughter in Chatham NY. It's listed as a fondo so don't think it's an all out race but at 62 miles at least will get my feet wet. It also gives me about a month to work some bugs out and get use to the new bike(Raleigh Tamland 1)

Thanks again
Zman
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#17Apr 30, 2017, 6:13 AM
moe53 wrote:http://www.lezyne.com/product-hpumps-hv-alloydrive.php#.WQULUPQrLrc

This is the one I use on my gravel bikes and mtb bike. There are many models to choose from on the Lezyne site.

So I bought one last night from Performance Bike with a discount code. Curious as to how you mounted it to the bike or did you just throw it in a bag?

Thanks
Zman
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moe53
45 posts
#18Apr 30, 2017, 6:57 AM
Most of the time I use the bottle cage clips, but I have also put it in a jersey pocket.
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#19Apr 30, 2017, 6:29 PM
moe53 wrote:Most of the time I use the bottle cage clips, but I have also put it in a jersey pocket.

I am for sure not the bike techy. So what is the bottle cage clips? Are you saying you use some kind of velcro straps to strap it to the bottle cages?

Zman
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drwelby
531 posts
#20Apr 30, 2017, 7:34 PM

This little dealio. It mounts under your water bottle cage. It's included with the pump.
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