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Just received alpkit deluge frame and top tube bag. These look nice but on fitting to the bike it's clear they will be flapping all over the place. Straps go through belt loop type things so bag can move independently of strap. Maybe only designed for road riding or something? Even then can't see the top tube bag working out.
Restrap whilst pretty pricey for v occasional usage look like they might be better? Maybe there's something else out there that holds steady if packed light?
Or is bike packing just always flappy, rattly activity?(this stuff for single overnight bivvying in gravel event)
Cheers!
The majority of my bikepacking bags are Revelate. No flapping or rattling.
Ive got various frame bags on different bikes, including an Alpkit one that looks similar to the Deluge. No way it should be flappy, unless may be too long for the frame perhaps? I'm able to cinch all the straps tight so the sides of the bag are taught = no flappage. I'd been so impressed with the Alpkit straps I'd ordered a couple of extra sets from them to use with my other bags....I like the smooth outer which avoids snagging clothing, clothes, bibs etc
I run a Tailfin top tube bag. Holds its position quite well. Good piece of kit
Are you sure you've sized it correctly or fitted it right? It shouldn't flap, that strap system is used on lots of bags from different manufacturers
Have you ridden with them? I can't see how the frame bag should move much , it's fixed in three directions. But yes, I prefer a top tube bag you can tighten fully against the tube, mainly because otherwise they can sag to one side.
I have a Restrap half-frame bag and like it, but it lacks padding against the down tube and you have to be careful packing to avoid items clunking against it. This was never a problem with the Alpkit Possum it replaced (after six years permanently on the bike), or the Wildcat I have on another bike. None of them have swayed.
Large Restrap frame bag here since Nov'16
Never had an issue with it. Rock solid once it's fit
Alpkit frame bags here.
No problem with them flapping.
Mine are always stuffed full. Could that be the difference?
We started with Alpkit. It worked, but we changed to Restrap and it’s noticeably more stable. I prefer the separate harness for the rear bag too. The restrap kit is nicely made
Nope haven't ridden as want to return having seen them on bike.
Bag is shorter than frame so not bulging. straps almost seem too short. They're pretty simple velcro things and the velcro actually rubs on frame in places. None of the straps cinch up, just wrap around so no real way to get decent tension which may be part of the problem
I guess I could get some different straps but as its a 50 quid item not sure I want to be faffing around buying extra bits from it if I can return and get something better designed even if a bit more pricey
Thanks for the replies! will probably go for restrap or revelate then
Restrap top tube bags and frame bags are good. Id avoid their handlebar roll harness though. its the flappiest one ive seen. All the weight of the bag goes directly onto the straps rather than sitting in the harness material. its not much better than just having a pair of straps.
got a nice apidura frame bag which is nicely made. was about the only one i could find that fit the gap.
my favourite top tube bag ive got is made by Cordel. very simple bag, but does it well with nice materials.
If you're after a frame bag make sure it is well supported on the top tube. I've had a Revelate for over ten years, and it's features have kinda spoilt me. The restrap medium I bought to fit a shorter top tube only had 2 top tube straps and tended to get a bit saggy in thge middle...
single overnight
Duct tape and a drybag would work for one event, or short's pockets..
For the frame bag not sure how that can rattle if fitted correctly.... I've a couple of Alpkit top tube bags in the family fleet, they are a bit fiddly to cinch up tight but it is possible to wrap the velcro onto itself to get a snug fit.
I have restrap race toptube bag, totally solid in the alps (road) no flapping.
My lad was riding with an alpkit bag and he had no probs either...He'd also used it w other alpkit frame bags and no issues on a week in the lakes last summer
the velcro actually rubs on frame in places.
Regardless of which variety you go for in the end, it's always a good idea to stick some extra frame tape on contact points, as pretty much all of them will rub in one way or another, even if you can't see them moving.
Using one of these on the gravel bike and very impressed with it
https://www.roswheel.com/products/road-frame-bag-large-1
Duct tape and a drybag would work for one event, or short’s pockets..
Yep planning on pre-trialing just dry bag strapped to seatpost / saddle for my Bivvy stuff as the harness contraptions all just look like additional weight and still sway from what I can see. Plus they all seem to hold stuff up really high so limit getting off back of saddle
Something swaying around my legs while pedalling 300k just seems intolerable though!
I think I'll often re-use a good stable frame bag for my commute as well so happy to pay for something decent although I can see some are £100+ maybe a bit too spendy!!
Romain Bardet vient au MadCow Festival en Cyclotourisme
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OK6629fagss
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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OK6629fagss
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I like the Restart range of frame and top tube bags. The wider main straps hold the bags more securely for less flappage. They are designed as well so the straps on the frame bag don't interfere with the straps on the top tube bag.
I think you need to try them. All my frame bags are looped webbing with Velcro. Do them up snugly and the bag will stay secure...I don't think any bags have a system where you can cinch up the straps?
Harnesses are worth it so you can remove drybags easily, and crucially, they protect the dry bag. Strapping a drybag directly to your seat is just going to be a fairly short waiting game to see if it falls off, slips down into the wheel or wears a hole in the bag first.
If you are worried about frame marks, either tape the frame or don't go bike packing 🙂
Not as fashionable as the other recommendations no doubt but I got a Podsac jobbie from PX when they were discounted a while back.
Rock solid, zero flapping even when not full, and seems to be properly waterproof...
The ortlieb frame bags cinch up or at least the half frame bag that I have does. Super tight and secure all round.
In fact scratch that, the new version doesn’t seem to cinch up but the mounting looks pretty solid apart from the exposed Velcro. I think the older version looked more secure.