Just got a load of AlpKit stuff through myself, incidentally also for an Inbred 29er. Will be able to comment on it all in a few weeks, but no chance to use it this side of exams 😀
It’s a large, frame bag is the 6cm (widest) model. Fuel pod is a medium. I also have the Mk.1 of these on the way to mount an MSR fuel bottle on the bottom of the down tube.
Like my relevate saddle bag but pretty pricey compared with the other options these days and I was about 4 months between ordering and delivery.
Wouldn’t bother with a bar roll again a couple of good straps threaded through some old sections of inner tube for grippage work much better.
Not tried a frame bag yet but use a couple of old fashioned triangle bags (one upside down going from top tube to seat post )to carry a reasonable amount of stuff and still use a bottle.
Alpkit extra drybags with the straploops are a very good buy as well.
Wildcat harness on the front.
No Logo bikepacking frame bag and top tube bag.
Alpkit feedbag on the stem.
bikepack.eu saddle bag.
If you can afford it go wild cat everything but if you have a more modest budget then the No Logo frame bag is made to measure and IMO better quality than the alpkit stuff.
The bikepack.eu stuff is nicely made but I’m not 100% sure that Pawl is making bags anymore even though the web site is still online.
thanks rowlapa1974, hope to put some finished pics up soon.
tho I think this project will be a long one..the good ones always are.
The old framebags were really elegant, I’m hoping to do something as nicely integrated, as well as practical
without them weighing a ton, like full leather ones.
Really happy to be collaborating with Scott, as he’s quite simply one of the best framebag makers.
I’ve been making my framebag based on link in thread here in Jan/Feb, project stall waiting on sewing machine fix, but it looked a bit like this at first.
then like this, just zipper side to finish and fit now.
My partner and I use 13L Alpkit dry bags on wildcatgear handlebar systems. We also have Wildcatgear seat packs with 8L dry bags. Dan has a fuel tank (can’t find the brand) the ‘Ocelot’ which is a partial frame bag that fits under the top tube from Wildcatgear. We also have Alpkit Stem Cells. I’ve just posted a review of the stem cells over on my blog and will be uploading reviews of gear we have over the next few weeks.
A full frame bag has been ordered from Wildcatgear, but be aware there is a wait of up to 8 weeks for one of these as they are made to measure.
The overall weight of kit strapped to most bikes doesn’t seem enough to warrant being encumbered with so many little bags and straps – just ride with a 40 – 60 litre pack – first time I did couldn’t believe how easy I found riding with around 12kg – for seriously long expeditions this may not work but for long weekends I think a.backpack is good enough … Plus if one finds any fun sections along route you can just take your pack off and ride rather than fiddling arround with all that Velcro !
The overall weight of kit strapped to most bikes doesn’t seem enough to warrant being encumbered with so many little bags and straps – just ride with a 40 – 60 litre pack – first time I did couldn’t believe how easy I found riding with around 12kg – for seriously long expeditions this may not work but for long weekends I think a.backpack is good enough … Plus if one finds any fun sections along route you can just take your pack off and ride rather than fiddling arround with all that Velcro !
I find riding distance with much weight in a pack an unpleasant experience.
Having gear lashed to the bike puts it lower and gives better weight distribution and handling when riding off road.
Dropping gear to ride a section and then going back to pick it up seems a waste of time, IMO.
Riding with a heavy rucksack is just nasty. Riding with a 60L rucksack?!
I remember trips on Dartmoor in the late 90’s carrying rucksacks, apart from the handling issues every time you get out of the saddle you’re got that extra weight to lift.
acehtn – Member
If i could on here i would send Seosamh77 some rep points
Keeping it real, keeping it budget, keeping most likely to what my first attempt will look like.
I assume the over the bars in soft mud was a soft landing I do have ambition to improve, but aye, seem to be working well, and has cost me a fiver for a set of bungee cords!
the otb, was fine, was a slow mo otb and a soft landing, was giggling for about an hour after it, so one of the good ones!
I’d really like an Alpkit Possum to use between my 56cm Cotic X and my 18″ Inbred. Based on length, the medium should fit in both frames, but I’m not sure with the Inbred’s much tighter frame triangle.
Is anyone running a medium Possum on an 18″ Inbred frame?
Soulbrother99, I made my frame bag (see previous photo) using the P18 fabric from Penine Outdoor. Alpkit et al. use Dimension Polyant fabric, which seems rather hard to get hold of in this country (any ideas anyone?) and is quite expensive from what I understand. I used a 4mm closed cell foam to pad the edges which I lined internally with P13 Nylon from Penine Outdoor. A single compartment bag is much easier to construct that the double compartment bags. As far as stitches just use a straight stitch and then reinforce that with a zigzag (if that makes sense). The main thing is to think it through really carefully, mark up your fabric and cut it precisely and make sure you know how you are going to work the details – zips etc.