Sadly these don’t seem to have been very popular here due to mtbers not liking to wear bibs, but I’ve found my Spec SWAT shorts bloody brilliant this summer. The only problem I’ve found is that I can’t get hold of another pair until next year (and only one shop was even showing that level of info).

So I’ve been looking at Race Face Stash kit instead. A very similar idea (plus the tank-top as well) but wasn’t sure how it compared, especially as they have the big resevoir pocket that I’m not interested in. Anyone got the RF stuff? Or even better, got both brands kit?

Have you looked at the Morvelo offerings? Maybe not suited to your needs but its another option.

Colour me interested, sounds like a great idea in principle.

I thought bibs were very popular?

Bibs are my go to, though I wear bags and have pockets so have no reason for needing to pack my bibs with stuff

Get that Enduro ordered, nice big lunch box built in now!

Sombrio Smuggler also an option though I cant see them for sale anywhere

CSG Connection 2016 Part 4 – Sombrio

STATO – Member

Have you looked at the Morvelo offerings? Maybe not suited to your needs but its another option.

I’d forgotten they did something similar, better looking than I remeber too. Little spendy compared to Spec and RF but could be a goer, they certainly imply they have plenty of pocket space (just maybe missing the wee thigh pockets)

stuartlangwilson – Member

Get that Enduro ordered, nice big lunch box built in now!

Well that would be the obvious thing to do

Altura do something now as well.

I really like my SWAT’s though and will probably get another pair at some point.

mikewsmith – Member

Bibs are my go to, though I wear bags and have pockets so have no reason for needing to pack my bibs with stuff

The pockets in the back of the bibs are much, much better for riding with than normal pockets imo. Everything is much more settled than loose pockets or even a backpack. I can also carry a bottle in comfort without a bottle cage.

There’s certainly more options available than I realised then. Same Altura look like they haven’t put in the big middle pocket

Not tried the Spesh swat but I’ve got the RF stash bibs (£60ish @ Wiggle) and really rate them. Much prefer them to a small camelback.

IMO comfort wise perfectly fine for 4+ hours in the saddle (used for the ‘ardrock)

I’ve managed to carry a tube, mini pump and co2, multi-tool, spares tin and bag of jelly babies in the 3 small pockets plus 1.5 litres of water.

The swat bib liners are still available in Germany if you shop around

https://www.nanobike.de/Specialized-Mountain-Liner-Bib-Shorts-with-Swat-black-red_1

and the UK

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Mountain-Liner-Bib-Shorts-with-SWAT-2017_94991.htm

Has anyone spotted any 3/4 bibs with cargo capacity?

SAM HILL now wears a fanny pack too.

Just sayin’

BoardinBob – Member

and the UK

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Mountain-Liner-Bib-Shorts-with-SWAT-2017_94991.htm

That was who I alluded to earlier – due in Jan’ 17

Doh. Never noticed that. What’s the bloody point in advertising them!

noncycler – Member

SAM HILL now wears a fanny pack too.

Just sayin’

I heard he’s going to be sponsored by Tunnocks for next year.

Doh. Never noticed that. What’s the bloody point in advertising them!

Yeah, wasn’t exactly feeling the need for a 6 month pre-order on some shorts!

Got SWAT’s and a Stashtank.
Both good.
SWAT.
Holds stuff tighter to your body so less bouncing around of water/tube/pump/stuff but they’re bibs so you need a poo every time you put them on. Not the most comfy shorts I own.
Stashtank.
Don’t need a poo every time you put it on. Can wear your favourite shorts but it lets your stuff move around a little more and is like an extra layer so can be a little warm.
Also tried the Morvelo tank thing.
Even in XL in was too small. Where as the RF in XL is just right.

What is the morvelo version called?

It’s their mtb base layer. Two small pockets in front and three in back.

DT78 – Member
What is the morvelo version called?

Covert Bib Shorts. Can’t actually see them stocked anywhere other than Morvelo themselves

Morvelo sizing is just plain weird in my experience and no reflection of the sizing chart although that’s nothing new. Shame as I like their kit.

I tried the Morvelo covert base layer with a view to using it as a summer roadie jersey and also a base for mtb. The rear pockets and fit were great but the front two with the Velcro caused weird creases. Had to go XL compared to my usual L in Morvelo. 6’1″ and 84kg.
I like the chamois in specialised shorts so shame they’re on a long wait.

what happens when you crash wearing all these tools/bottles etc

I’m interested in ditching the pack but slightly nervous too as i’m prone to teh odd digger or 2!

Not had a problem yet, apart from a squished gel and a resulting sticky arse.

Van Halen – Member
what happens when you crash wearing all these tools/bottles etc

I’m interested in ditching the pack but slightly nervous too as i’m prone to teh odd digger or 2!

My thought too – don’t like the idea of a multitoool and keys and whatever else on the snall of my back when I crash

My thought too – don’t like the idea of a multitoool and keys and whatever else on the snall of my back when I crash

Are they not in the same place in a bag, just maybe with a thin bit of foam between that forms the backpack back. Usually accompanied with a lot of other often pointy crap too.

Interested in something like these.. do they not sag rather once you start weighing them down with tools, drinks etc.

I need some new bibs, these sound ideal for night rides etc to stash some bits in, don’t need the water thing as a bottle lasts me on night rides no problem

other than the spesh ones which don’t seem readily available are there any other which breathe well and have just the pockets etc around 50-60quid?

frogstomp – Member

Interested in something like these.. do they not sag rather once you start weighing them down with tools, drinks etc.

No not really. My standard carry would be a 750ml bottle, some snacks (gels in the thigh pockets), phone, tubeless repair kit, multitool and pump. You notice it’s there when you first load up, but I find it infinitely easier to forget about than a backpack. The glory of the bibs is that the pockets are held from the top and bottom, so they are held more securely than just a vest.

Van Halen – Member

what happens when you crash wearing all these tools/bottles etc

I’m interested in ditching the pack but slightly nervous too as i’m prone to teh odd digger or 2!

I don’t see it as being much different to wearing a camelbak, except I’m less likely to carry unneccesary stuff that makes the pack bulkier than it should be. If I was to land fully on the bottle then it’s likely to deform, the top to pop off, and for me to get a soaking to add to the joy of the crash itself.

My standard carry would be a 750ml bottle

Try a soft bottle. Conforms to the shape of your back and you can just roll it up when it’s empty.

Carry a lot of food in my jersey pockets plus arm warmers/gilet etc but I’d never consider sticking anything hard (eg pump or tool etc)next to my spine/kidneys.

singlespeedstu – Member
Try a soft bottle. Conforms to the shape of your back and you can just roll it up when it’s empty.

Good point, I’ve got smaller ones but I’ve been meaning to get hold of a decent sized one for a while

To save your body from tools and pumps in a crash I’ve gone for the storage water bottle option. I’ve got the alpinestars paragon vest which will carry water in the rear pouch, gels and food in a side pocket, mobile in the other side pocket. Then a SWAT cage carries my multi tool and pump, with the rest of my tools, keys and spares packing into the storage bottle. It’s a great set up which is working well for me, you easily carry enough for a big day out.

So when you have a bottle in there does the jersey just sit over it? Or pulled up so you can access it? I’ve just bought an osprey bumbag thing to carry more water

The alpinestars one I referred to holds a bladder on the rear so no need for bottles, the tube feeds under your arm and out of the neck of your jersey.