Bike frame packs, Bibs to pants conversion.

PostedOct 30, 2009 at 10:44 am

pack1 pack2 pack2trail Bibs 1 bibs2

DIY bike frame pack Version 1 – works great, but its narrowness restricted volume. Also, fit and finish wasn't the greatest (don't look too close) and hard to put on around the front derailleur and cables

DIY bike frame pack Version 2 – much more volume due to extra width, only 1 zipper and compartment (more usable volume) and much better fit and finish

I got to chop up some Brand New Arcteryx bibs for a friend, to turn them into pants for him. It was an easy conversion, and very fun to take scissors to brand new expensive gear.

I've also made a high volume running/biking pack with a running vest suspension like my Nathan HPL 020 pack, but more volume. I don't have any good surveillance pics of that one yet.

Christopher Plesko

PostedOct 30, 2009 at 1:46 pm

Nice work on the frame bag, those are tricky. Eric makes all mine :)

>> Bender << BPL Member

PostedOct 30, 2009 at 3:34 pm

That is a million times better looking than pannier bags. I have been thinking about biking self contained but I'll probably stick with attaching items directly to my bike if needed.

W I S N E R !

PostedOct 30, 2009 at 3:38 pm

I like it too, nice work. I do a good deal of bike commuting- been wanting to build a frame pack for a while.
Thanks for adding one more thing to my list of projects.

David Chenault BPL Member

PostedOct 31, 2009 at 9:43 am

Good work on the frame bag. Function is king.

Once you have a frame bag, you'll wonder how you ever made due without. Panniers are no good.

Don Meredith

PostedOct 31, 2009 at 4:20 pm

Jeremy, I'm looking at getting my bikepacking kit going as well. I'd like to try sewing one but don't have a good feeling for what details, features and methods are best since I've never had one in hand.

Do you mind sharing fabric selection, width, translating your frame template to fabric patterns any issues to watch out for…

I'm also curious how much gear you can get in there without it expanding so much that it gets in the way. I'm running a rigid single speed so there are no derailleurs or shocks to get in the way.

Very nice job by the way!

Christopher Plesko

PostedOct 31, 2009 at 5:25 pm

Don a frame pack would have to be really big to get in the way singlespeeding. It's all I do and I've never had an issue. Check out Epic Designs for really awesome stuff or ideas. Eric posts here now and then and he makes all my bags, winter or summer.

Don Meredith

PostedNov 1, 2009 at 7:34 am

Chris, I'm guessing I'll end up buying something from Eric but I'd like to take a hack at making my own over the winter. I regularly go to his website for a little backpacking Christmas shopping. :)

Jeremy Cleaveland BPL Member

PostedMay 4, 2010 at 8:08 am

Version 3 frame pack, V1 seat bag, on the "road" bike for a long day ride in the winter.
frame pack V3 Fisticuff