Unless you’ve been living under a rock these past few years, you can’t help but notice the emergence of bike-packing, which swept in, alongside gravel and previously free road (an evolution of the cyclocross bike from 2008). These were characterised by Two or more sets of bottle, rack and mudguard mounts, so you could tour, commute and train on. Specialized’s Tri Cross was a very good example of this breed.
There is a tendency for concepts to become dominant to the point of being the default, the only way of doing something. Back in the 80s/90s mountain bikes ruled supreme and I’d be the first to wax lyrical about a cross country mountain bike’s versatility. However, they’re not suited to all riding applications and every rider.
Now, bike packing luggage is designed to use the bike’s “empty spaces” and to some extent, turn the bike’s frame tubes into a giant rack. This also means you’re not limited by rack mounts or needing to add P-clips/similar, to run a 3/4point rack to attach panniers, top bags etc.
Caveats about correct loading/weight distribution aside, decent bike packing luggage does not impair the bike’s handling, ort profile, say when tackling tight sections of trail/singletrack, which could also translate well to the urban jungle. However, certain configurations might be better for commuting.
For example, a frame fit bag and something like this SQR Tour might be a more convenient setup than Bike packing seat packs. True, these are a good bit heavier (1390g. Compared with 450/500g) and you do need a decent amount of post exposed. However, the SQR Tour and Carradice Carradry remains my preferred option, when everything’s considered https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry is more secure, laden with similar payloads.
The quick-release system has a definite edge when it comes to convenience-removing them when locking up or heading home. The wide profile isn’t overly problematic when snaking through twisting forest trails, or indeed, lines of stationary traffic. I’m more conscious of the weight, when powering away from the lights, or winching along a climb.
This also has a slight effect upon handling but not adversely so and something that didn’t take long to acclimatise to. Something like the Merida frame fit bag and the SQR Tour/Carradry, might be the perfect combination, with a small fuel tank bag riding on the top tube, or maybe a bar bag, such as this See Sense https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/see-sense-handlebar-bag if I was wanting to carry a little more within easy reach.
No sooner had I thought this, Topeak’s UK importer sent me this 3 litre mid loader frame bag to play with. Measuring 37.5 x 12 x 6 cm. The 3 litre is the smallest of the mid loader family-there are a 4.5 and a 6 litre siblings but my Univega’s 41cm frame means there’s little room in the main triangle. Indeed, I may well need to switch the down tube cage around, or go for a Fidlock system.
Apparently, the maximum payload is 6.5 kilos, which is impressive, especially given the 3 litre version weighs less than 197g. Staying with Topeak, courtesy of their Versamount, I’ve will also port the Apidura bolt on top tube bag to my Univega.
Remember to wrap some clear “helicopter” tape or something similar, such as this Zefal Skin Armor Rollhttps://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-skin-armor-roll where the straps touch the frame, since some minor movement is inevitable, and this can leave unsightly “tan lines”/similar marks in the lacquer/paintwork, especially when wet mud/dirt and grit are involved.
Obviously, the same applies to racks/pannier frames, where the luggage touches, although high quality electrical tape seems the best remedy. Doing so prevents premature and unsightly wear, which can also lead to corrosion and other problems. When all’s said and done, I like pack-packing luggage and its arguably the right solution for lightweight camping/touring.
However, it’s not the only one, nor is it optimal for all conditions. A good quality rack and single 20 lite pannier can be a more practical, stable solution for commuting, or general riding where you want a rigid load-bearing system. One where the bag can detach and refit in seconds and carried conveniently, in one, to the office/destination.
Given there’s no middle cable for the front mech, there’s sufficient room for the mount component, without it, or the bag fouling the brake and gear inner wires. The bag’s bolt on design also seems to eradicate any need for the Velcro stabiliser strap.
I’ve slipped it inside the bag for safe keeping. About bars, here’s my long-term review of the Acros Silicone bar wrap handlebar tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/long-term-test-acros-silicone-bar-w
