Comments on: New loaded touring setup http://wheelsofchance.org/2009/12/27/new-loaded-touring-setup/ A bicycle blog Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:54:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: cstandley http://wheelsofchance.org/2009/12/27/new-loaded-touring-setup/#comment-86 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:08:04 +0000 http://wheelsofchance.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/new-loaded-touring-setup/#comment-86 Waxed cotton is waterproof and I’ve never had any issues with things getting wet inside my waxed cotton bags so don’t worry about that. The map case will hold an iPhone nicely and there is a little lip at the entrance slit that it can sit in. You can also use the touch screen through the plastic map case.

The Ortlieb bag is more sophisticated, rigid and has a rigid mounting mechanism. The Rivendell is minimalist with oly a single large compartment which can be an issue when it comes to organizing things. Also it has no internal structure, but it’s contents and the 5 velcro mounting straps make it secure on the bike. Taking the Brand V off the bike is easy as the Velcro just “rips” of, again it’s not as “engineered” as the Ortlieb’s quick release mechanism, but there’s also nothing to break and it’s really light weight. Carrying the Brand V off the bike is easy as a strap can be looped through the velcro attachments. It wopuld also be an easy matter to sew on a couple of D-rings

]]> By: Jack http://wheelsofchance.org/2009/12/27/new-loaded-touring-setup/#comment-85 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:03:49 +0000 http://wheelsofchance.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/new-loaded-touring-setup/#comment-85 Greetings from Durham NC,

Nice setup! I as happy to see your comments on the handlebar bag as I was admiring it on RivBike just yesterday. I’m drawn to its simplicity and that its American-made.

I have a couple questions. First, I am new to waxed cotton, what is the water-resistance of a bag like this compared to an Ortleib bag (which I am also considering for the handlebars)? And, how do you think the map case would do holding a smartphone (which is also my gps)?

The Ortleib appears to handle both well, but is expensive and relatively complex.

Thanks for your time, I look forward to your feedback.

Jack

]]> By: cstandley http://wheelsofchance.org/2009/12/27/new-loaded-touring-setup/#comment-76 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:33:10 +0000 http://wheelsofchance.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/new-loaded-touring-setup/#comment-76 The Berthoud bags are beautiful, but they are not really the best option for my touring needs as I like minimalist construction and a simple way of strapping it to the bike.
I liked the Boxy Bag’s top flap, but the support decaleur always struc me as a bit of a pain when removing the bag. I need to carry all my most important stuff in a front bag
that can be easily removed and carried when I’m off the bike. The Brand V bag works for that as the velcro straps are easy to use and they can also be used to attach a shoulder
strap. It’s not as elegant as using D-rings, but it works. The bag can hold a good amount of stuff, 7.5 Liters, but with the single zippered opening it can be difficult to get at stuff
inside, but that’s the only issue I have and I think it will become my default front bag.

My tires are Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy and I’ve found them to be good for light weight touring on roads

]]> By: Leaf S. http://wheelsofchance.org/2009/12/27/new-loaded-touring-setup/#comment-75 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:02:17 +0000 http://wheelsofchance.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/new-loaded-touring-setup/#comment-75 Nice looking set-up and nice write-up. I have to say that I remain partial to Berthoud HB bags but they are expensive and require a rack. I kinda wish Riv would bring back their boxy bag, seems like it would resolve the problem of access when riding as the zipper wouldn’t be up against the bars.

What tires are you running?

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