What's in your bag? How do you move your gear?
#1
Elitist
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What's in your bag? How do you move your gear?
This is something that's always been interesting to me.
Here was my setup:
Bag: Camelbak BFM (I don't know which exact variant). It's not available anymore. But, updated offerings are.
This is a military spec bag, not just a "Military-looking" bag. It expands outward to increase volume. Has internal and external tie-downs to keep things from moving around inside. Cinch it all down and it's a solid rock. The straps are over-built. You could literally load up over 100lbs of stuff an it wouldn't sag or stress the straps. It's like the straps are reinforced with Kevlar or something. If you can carry it, the bag can carry it.
I removed the internal water bladder and drinking hose. I didn't feel like dealing with cleaning it. Water bottles in big side pockets was easier.
This bag was made for abuse. The zipper opens up 180 degrees and it lays flat.
What's inside:
- Custom oversized Track Sack (chainrings, cogs, tools, etc...)
- Shoes
- 2x 32 oz Nalgene bottles (one in each side pocket)
- Cycling clothing
- 2x helmets attached outside by chinstrap (later used carabiner for faster on/off)
- Misc (pens, safety pins, race license, chainring bolts, multiples of the same race number (never be without one), keys, snacks)
This was enough to hold everything I needed for a typical training day. If I brought extra wheels, they would be in a double wheel bag strapped diagonally across my back. 2 hand still free (1 for the bike). If I carried rollers as well, they would be on a strap on my shoulder. 1 hand free for the bike.
I could go to and from the track in 1 trip
Here was my setup:
Bag: Camelbak BFM (I don't know which exact variant). It's not available anymore. But, updated offerings are.
This is a military spec bag, not just a "Military-looking" bag. It expands outward to increase volume. Has internal and external tie-downs to keep things from moving around inside. Cinch it all down and it's a solid rock. The straps are over-built. You could literally load up over 100lbs of stuff an it wouldn't sag or stress the straps. It's like the straps are reinforced with Kevlar or something. If you can carry it, the bag can carry it.
I removed the internal water bladder and drinking hose. I didn't feel like dealing with cleaning it. Water bottles in big side pockets was easier.
This bag was made for abuse. The zipper opens up 180 degrees and it lays flat.
What's inside:
- Custom oversized Track Sack (chainrings, cogs, tools, etc...)
- Shoes
- 2x 32 oz Nalgene bottles (one in each side pocket)
- Cycling clothing
- 2x helmets attached outside by chinstrap (later used carabiner for faster on/off)
- Misc (pens, safety pins, race license, chainring bolts, multiples of the same race number (never be without one), keys, snacks)
This was enough to hold everything I needed for a typical training day. If I brought extra wheels, they would be in a double wheel bag strapped diagonally across my back. 2 hand still free (1 for the bike). If I carried rollers as well, they would be on a strap on my shoulder. 1 hand free for the bike.
I could go to and from the track in 1 trip
Last edited by carleton; 03-15-19 at 10:55 AM.
#2
Senior Member
I've been using an LL Bean open tote in the large size, I think it's 35L.
It's worked just fine, I can fit my shoes, helmet gear bag, kit, tools and misc junk with no problem.
The one thing I don't like about it is that I have to carry it. For mountain biking and road rides it's no problem, but at the track it generally means at least 2 trips to get my stuff to the infield.
I was going to build a wagon, but decided against that approach. I've helped enough guys carry theirs over the bridge at T-Town to rule it out.
I don't usually take that much to the infield; bag, bike, rollers, wheels and a water jug. This season I'll replace the bag with a back pack and see if I can do it in one trip.
PI
It's worked just fine, I can fit my shoes, helmet gear bag, kit, tools and misc junk with no problem.
The one thing I don't like about it is that I have to carry it. For mountain biking and road rides it's no problem, but at the track it generally means at least 2 trips to get my stuff to the infield.
I was going to build a wagon, but decided against that approach. I've helped enough guys carry theirs over the bridge at T-Town to rule it out.
I don't usually take that much to the infield; bag, bike, rollers, wheels and a water jug. This season I'll replace the bag with a back pack and see if I can do it in one trip.
PI
#3
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I use Silca Pista Travel Bag.
Chainring fits perfectly into the pocket and I have enough space for other tools.
Acetone, Towel, lockring remover, and other.
#4
Senior Member
I have tried a few different things in the past, but I was at Harbor Freight a few months ago and ran across this Voyager tool bag / tote.
Wheels on the bottom, extending handle to roll it, plenty of inside pockets. I fit an old Chicago Velodrome chainring/gear zip up inside to hold rings/cogs, shoes, helmet all fit inside and zip up. With HF's coupon deals, it was under $20.
Wheels on the bottom, extending handle to roll it, plenty of inside pockets. I fit an old Chicago Velodrome chainring/gear zip up inside to hold rings/cogs, shoes, helmet all fit inside and zip up. With HF's coupon deals, it was under $20.
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I was training a lot with Frankie Andreu last winter, and noticed he used a carry-on suitcase with rollers when going to the track. I guess he travels a lot more than I do, lol. Still, a carry-on sized bag with rollers is good size and easy to drag around.
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I've seen that before. And it does make a lot of sense. I also had a folding cart/wagon that I've used when I have a lot of stuff to bring. Of course things like carts and wheeled suitcase bags don't help much when you have to go up and down stairs.