Guide To Half Frame Bags & Wedges

In our latest video, Neil dives into the world of half frame bags and wedges. He talks about the benefits these bags offer, some packing ideas for day rides and bikepacking trips, and shares his thoughts on six different bags he's tested over the years.

Outline
Half Frame vs. Wedge: (0:30)
Benefits of these bags: (0:50)
Ways to pack them: (1:55)
Available options: ( 3:06)
Outershell Half Frame Bag
Road Runner Wedge (4:31)
Apidura Backcountry Frame Bag (5:58)
Pro Discover Frame Bag (6:34)
Salsa EXP Half Frame Bag (7:25)
Revelate Designs Tangle (7:58)

Mentioned Links:

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Hosted by Neil Beltchenko

Great video. I would add that water bottles cages that allow you to put the bottles in and out from the side are quite essential when using frame bags.

[markdebano]

I’ve been using the Revelate Design Tangle bag for over a year now. It’s been great and has held up very well!

[ARCUS]

Today I bought the "PRO GRAVEL DISCOVER" Framebag (5.5 liter). I have a 58cm Pinarello roadbike, so it will fit perfectly even with some spare space to put the bidon in the holder. I will use it for camera equipment (MFT camera, lens, tripod, batteries and memorycards), biketools, Esbit burner + metal cup, food, wallet and to store a raincoat mainly. Not sure if it will fit when the bag arrives but I will eventually also order a top frame bag as well and move the phone and food into that bag eventually.

[paulpoletes]

I have a medium Revelate Tangle, and it fits perfectly on all my size-56 bikes. I can still fit two water bottles under the bag, and I'm amazed at how much stuff I can fit into the Tangle. On longer trips, I will put a largeish power bank in the Tangle, then run a cord from the battery to my Sinewave Beacon light/USB charger. I also keep a Lezyne Micro Floor Drive pump in the bag, along with food and tools. When mounted on the bike, the left side of the bag is a great place for flatter items like the battery, credit cards, a spoon, zip ties, etc. The right side has the larger compartment, and that's where I keep bulkier items.

[meredithpinony]

I am an Alpine Luddites bag fan. John provides durable goods with awesome fit and will build options to your fill your needs upon request.

[Theerik]

For full suspension MTBs I can also recommend the Vaude cruiser bag fits very well and most frames size M or bigger can fit the bag and one bottle cage with a 500ml bottle easy.

[cjones]

I've been using the larger half frame bag from Jandd. They've been around awhile and their stuff is pretty basic but it seems pretty tough. It's not flashy, and kind of looks like it was made in the 90s which is cool in a way. Could fit a larger one though.

[evdb]

What bottle cages are on the pink bike? The side load ones. Having trouble with full size 750ml bottle on down tube…getting it in/out with apidura wedge. I’m on a 54 Factor LS

[iWillbike]

The Road Runner Wedge is also designed to fit both ways. If you flip it around on your Cutty it will fit a little cleaner.

[Konaboy]

I have been unable to decide what framebag I want for my gravel bike. Two many options out there. Thank you for this video!!! I am ordering a medium Outer Shell Half Framebag as soon as my color choice is in stock. 😃

[buckroger]

I want to get a little frame bag for my full suspension bike just to take some weight out of my camelbak. I'm a big endurance rider and like to go out for a good 6-8 hour rides and sometimes that can be longer.

[BrentZahradnik]

I think I have a revelate touring tangle that is even older. It has like no features like customizable fit, compartments or loops for tent poles/ pump, but I just used it on a quick tour a few weeks ago. Still going strong.

[gregmorrison]

Just started using my first half frame bag as we turn into autumn (NZ) and fitted some Bontrager side mount bottle cages, first judder bar lost my front water bottle :(

[ssjones]

Appreciate that review - I just bought an Outer Shell Half-Frame bag in Medium, Desert Camo for my Warbird

[samuelcronin]

Hey Neil, what are the bottle cages on the pink Salsa Warbird?

[SamFromVACE]

I can't seems to find a suitable frame bag for my size S Giant Defy Adv Pro.
Bought a couple frame bags before and those bags always sat on my water bottles so I have difficulty reaching and retrieve the water bottle while I was pedalling. There also abrasion between the bottle and the bag that increased wear and tear at the bottom of the bag.

[coty.thompson]

where can I get that wolf patch you have on your outershell bag?!?!

[wixy]

That Outershell bag, where did you get that Fox badge? and how you attached it on the bag?

[clayton]

nice video - love my outter shell half frame bag!

[SoCalLobo]

Where did you get that cool wolf pin on the outer shell bag?