Crown mounted sleeping bag.

[AZTtripper]

I had been thinking about putting the sleeping bag on the bars but this seamed to work better.

So any thoughts.

[frejwilk]

It seems like it would create more problems than it would solve. Potential for tire rub, stanchion scratching, more in the 'line of fire' for nastiness from the front wheel, and so on...

It really looks like keeping the bag from contacting the tire would be challenging. Have you been able to try this out on the trail?

What were some of the issues with strapping the bag to the bars?

Interesting..

FW

[AZTtripper]

Thanks for the input it got me looking more at and I still think I like it there.

The first thing with the bag on the bars is all of the cables and brake housings Then there's GPS, light and handle bar bag that I don't want to give up.

If anything it is rubbing on the steer tube which has a big ruff voodoo head badge.

But no I haven't been on trail yet but it seams to be set pretty solid.

Not worried about anything from the front wheel and it seams like it would keep the weight lower then on the bars. And it doesn't seam like the tire can hit it.

Not sure what to do about the headbadge take it off or just cover it with duct tape to smooth it out maybe. Could probably put a little duct tape on the top of the stanchion as well I don't think the wipers ever get that far up.

Lastly maybe double up the material on the spot where the outside bag hits the headbadge.

[ScottM]

Interesting idea Tim.  Did you see the sling that Epic Designs makes (and Lee has been using on our last few trips)?  Lee has used it successfully with a fairly large sleeping bag.

It's hard to tell exactly how you have it tied down, but it does sort of feel like it might start falling forward, towards the tire.  Only trail time will tell, I guess.  Seems like you might have to strap it back, tight against the head tube.  That might compromise steering, though.

Let us know how it goes.

[frejwilk]

Out of curiosity, what length stem is that? Unless it's shorter than 90mm, you may be able to trim a good amount of housing.

I think you should check the clearance before riding it. Just let (most of) the air out of the fork. Then give it a few hits on the floor. Watch out for that zip tie on the brace. My worry is more what might happen with a few big hits. That is, can it get knocked lower in rough terrain or what would happen if it did hit when bottoming out?

Scott's suggestion of the sling/burrito system is a good one. I think it would be a great solution for your situation.

Here's another idea along the same lines. See if you can mount a pair of bar ends close in to the stem. It might be hard with the bends on your riser. If you can get them on there, strap the bag underneath the bar ends and up against the cap on the stem. Your housings should keep everything away from the head tube. I mounted my rain gear under an aero bar for a ride this summer in similar fashion. I used toe straps for easy on/off. It was bomber.

Good luck,

FW

[AZTtripper]

Just had it back on a second time and added the string up over the stem. Seams rock solid it does rub on the headbadge but not bad doesn't seam to affect steering.

The stem is only 60mm I tried it on the bars again but I didn't like the way it was going to rub on the spot where the hydro housing meets the lever.

I like the looks of the harness but I think the other issues will still be there with it.

I am on the schedule with Eric for a seat bag I was thinking Super but after thinking about it and (having someone point out how far back it would stick) I think I should split the load and put the bag up front.

I haven't told Eric yet but now I am also thinking about a frame bag and I just don't want to have to buy 3 new items all at once.

The last pic is the full bivi kit with the pad and bivi sack and tarp on the seatpost (with strings temporarily) the bike feels nicely balanced.

[empty_set]

I purchased a frame bag and the seat pack. Both are extremely well made and thought out.