Maximizing bikepacking carrying capacity with a full frame bag.
Bikepacking, by necessity, involves cramming the maximum gear in the smallest possible space. Unlike traditional road touring, #bikepacking usually involves rougher routes that require your gear to be compact and tightly contained.
One of the all-time best inventions for bikepacking is the triangular frame bag. This is not only a large potential space, but everything that can be packed in the frame bag is located at the best balance point on the bike, centered and low.
When outfitting my Priority 600ADX adventure bike, one of the FIRST things I added was a frame bag.
But the new P600ADX has a few changes in the frame dimensions since my original P600X. Specifically, the top tube is now lower and the mounting frame for the Pinion C1.12 gear drive has been reinforced with a stronger gusset. It was obvious that my old P600X frame bag wasn't going to fit - so I donated it to the new owner of the bike!
After an extensive search, I not only found a frame bag that FITS the 600ADX - it is also HALF the price of my previous bag! This article will detail the installation process, then provide my review after hundreds of miles.
The first challenge was finding a frame bag with the right dimensions for my Large P600ADX frame. The second issue was finding the right shape to fit the frame opening. Here is the frame bag that I found which fits PERFECTLY: (Note the flat corner on the bottom.)
This Large frame bag has an 8.5 liter capacity. It is constructed of black ripstop nylon. I really like that the interior is a bright orange to make locating contents easier! The bag is one large cavity - but includes removable vertical divider that is attached with Velcro. In my case, I removed this divider because I planned to install a water bottle cage INSIDE the bag, on the down tube.
The contents are accessed via a heavy-duty YKK zipper. I consider all bags to be "water resistant", but I don't carry anything in here that is delicate unless it is in a Ziplock bag!
To install on my P600ADX, I first added some heavy clear tape to the frame where all the Velcro straps cross the tubes. (Bikepacking is also dirty and wet – and the tough nylon webbing tends to wear through the frame paint eventually.) Installation then takes only a few minutes.
I knew that I was going to load down this bag so I modified it to use the braze-on fittings.
After hanging the bag inside the frame, I marked the location of the three threaded holes on the underside of the top tube. I also marked the two holes that line up with the water bottle cage I wanted to install on the down tube. Then I heated an old Phillips screwdrive red hot and melted tiny holes at these five points. (Measure TWICE, burn ONCE! Also be careful to burn the holes in the center of the upper and lower center panels.)
Next, I cut a thin piece of ABS plastic to fit the long rectangle where the top of the bag contacts the top tube. I drilled matching holes in the plastic and installed this reinforcement under the mounting bolts.
The new Priority 600ADX is supplied with larger flat head bolts for the frame braze-ons. Technically, poking holes in the frame bag makes it less than waterproof, but I then installed the bag with washers under the bolt heads and a tight seal was formed against the frame. The bolts pinch the thin plastic and support the fabric under the top tube
I installed the water bottle cage in the lower position on the down tube to fit my largest water bottle. This means the heavy bottle is carried perfectly centered and as low as possible.
The final installation added the Velcro straps around the frame tubes. I wrapped the frame on the lower downtube and then installed another bottle cage OVER this strap. This lower cage holds my tool kit that never leaves the bike - also placing the weight as low as possible. I found that the Velcro straps were a little too long - so after they were in place, I went around and cut off the excess which usually catches on my leg when pedalling.
In total, modifying this frame bag, preparing the frame, and making the installation shouldn't take you more than an hour. In practice, I NEVER remove this bag! I add and subtract gear on the handlebars and rear rack, but I just leave the frame bag in place - even on my truck carrier!
The frame bag contains my water bottle for short training rides. I never leave home without the spare Gates drive belt in the frame bag. As noted, my other tools are also always ready in the lower cage. (Here is the link to this zippered case that is designed for a water bottle cage - Click HERE.)
To date, this frame bag has logged many hundreds of miles and shows ZERO wear. Despite dry, dusty conditions, the YKK zipper continues to operate flawlessly. I give it a FIVE Star rating for fit and versatility - PLUS at a huge savings! Click HERE to order yours - there are also Small and Medium sizes available.
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