Frame bag advice please

[Clanton]

I got some Alpkit vouchers for Christmas and am looking at getting a full frame bag for my hardtail. Little bit unsure about the options though - specifically the divers. i am inclined to go with the horizontal divider with two zips as this would be better for potentially carrying tent poles - any thoughts on whether the vertical divider is a better option? it is a fairly large frame.

Also size wise - 4,5 or 6cm width? I tend to carry a fair amount so thinking 5?

Advice welcome.

Thanks!

[Bearbonesnorm]

Do they do fully opening side (doctors bag type affair)? I find them much easier to access stuff through.

5cm is usually a good compromise although you probably won't get any rubbing or whatever if you went for the 6cm option ... as Colin said a while ago somewhere, consider how wide a waterbottle is.

EDIT: I've just looked and they do ... 'surgeon opening'

[Adventurer]

I’ve just had a frame bag made by Alpkit for my Camino.

I had the two horizontal zips with divider and 6cm width bag.

I also asked then to fit two Velcro attachment points in the top divider to securely fit a carbon (bearbones) tentpole for my lunar solo tent.

Some pictures here

https://instagram.com/p/Bcspp4zncH9/

One piece of advice on a custom bag is think about getting the base of the bag finished above the level of your chainrings.
I did this on this bag as my last bag on an old bike, bulged at the base a little and the bag touched the chainrings and they cut a hole in my bag.

So with the new bag, even if it does bulge a little, there is now no risk of the bag touching the chainrings.

https://instagram.com/p/BdbR7t4nf6U/

[Steezysix]

I have an Alpkit bag with the surgeon zip opening, it works great. I can easily access it while standing over the bike via the top zip, and when the bike is laid on it's side I can open it out fully to get at whatever I need. As above, careful the bag doesn't touch the chain or rings - I got them to taper it slightly so it goes to more of a point at the base, so no rubbing!

[Teetosugars]

Just a quick one Adventurer, those modular pots you use..
Where from?

[Adventurer]

Just a quick one Adventurer, those modular pots you use..
Where from?

You mean the ones with bum cream on?

https://instagram.com/p/BZ9UkzbD0fH/




Got them from MUJI store in Birmingham city centre opposite apple store.

http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec=18&Sub=78

http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec ... 5247732894




They do some pots, bottles, containers that are ideal for ultralight camping etc.

[Teetosugars]

Aye, that them.
Perfect.. cheers Pal. Should make carrying meds a bit easier..

[Clanton]

Thanks for all the advice and especially the tips about chain ring clearance.

[Clanton]

Final question - sorry
VX1 or burly codrua or lightweight cordura? I am no weight weenie but unsure what the VX option means?

[Bearbonesnorm]

VX is Xpack - the stuff that a lot of bags are made from. Good compromise between weight / strength.

[wriggles]

Alpkit framebags a great. I have two and am really pleased with them. Quality is excellent. One was second hand, the other ordered by me. Both came with the zip to the main compartment on the none drive side (left side). I like to lay my bike on the ground next to my tarp, but never lay it down rear mech down for obvs reasons, so when bike on ground mech side up it means the zip is underneath the bike and i have to pick bike up to access the frame bag when camped. I didnt think to specify which way round, but if ordering again id prefer the main compartment zip on the drive side. A minor irritant but worthy of mention.

[Clanton]

Thanks again guys!