Top Tube Bag

[mariacycle]

I have a saddle bag for some of my things but would like to get a top tube bag to fit in things like my cell, wallet, keys, spare tube, and levers. Two questions:

1. which top tube bag(s) do you use and what do you think of them?
2. does a top tube bag affect your cycling at all?

Thanks in advance!

[Possegal]

This is what I have for my cell and key, and sometimes my camera. :) I know others have one like it. I don't find it affecting my cycling at all, but then again, I'm pretty unimpressive in my cycling. ;)

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=444474&highlight=bento#post444474

[mariacycle]

Looking at these two:

Sherpani Top Tube Bag: http://www.rei.com/webservices/rei/DisplayStyle/815365?source=gpla&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-815365&mr:trackingCode=855B2D27-4B4B-E011-9D00-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA [though would much rather have something in black]

Louis Garneau Aero Gel Top Tube Bag: http://www.amazon.com/Louis-Garneau-Aero-Tube-Black/dp/B0039T774G/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1301248828&sr=1-5

is anyone using either of these?

[nscrbug]

I use the RavX "To Go" triathlon food bag as my top tube bag. It comes in 3 sizes (I use the medium) and easily holds my cellphone (an old antiquated "flip-style" phone), lip balm, and a few snacks.

http://www.ravx.com/archive_sites/ravx_2009_site/2009_product_pages/bags/to_go.html

[Tri Girl]

ok- so you might laugh, but this is what I have on my commuter road bike:

I got it from this etsy store:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/trigo

It's made from recycled tubes, and is highly reflective (both things that mattered to me- recycled materials and visible). It's not a top tube bag, but it sits on the handlebars and stem. I just LOVE it! I put my keys, my phone, and my inhaler in there.

I have a bento box on my tri bike, but on my commuter I wanted something fun- and this little guy is not only fun, but a conversation starter. Plus- how can you not smile when you look down and see THAT face??


I looked on her site and I don't see the handlebar bag listed. She was VERY helpful when I ordered it, perhaps if you sent her an email she would make one for you. I'm sure she would. All her things are SO cute!

[mariacycle]

thanks for the links! Tri, that is so adorable!!

[mariacycle]

I like the Aero one... do you think there's much of a difference between the Aero and Bento besides capacity (meaning affecting your ride)?

[Becky]

I use a Mountain Feed Bag (http://www.epicrideresearch.com/product-information.php) when I need a little extra storage space. It works great for keeping my cell phone, keys, and work security card handy on bike commute days.

[nscrbug]

I have this one:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodFB_AER.html

Got it from TE. Very good price.

There are also these:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/search.ep?keyWords=bento+box

I've seen one like the LG in a LBS. It's nice. You can see through the top. Plenty of room too.

It doesn't affect the ride at all. Except I am more likely to fuel properly in a group because I don't have to fumble for a gel. I keep sunscreen, food, lip stuff, and keys in here. The non-aero Fuelbelt probably has more room. But this one is fine. I keep my tools in my small seatpack. My saddle is thin, so can't use a large bag without it flopping.

Sheila - As you know, I'm riding the same saddle as you (Ruby 155), and my seat bag is a Topeak Aero Wedge bag in a size medium...and I can assure you that this bag does not budge or flop around at all. I use the one with the straps/velcro, not the mounting bracket one. It's large enough to hold 2 tubes, a C02 inflater with 2 extra cartridges, 2 tire levers, and I'm sure I've crammed a few other things in there as well. It also expands slightly, if needed. Just thought I'd share that with ya. ;)

[Catrin]

I use the Bento box that Muireen posted a link to and it works well for me. It certainly doesn't get in the way and holds what I need it to. I typically use it to store a little nutrition, my keys, a small map from time to time, and my phone until I decided to keep my phone in my jersey pocket. Seat bag is for tire-changing stuff and my multi-tool.

[nscrbug]

Thanks Linda! I've wanted a different saddle pack, but haven't been happy with any I found.

Hmmm. I suppose I could get it with bracket mount? My previous velcro pack snagged my cycling shorts.

Is this the one you mean?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FIAU8O/ref=asc_df_B000FIAU8O1483091?smid=A2P97M9VQDMS1X&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395129&creativeASIN=B000FIAU8O

Yup...that's the one! I've used that bag on my bikes for nearly 3 years now, and I'm very happy with it. It's roomy enough for all of my crap, has a little tab on it for a rear "blinky" light (I use a Planet Bike Superflash), and it's even fairly water-resistant (ridden in lots of rain, and have gotten it wet with the hose). I haven't tried the version with the mounting bracket, but I would imagine that it works just fine.

Linda

[Pedal Wench]

In whatever you decide, look for things that might interfere with your legs. I have one box that has a velcro patch that scratches up my leg when I'm out of the saddle. Another one had a pocket on the side that I would change my pedal stroke to avoid, and I think that caused problems 200-miles into a 400K. Notice I said "had." I tore the pocket off, and now I love it.