Frame bags Black Friday: bikepacking deals

Identifying the size in the name

Manufacturers indicate the size in the reference. Top Tube refers to a bag placed on the top tube, behind the stem; Tri Frame, Mid or half-frame, a bag attached underneath this tube, which leaves room for water bottles; the large sizes occupy almost the entire triangle. The use of each size is explained in detail, all year round, on the bike frame bag page.

What separates two bags on sale

At a similar discounted price, two frame bags may differ in these four points: check them before judging a discount.

• Size: small, medium, large or M/L, to be compared with the measurements of your triangle, or the dimensions in millimetres given in the name.
• Protection: welded seams and waterproof closure, or coated fabric and standard zip, which only withstand a shower.
• Volume, in litres, which varies from one size to another within the same range.
• Attachment: Velcro straps, removable straps to adjust the position, or screws on the inserts of the top tube when the frame has them.

Brands of frame bags in the promotion

Blackburn offers two generations of its Outpost bag: the Outpost, water-resistant, with a compartment that expands downwards, and the Outpost Elite, waterproof thanks to welded seams and waterproof zips, in small and medium on this page.

Woho, a Taiwanese bikepacking brand, separates the Dry models, welded and waterproof, from the Tri Frame in its Xtouring range, which is only water-resistant because of its quick access zip rapid.

Zefal provides the dimensions of its bags in their name: 220 x 65 x 45 mm for the waterproof aero of 0.4 litres, 500 x 140 x 65 mm for the Z Aventure C4, attached by Velcro.

Acepac, a Czech bikepacking brand, has designed the Bike Bottle, a bag that holds a standard bottle and attaches between the handlebars and the stem, useful when the triangle is already occupied.

Completing the load

A frame bag carries dense items; for light volume, pair it with a saddle bag from the promotion and, at the front, a handlebar bag in Black Friday. All families can be found on the bike bag Black Friday page. The rest of the year, look for discontinued bags in the clearance and the latest arrivals in the new arrivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to measure your frame before ordering?

Measure the usable length under the top tube, the free height against the seat tube, and the distance remaining to the diagonal tube. Compare them to the dimensions of each size, leaving space around bottle holders.

Waterproof or water-resistant: which one to choose?

For riding in the rain or going away for several days, a waterproof bag, welded and with a waterproof zip, keeps the contents dry. For rides in dry weather, a water-resistant bag is sufficient and often opens more easily.

Can a water reservoir hose fit through it?

Some bags have a passage for a water reservoir hose or a battery cable, like the Outpost from Blackburn. Check this mention on the product sheet if you plan to use it.

Which bag for a small frame or full-suspension bike?

The triangle leaves little room, especially when the shock absorber occupies it. Aim for a top tube bag or a small size of half-frame, and check that the bottle is still accessible.

Do discounts on frame bags last all November?

Yes on Vélo-Store: after the Friday following Thanksgiving, on Black Friday, discounts from the promotion on bikepacking bags continue. Measure your triangle before ordering to target the right size.