Bento Box. You've got to have one of these!

[TrekTheKaty]

OK, I'm new to road cycling, so maybe everyone already knows--but you've got to have one of these! All the triathetes at last weekend's century had one. It straps to your stem and top tube. Sometimes I don't want to wear a bike jersey, but then I don't have anywhere to put my keys and phone without bringing a handlebar bag. This also holds bars, gels or a sandwich so you don't have to reach for them while your riding. Can't wait to use it.

(Someone mentioned in a post they keep food in their bento box and I thought they meant they took the little plastic containers from their lunch box!)

[wildhawk]

Not sure if it would work on my bike - my top tube slopes down too much, but I have investigated similar packs, and will be getting something before the MS150 to keep my stuff in - not going to ride THAT ride with full panniers, believe me. Thanks for posting the pic - they are very handy items.

[withm]

Not sure if it would work on my bike - my top tube slopes down too much, but I have investigated similar packs, and will be getting something before the MS150 to keep my stuff in - not going to ride THAT ride with full panniers, believe me. Thanks for posting the pic - they are very handy items.

They attach with 4 strips of velcro - so easily adjustable and ought to work even with a slanted top tube. I have used them on all 3 of my bikes. Very handy.

Edited to add: I just looked at the photo you posted of your bike, and while I think the straps on my bento box are long enough to work with your slanted tube (that's a BIG angle....) I guess you'd have to try it and see if it fits. It would certainly work on your husband's bike, so you can buy one, if it works for you great, if not, slip it into his Christmas stocking, or return it to the store.

[ilima]

I have one for long rides. It's a purty hibiscus fabric from one of my local shops.

Really common to see these used by triathletes. I generally don't use mine too much because of the tri-geek factor. ;)

[bmccasland]

Had mine for a couple of years - after seeing someone with one on an MS-150 training ride. Keeps things close at hand, cell, keys, snacks, inhaler, baggie with insurance card, ID, $$. My under the saddle bag has repair stuff. I don't like things in the back pockets of my jersey. :rolleyes:

[crazycanuck]

Ian uses a bento box for the 12hr mtb event, esp when he does it solo! Three years in a row..:eek: :cool:

[xeney]

I love mine. It lets me keep my jersey pocket for small stuff and my seat bag for repair stuff. I generally keep a Luna bar, my cell phone, and my camera in the Bento box.

[beccaB]

What would be recommended to carry a map in? Preferably something that has a see-through pouch so I wouldn't have to fumble around for it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My usual everyday saddlebags are plenty roomy enough to keep whatever I need in:
http://harmonias.com/Luna_4.jpg :D ;)

[SouthernBelle]

When I use a map, I clip it to the brake cables using small binder clips. Then I can just look down at it.

[gnat23]

Heh, from your title, I thought you were talking about the Mr Bento (http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-Bento-Stainless-Steel-lined-Silver/dp/B000246GSE), which I love too. :)

I put my camera in my bike bento. Perfect for snagging impromptu action shots while rolling!

-- gnat!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2495375134_d11cb19ab1.jpg?v=0
(from bike to work day, just pointing the camera behind me!)

[Geonz]

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___98102

My favorite map clip. I can stick a powerbar in there, too.

[NoNo]

I put my camera in my bike bento. Perfect for snagging impromptu action shots while rolling!

-- gnat!

That's just what I'd like to do with my camera. I've never felt comfortable reaching behind me and trying to pull my camera out, then trying to slide it back into my jersey when I'm done.

[denda]

I have one. I love it!

[alpinerabbit]

I have one and take it on long rides, but I have to say it bothers me a bit when fully loaded and I am climbing out of the saddle.

[maillotpois]

I have one and take it on long rides, but I have to say it bothers me a bit when fully loaded and I am climbing out of the saddle.

Ditto. It bugs me way too much when I climb out of the saddle (which I do a lot). I hardly ever use it.

[fidlfreek]

FYI Bento boxes come in multiple sizes. The smallest one might work well on the bike with the steep top tube...

[TrekTheKaty]

This is what I use. Works great.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=3Tzut&doc_id=4262&v=T

DH puts his in a ziploc in a jersey pocket.

Here is two more options:

http://felixwong.com/2002/10/bicycle-map-holders/

http://www.bicycletouring101.com/BikeHomemadeMapHolder.htm

[Crankin]

I don't have a Bento Box, but as far as the cue sheet holder goes; I've never understood why people use clips or clothespins... I've seen too many people have their cue sheets fly off in the breeze using that method.
I have a see through plastic cue sheet holder that I got at REI for about 7.00. My only issue is that both me and my bike are so small that it flaps on my knees at times. But, it doesn't really bother me.
I've thought of getting the Bento, but not sure how it will work with my very differently shaped tubes.

[RoadRaven]

I have one and take it on long rides, but I have to say it bothers me a bit when fully loaded and I am climbing out of the saddle.

I have often thought about a Bento Box for my training/commuting bike, but this is the exact reason why I havn't succumbed...

And Cunningham, this forum is where I first heard about them - they're such a great idea :)

[SouthernBelle]

They come in 2 sizes and the large one does tend to sag to the side when loaded. I mostly use the small one for snacks and it doesn't shift .

[GLC1968]

I have a see through plastic cue sheet holder that I got at REI for about 7.00. My only issue is that both me and my bike are so small that it flaps on my knees at times. But, it doesn't really bother me.


I used to use this too...but I kept getting little scrapes and cuts on my thighs/knees from it (my top tube is very short), so I stopped using it. It now lives on my H's bike.

For the Bento box - the smallest one works great on a small, sloping top tube bike. I used mine all the time on my 44cm Dolce and it worked great. It's the exact right size for my camera and it's MUCH easier to grab a camera from a velcro'ed box infront of you than to try and get it out from a jersey pocket. Plus - no danger of sweating all over it and steaming up the lens!

[SouthernBelle]

Hmmm. Steaming up the lens. I'm shocked and appalled. You aren't the Naked Cyclist are you?

[arielmoon]

I saw a Bento box at the century yesterday. Since my jersey was weighed down by all my Gu and Shot blocks, camera and keys I was oogling it from afar.

[GLC1968]

Hmmm. Steaming up the lens. I'm shocked and appalled. You aren't the Naked Cyclist are you?

If I were, where would the camera go in order to steam it up? :eek:

[jesvetmed]

I love my bento box... I keep my cell phone and/or camera in there and a power bar or gel.

I put the keys there once, but they jingled the entire way! Won't do that again.

I agree about climbing - -when I stand my inner thigh hits the velcro or corner a bit and scrapes a little. But when I'm sitting, it's my favorite thing on my bike!

And thanks for the info about map holders. I always have to yank it out of the back pocket, try to see what part I'm looking for, and get it folded and back in. I've lost a couple this way! Next season I'll try one of the holders. Great suggestions.