Full- Suspension frame space

[Andrew]

I am wanting to start bikepacking and decided to do it on my full cush bike. I was wondering since there is kinda a funky space inside the frame if anybody had any tips on how to best utilize it without purchasing a custom frame bag.

Thanks guys this site rocks!!!

[ScottM]

One idea would be to get a generic one like the Jandd, then modify to suite.  I think mine would have worked on my FS if I cut one side off and sewed it back together.

Got a pic of the bike / space to fill?

[Andrew]

this is the bike I am riding, I am planning on trying to get most of my weight on a seatpost rack.

[ScottM]

Looks like quite a bit of room in there.  I'll bet the Jandd would work.

A word of caution on seatpost racks -- overwhelming experience is that if you overload them (or even underload them in rough enough terrain) they break.

I'd suggest a seat bag from Epic Designs or CDW.  You can probably carry about as much, but without the weight of the rack and no worry about it breaking.

[frejwilk]

I agree with Scott. That looks like a pretty big space. The Jannd bag was designed for bikes with very different frames than current ones. Traditional horizontal top tube double diamond frames. If you are comfortable sewing, you might be able to move the down tube straps to the 'long' side, and run the bag backwards.

Maybe look into some frame mount battery bags. There are a few different light manufacturers with these. Usually on the smaller side.

I've often just strapped stuff (in)to the front of a FS frame. Tubes, jackets, etc. The tubes will stay put pretty well with a simple strap. You might need a couple of straps for slipperier items.

I would recommend contacting someone like Epic Designs at least. I have a bag for a similar application, and it's worth ten times more than I would have thought it would be.

FW

[Andrew]

Thanks really good info.

What is it on seatpost racks that breaks? It seams that though they are heavier you would have more versatility to carry bulkier items than with a bag.

[ScottM]

The problem is the leverage that even a small amount of weight creates.  There have been dozens of reports of seatpost rack failures on races, tours, et cetera.  Sometimes they were well under the "maximum capacity" of the rack.

I'd stay away myself, but then, YMMV.  I'm sure some use them successfully, but I'm assuming that since you're using a FS, you want to ride rough trail...

[Andrew]

Your assumption is correct, what size carousel do you guys reccomend for pretty rough stuff?

[ScottM]

I've used a smaller, older Carousel bag, but currently I'm using one from Epic Designs (the smallest Eric makes) that fits my sleeping bag, rain jacket and rain pants.  It's a good sized bag and I'm not sure I'd recommend a larger one for technical terrain (need to get behind the saddle for steep descents).

[FeloniousDunk]

Your assumption is correct, what size carousel do you guys reccomend for pretty rough stuff?

Granted I don't have any long trips under my belt, but I've been day riding with (experimenting) and did my first overnighter last weekend with my new CDW saddle and handlebar bags.  I'm using the "smaller" saddle bag.  Smaller is relative.  I've been carrying heavier things in there and light stuff up front, but for better reference I can just fit my 6'6" Western Mountainering Summerlight sleeping bag, a small down jacket, and my Red Ledge rain jacket and pants in there.  But what I've liked on the trail so far is to carry tools, cooking stuff, food and rain jacket back there.  Eric at Epic Designs make a very similiar bag and I would be happy with either one.  I've done the (edited to) rack and panniers and seat post trunk/rack and I think those are now going up for sale.

[ScottM]

Just to clarify, my CDW is an old design, I think one of Jeff's first.  I believe even his smaller bag these days is larger than the one I have.

[Pivvay]

I have Epic's smallest bag too and it's plenty big! I usually can fit my sleeping bag, bivy and all my spare clothes in it. I've even shoved my tent in it minus poles with no problem. Haha.