Thanks for all the responses - that ILE bag does look good.
A further question relevant to HM’s post - how much clearance does there need to be between outer width of platform/vertical bag sides and the inside of drop bars for just your hands to fit on hoods / drops (ie no need to allow for STI type sideways shifting)? My guess is to aim for 4cm gap each side, but you would probs be OK if there was only 3cm clear gap.
I have barely any clearance on my drop bar bike between the inside of the hoods and the Wald basket. I have no problem reaching the brakes from the hoods, but I can only grip the lowest part of the drops, which still allows me to reach the brakes. I suppose the width is not the issue, so much as where that maximum width is relevant to the most important sections of the bars. That’s not very helpful is it?
Flared drop bars would perhaps be helpful!
I’m the same on my basket bike. I can sit in the hoods fine, but can only just hold the ends of the drops. There’s maybe a centimetre between my basket and bars. Fortunately I only use the hoods and move my hand down to the bar end shifter. I have to squeeze my bag in between the hoods.
I just looked at dimensions, my bars are either 40 or 42cm wide and the basket is 38cm wide.
This is the reason I went back to rando bag. Most rando bags are a nice fit between 38cm+ bars. They’re not as handy around town but I think they are a better option for day rides. I’ve bolted mine in place to make sure it doesn’t eject on rough roads. For Bikepacking I prefer a handlebar roll/sling.
I have a rack on one bike, and a basket on the other. I use the same bag on both (an old Chrome messenger bag) strapped on / or in the basket with a net or straps. I do like the convenience of the basket for day-to-day commuting, and being able to chuck a tote bag or whatever in there when I don’t need to carry much.
Thanks for all responses. I think this is where I am.
I already have a town runaround bike with a wooden box on the front rack - so I don’t think a basket would give me much that I don’t have except be a bit lighter. But putting a platform on 1 (or 2) of my other bikes and getting both a porteur bag and a rando bag would probably cover all requirements.
And from what I have seen I don’t think there is much difference between a basket bag and a porteur bag anyway, it just seems to be the bag base dimensions to suit a specific platform or basket.
I have a Sugarloaf.
It’s quite small but as I don’t often carry much more than tools it’s perfect for me.
It’s damn light, holds it’s shape, easy to get stuff and out while cycling and easy clip-in system is decent.
It’s really just like using the basket but shit doesn’t fly out.
Not sure I could justify retail but if you can get it for a good price from someone who needs a bigger bag… go for it.
I bought this from our very own Lemontimes. He made it to my kinda specs, but it’s all his skill and and a lot of his ideas. I plan to use it in a Wald basket and on a Soma rack for commuting. I should get it tomorrow so I’ll do a brief review next week.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnR6vvSBw0q/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=11gldb6bm4672
New Melburn maker - framework designs …
i’ve been using the Realm bag for a while now and it’s been great. The roll top design holds a lot of gear when needed and the velcro makes it quite easy to get into while on the move. Only thing i’d like is some elastic straps on the sides internally like the swift rando bag to keep smaller things secure when it’s not full (might diy these in)
saw you post these on the gram, good stuff! hopefully i’ll be getting something soon from him too, customised for the camera.
I have one of their frame bags and it (and the service/turnaround) are exemplary.
I second this.
Sent them a few angles and a rough-ish measurement. Was made and delivered two days after. Fits like a glove.
A different approach … a bag made from recycled billboards. Maker was Clive Street bags in Brisbane. Quoted price was $80, but as yet Sarah hasn’t sent me the bill.