In the past two years, I have been redesigning my approach to bicycle touring. This started when I was planning a trip to Northern Italy (journal here) and needed to reduce the amount of gear I was taking in order to avoid steep airline baggage fees. I wrote an article about redesigning how I carry my gear and cutting the weight on my bike in half.

I did 2 successful tours (one international, one domestic) with that new set-up and decided that it would be nice to have a bit more storage on the bike. In order to avoid adding any metal racks to my bike, the obvious choice was a frame bag.

I've Been Framed

Since I knew nothing about frame bags, my first step was to check out this article at cyclingabout.com which has a long list of frame bag makers and, more importantly, pictures of their bags installed on bikes. Just looking at the photos, I was able to eliminate several vendors. It was clear from the photos that most frame bags are designed for use on mountain bikes. Since I ride a touring bike, a few just didn't fit. Since I use a Camelbak to carry my drinking water on my back, I wasn't interested in bags that left room for bottle cages. Mostly, though, I wanted to maximize the amount of packing space I would have, which eliminated all the pre-made ones.

It became clear that getting what I wanted meant having a custom frame bag made. This choice didn't lessen my options much as most of the companies listed in the article make custom bags. I wanted a bag made in the US, so that ruled out several companies. That left me with about 15 custom bag makers.

I began checking out websites, prices, lead times, and customizing instructions. After reading how to create a frame template at the Broad Fork Bags website, I wrote an email asking for more information about the materials, colors, and other details. I liked the quick and enthusiastic responses I got from Josh and decided to work with him to get a frame bag made to my specifications.

Getting Wedged In

I had two concerns about the bag's design. First, I wanted it to be as large as possible. Second, I wanted to insure that the straps holding the bag to my frame didn't interfere with any other part of my bicycle, including the Velcro straps of a top tube bag.

The instructions asked me to create a paper template and send it to Josh. On it, I marked every strap, drop out, and derailleur connector, as I was instructed. Here is the template I created sitting inside my bike's frame.

Once Josh received my template, he asked if I wanted the bag with two compartments or one. I hadn't considered that and after some back and forth, I decided to have Josh install a Velcro separator that not only gave the bag two separate spaces but also stiffens the bag to prevent knee strike. This meant the bag would have two sets of zippers, one to access each compartment.

Another option included an opening in the top of the bag for a water bag tube, which I selected. Even though the zippers are waterproof, I requested hoods on them to have a bit more rain protection. I also chose blue material to match my bike's color. Lastly, I asked for a white reflective stripe across it, as well, for another $6. The cost was $130 for the bag and $6 for the reflective stripe for a total price of $136. Since Josh covers shipping and isn't in California (he's in Colorado), there were no added-on costs.

I ordered the bag on January 21. Josh got the template on January 26 and shipped me the bag on January 31.

First Impressions

I was excited to get the bag. It has 9 strong Velcro straps that hold it to the frame.

You can also see the two zippers and the zipper hoods in the above photo.

It took a lot of strap pulling and threading to install the bag on my bike. (Note: this photo was taken on tour)

As soon as I got it on, I noticed a conflict between the frame bag and the top bar bag as they both had straps in the same place. This wasn't a serious problem as all I needed to do was force one of the top bar bag's straps over a bit.

I also noticed a zipper problem. Josh and I didn't discuss which side of the bag to put the zippers on. He put them on the right side of the bag. I mostly ride in countries where the vehicles drive on the right. When I lean the bike on the right side of the road, the right-side zippers are facing toward the side of the bike leaning on something. Again, not a showstopper, but a bit of a bother.

The zipper hoods I had specially ordered looked as I wanted. But, the waterproof zippers are very stiff and the hoods actually made it a bit more difficult to open them and get inside the pocket. The bag would have been fine without them.

For the most part, these were nits as far as I was concerned and I was pleased to have this bag. I was eager to put stuff in it and do some test rides.

What Would You Like In The Bag?

Before I got the bag, my two front panniers and saddle bag were stuffed to the gills. I now had all this open space. What should I put in it?

I wanted to accomplish two things. First, the top pocket of the frame bag provided a great place to store items I'd need in a hurry. For me, that describes rain gear, leg warmers, and my pump. In the lower pocket, I wanted to put heavy items to lower the bike's center of gravity. There I stashed my tools, extra cables, and a bag of zip ties and other spares.

