Bike Frame Bags for Touring and Cycle Touring

Bike frame bags, a universe within reach

Bike frame bags are the most stable because they transfer the weight to the bike itself without affecting handling. Practical and versatile, they attach to the side parallel to the ground with adjustable straps, leaving your legs free to pedal.
Weight and capacity: two of the main factors to consider when buying. The most compact models, for example, offer a capacity of 3/4 liters and a maximum weight of 100 grams. The larger ones can reach 10 liters and exceed 300 grams. The frame type will dictate certain choices, as it affects the available surface and therefore the bag dimensions. Naturally, beyond the type of bike, it will also vary depending on the Size. In general, MTB offer less room to maneuver than road bikes and gravel bikes because of the frame angle, which is generally very pronounced. Bags can be Half-frame or full-frame. The former occupy the upper section of the triangle, while the latter cover the entire inner surface, forcing you to move the bottles to another area of the bike.

Adventure in the DNA

When you cover many kilometers a day, durability and practicality are two key elements that are always sought after.
In bikepacking, racks disappear and the frame bag becomes the undisputed star. Clothing, tools, tech gadgets: everything is kept within easy reach thanks to frame bags. Safety is ensured by strong zippers and materials and fabrics that resist impacts and falls. BRN XL, for example, is an excellent 7-liter full-frame model with certified waterproofing. Made from durable nylon and fitted with waterproof zippers, it stands up to wear and bad weather. For less demanding cycle touring and urban rides, less bulky solutions will also do the job. This is the case of the Deuter Triangle 1.7, an ultralight frame bag with a volume of just under 2 liters.

The benefits over a backpack

The freedom to tackle rides with your own personal approach is one of the cornerstones of cycling. Many riders, for example, prefer hydration packs to bags, ideal for drinking without taking your hands off the handlebar. In cycle touring, however, the frame bag has no rival. Unbeatable for stability, when properly secured it does not move a millimeter and, above all, does not burden the cyclist's back . Finally, the bike bag does not protrude and does not create wind resistance, preserving the bike’s aerodynamics.