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Top tube or frame bag a no no?

  • This topic has 39 replies, 34 voices, and was last updated 10 years ago by step83.
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  • November 8, 2014 at 6:51 pm #22699
    Eebijeebi

    Just happened upon a video by GCN (which I believe is Global Cycling Network) where no3 in their top ten ‘don’ts’ for new cyclists was not to have a top tube or frame bag. Any ideas why that should be?
    I’ve been happily tootling along with my little bag on the top tube with phone, door key money inside.
    Apart from looking a bit naff I don’t see the issue – any ideas other than image?
    Emergency bike stuff in the small under saddle bag and clothing and food type bits in pockets.
    Ok, so I haven’t seen anyone ‘serious’ with one but I’m not a slave to convention. If it is just looks then all are free to take the pee – just wondering if there could be something else – safety maybe?

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  • November 9, 2014 at 2:45 pm #820191
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    Quince

    I find I’ve the right size
    I find I’ve the right size saddle bag to fit everything that I don’t need to immediately access. It’s slightly more aerodynamic that a frame bag (…probably), swings about less (…maybe) and is a bit lighter on its own – but if you find you need both, then go for it; it IS your bike.

    ‘The Rules’ are pretty esoteric, and largely tongue-in-cheek. If you’re greatest desire in life is to be considered a devout and faithful Velominatus, then ditch the bags pronto (including the one on the saddle saddle). If, however, you have other concerns in your life, nobody will come after you with pitchforks for loading your bike up like Santa’s sleigh. Probably not even REALLY silly people.

    November 9, 2014 at 2:12 pm #820189
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    Mystery Machine

    I’ve started using a top-tube
    I’ve started using a top-tube bag for longer rides because it gives me somewhere easy and accessible to store energy chews/jelly babies/ energy bars. I don’t want to keep unwrapped food in my jersey pockets, and I don’t feel comfortable unwrapping food while riding (safety and potential, though unintentional, littering).

    It definitely means that I am more regularly taking on fuel, which is a very good thing.

    I guess it breaks the Rules (as does my saddle bag for tools/tubes) but I don’t care! Anyway, it means that I don’t have to stop and queue at food stations at events – I just keep going as I have my nutrition with me.

    November 9, 2014 at 12:20 pm #820187
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    glynr36

    The one my mate had bulged
    The one my mate had bulged out a fair bit and used to get in the way of the knees when climbing standing at times.
    Though how much are you carrying with you if you’re filling out a saddle bag and pockets?

    November 9, 2014 at 9:29 am #820185
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    Eebijeebi

    So fashion and vanity it is
    So fashion and vanity it is then. Have to say it looks pants being there but will live with it. I suspect that when I was younger looks would have been everything!

    November 9, 2014 at 6:40 am #820183
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    Welsh boy

    My friend uses one and the
    My friend uses one and the fixing straps foul his back brake which makes it virtually useless. Other than that (and aesthetics) I cannot see a reason for not using one.
    As far as drmatthewhardy’s comment about pumps/tubes being kept in a jersey pocket, that, in my opinion, is a no-no.

    November 8, 2014 at 10:42 pm #820181
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    matthewn5

    Its the Rules:
    “Rule #1 //
    Its the Rules: đŸ˜‰

    “Rule #1 // Obey the Rules.

    Rule #3 // Guide the uninitiated.

    No matter how good you think your reason is to knowingly breach The Rules, it is never good enough.

    Rule #31 // Spare tubes, multi-tools and repair kits should be stored in jersey pockets.

    If absolutely necessary, in a converted bidon in a cage on bike.”

    I think the principle is, don’t spoil your bike’s beautiful lines.

    November 8, 2014 at 9:23 pm #820179
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    Poptart242

    I don’t see the issue, apart
    I don’t see the issue, apart from for fashion reasons tbh.

    But then those are the same people who disapprove of saddle bags, frame-mounted pumps, non matching socks, non-slammed stems….

    November 8, 2014 at 8:47 pm #820177
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    severs1966

    I expect that if they saw my
    I expect that if they saw my top tube bag, designed for mounting on top of a top tube, and the realisation dawned that it is underslung under the seat frame on the front of a recumbent tandem tricycle, their hard-wired little fashionista heads would explode.

    Fashion rules, for cycling? In the same era when retro-fashionistas brought about the re-launch of the Raleigh Chopper (or an object vaguely resembling a Chopper)?

    Dog help us all

    November 8, 2014 at 7:06 pm #820175
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    pdf500

    I think the appearance puts
    I think the appearance puts most people off. If you’re happy with it, leave it be. It’s your bike.

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