Everything I put in the frame bag was gear I always carried when I was on tour. Thus, I freed up a great deal of space in my panniers and saddle bag. I'd estimate I freed up 1/2 a front pannier. I also reduced the saddle bag by about half and it was no longer extended.

Taking A Test Ride

After packing everything in to the frame bag, I mounted my panniers and took it for a ride. My concern about scraping my knees on the frame bag were unfounded. That said, it did happen occasionally. Slapping the frame bag always solved the problem.

Another concern I had about the frame bag was side wind resistance. By adding the bag, I had made solid a part of my bike that was open for wind to pass through. I wondered how this might affect handling. My usual ride goes over the Golden Gate Bridge. There is always wind on the bridge and it is usually from the side. I definitely noticed that the bike handling changed in a strong side wind. A gust would force me to adjust my steering and move the bike in the direction of the wind.

At first, having my bike move with the wind was new. But, as riding with the frame bag became "normal," I've gotten accustomed to it.

Papa's Got A Brand New Bag

After I'd had the bag a few days, Josh emailed me and asked for a photo of the bag on the bike for his website. When I spent the photo, I told him I was happy with the bag but also mentioned the strap conflict and the zipper location to him. To my surprise, Josh responded:



We strive to have every customer 100% satisfied with their purchase.  On the Bento box strap conflict honestly that's just one I missed from your template.  Most stem bags have a single attachment, I marked that and completely missed your note about the second strap. The zipper side is a great comment.  Off road tourists like the zipper on the drive side as you always lay your bike down on the non-drive side.  I will start asking preference. 



So lets talk about how we can get you to 100% satisfied:

1.       We can refund 100% your purchase price plus the price for return shipping for the bag

2.       We can refund 25% of your purchase price, and you get it at a discount

3.       I can remake the bag and have you return the first one at our cost

4.       I can use the first panels (that don't have a zipper hood) and make you a 1/2 frame pack for $35.  Many road tourists seem to like 1/2 bags as it allows them to still run water bottle cages.

5.       Or we can offer you 50% off another item

I considered this choice and my preference was to get a new bag made to my specifications. True to his word, Josh made me another similar bag with the modified strap and relocated zippers without charge. I had the new bag two weeks later.

My New Touring Set-up

I've now taken a three week tour with this new set-up and it has exceeded my expectations. All that has been added to my gear is the frame bag, which is easy to transport as the Velcro attachment straps can be used to minimize the size of the bag for packing.

The bike handles the same as without the bag, as long as there isn't a strong side wind. I have much more space in my panniers for daily food. There is also some unused space in the frame bag where sturdy food items, such as apples or jars of pesto sauce, can be crammed.

While I didn't take any cooking gear with me on this trip, I think I now have enough room to take a small kitchen set-up (pot, alcohol stove, fuel bottle). But, I haven't found that necessary, as I've used the extra room to pack more food that doesn't require any cooking.

Conclusions

My new frame bag has probably added 25% more storage capacity for my gear and food, more than I expected. It hasn't changed how my bike handles nor has it added any real weight to my touring load. Not only am I happy with the frame bag, but I'm certain I will use it on every bike tour I take in the future.

That said, there are a couple hassles I've noticed. First, dealing with 9 Velcro straps, bike cables, the front derailleur, and S&S couplers is not easy. It took me a bit of practice to be able to maneuver the straps on and over the bike without the Velcro sticking to itself. Getting the Velcro around the front derailleur is not easy and usually requires a curse or two.

Another issue is the S&S couplers I have on my bike. These allow me to take the frame apart and put it in a suitcase for travel. Two of the frame bag's straps cover the couplers. This is not a serious problem as the couplers are connected and disconnected when the frame bag is off the bike. But, occasionally, one of the couplers comes loose and has to be adjusted. I can no longer test the coupler's tightness without first unstrapping the Velcro covering it. This is not a big deal as I might test the couplers once a week while on tour. The straps are thicker than the couplers and I have toyed with the idea of cutting the middle out of the two straps to expose the couplers. But, this is such a minor issue that I haven't done this.

One last thing I wanted to mention. I had no experience buying customized biking gear over the internet. I wasn't concerned, though I was aware that mistakes might happen. And, mistakes did happen. While the errors where a bother, I was still happy with the bag as it was delivered. But, Josh's customer service commitment that allowed me to return the bag and get exactly what I wanted made the entire experience wonderful.

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