Trying a top-tube bag

[Eugenemtbing]

Taking a stab at it for my 29er bikepacking Inbred.  For now, I have carved out a carcass with 1/4-inch closed cell foam. 

I plan to sandwich the foam between VX21 fabric on the outside and silnylon on the inside.  The bottom is 3 inches wide, and it tapers to 4 inches wide on the top.  Will use a waterproof zipper in a crescent shape around the top. 

I am thinking this project will be harder than it sounds.... We'll see. 



For this bike:

[Eugenemtbing]

Well, this was pretty tricky -- especially with the tight corners I designed into the lower/back corners of the back.

Sewed in a plastic stiffener on the front end, where the Velcro loop reaches toward the stem.

The bag seems pretty stable while riding, but it looks rumpley and oversized on the top tube.  Offers lots of dry storage though! 

Next one will be better....

[Eugenemtbing]

Rode 3 days on the North Umpqua Trail and used the top tube bag.  It holds a lot of stuff and is very stable (does not sway).  But the top, which tapers to 4" wide, is too wide.  My legs rubbed it slightly when climbing.

I will probably use it in certain applications, but I am considering this a prototype.  A better one is in the horizon.

[Marna]

Very nice job and good idea!  Thanks for all the photos.

[bikeny]

Maybe you can mount it on the back of the top tube, at the seat tube junction? The width might not cause a problem there. Or maybe not!