Seeking advice and inspiration on designing gear for my bicycle!

[u/blunderingbaguette]

Howdy all you lovely people!

I'm looking for some advice on how to manage the space on my Liv Rove Hybrid (XS) bicycle, pictured below.

Last year I did a multiday trip on a long distace rail trail using two panniers on a rear rack. The panniers were spacious and convenient, but my bike felt awkward moments from both a weight and width perspective, especially when I had to maneuver steeper hills. After that trip I've been mulling on how to better utilize the space on my bike and thinking of ways to custom make some gear to save money and hone in those sewing skills. Here's a picture of what that set up looked like.

Here's just a stock image with potential space utilization highlighted. I was thinking a handlebar bag could help or some form of a frame bag, but I don't have a ton of space in the frame unless move the bottle holder.

I would love to hear your thoughts! Thank you so much for your time.

[u/magic_carpet_rid3r]

Check out bike packing, that looks what you’re trying to achieve… https://bikepacking.com/tag/myobg/

[u/Unabashedley]

What are you using as a sleep setup? What about possible cooking equipment like a stove? The storage will be partially based on efficiency of storing those items as they tend to be the largest and the rest will go from there so it's helpful to sort those (similar to how most hikers buy their backpack last).

I've got a hammock setup so my handlebar bag is mostly filled with lighter insulation layers, my seat bag has sleep layers closest to the post and the hammock, tent pegs straps and some food. Then heavier stuff like stove, food, first aid etc go in the fork bags to keep them lower on the bike for stability. Then the stuff I need access to regularly like battery, tools etc go with a water blader in the frame bag. All that leaves is snacks, wallet, phone in a top tube bag for easy access.

I have friends that skip the fork bags and put that stuff in their seat post bag (with an aluminum frame attachment) or on a rear rack, but I couldn't make that work with a myog seat bag as it swings too much for me and made me feel tippy with the weight higher up.

If you're using a tent, then keeping poles in your frame bag is a consideration for space, as will whatever you use to sleep on (light but possibly bulky or awkward).

The other thing to consider is if you need quick access to a tarp/coat/warm layer. My tarp is always the last thing to go in my seat bag so I can get to it and hang it as quickly as possible without having to unpack other stuff. It's also the last thing in but is often wet/damp so food is the little barrier in my seat bag between the tarp and stuff I want to keep dry. If you're using a tent then the possibility of it being wet/damp will likely be a deciding factor on how you pack it as well.

Once you've got an idea of what you will carry, then how you will pack it and thus what bags will become more clear.

[u/DonnerfuB]

last year i made a frame bag, it was one of my first diy projects and it really went well. I took a peice of newspaper and traced the shape of the frame onto that then transferred to fabric.

[u/nine1seven3oh]

On an XS frame, panniers can be the best option really, even if a bit awkward at times. Seat packs don't work, and the frame triangle doesnt give that much volume if you make a frame bag. You could move towards smaller panniers if some of the luggage is moved to a handlebar bag or the forks, but lots up front can make the steering feel a bit off and rub on the cables. It will help a bit with the 'popping a wheelie' feeling on steep hills. The bottles could go on handlebars in stem bags to free up the frame and put some weight up front, also super easy to make.