Frame bags

How to Choose a Frame Bag for Your Bike

Frame bags are essential equipment for bikepacking and shorter cycling trips. They make use of otherwise unused space on your bike and allow you to carry gear without putting weight on your back. Positioned close to the bike's centre, they're particularly suitable for tools, food and other heavier items.

When choosing, consider whether you need a larger bag that fits inside the frame triangle, a smaller top tube pouch or a versatile bag with multiple attachment options.

Large Frame Bags for Multi-Day Bikepacking

For carrying more equipment, bags mounted inside the frame triangle offer a practical solution. They help keep the load close to the bike's centre of gravity and are useful for tools, food supplies and spare clothing.

Acepac Zip Frame Bag L MKIII and the smaller Zip Frame Bag M MKIII are frame bags with zip closures. When choosing the right size, compare their dimensions with the available space inside your bike frame.

For smaller frame triangles, or if you want to keep more space available inside the frame, the Acepac Triangle Frame Bag M may be a suitable alternative.

Before purchasing, check not only the bag's length and height but also the available space for bottle cages. On full-suspension bikes, make sure the bag won't interfere with the movement of the rear suspension or shock absorber.

Fuel Bags for the Top Tube

Smaller top tube bags are ideal for equipment you need to access quickly, such as your phone, energy bars, wallet, small tools and other personal essentials.

The Acepac Fuel Bag range includes several sizes:

• Acepac Fuel Bag M MKIII: a compact 0.8-litre bag for small essentials and snacks.
• Acepac Fuel Bag L MKIII: a 1.2-litre bag offering more room for your phone, food and frequently used items.
• Acepac Fuel Bag XL MKIII: a larger 2-litre bag with internal organiser pockets and convenient access to your gear.

Also consider the attachment system. The bag must not restrict bike handling, interfere with your knees while pedalling or obstruct brake hoses and cables.

Small Frame Bags for Tools and Essentials

If you only need to carry a spare inner tube, tyre levers, a multitool or other small items, a large frame bag may be unnecessary.

Acepac Tube Bag MKIII is a compact top tube bag suitable for basic repair equipment and small essentials.

The more versatile Acepac Minima Bag MKIII can be attached to the down tube, fork or handlebars, depending on your bike and preferred setup.

Both types can complement a larger bikepacking setup without taking up the entire frame triangle.

How to Check Whether a Frame Bag Fits Your Bike

The most important step is measuring the available space inside your bike frame. A bag that fits one bike may not fit another because frame geometry varies depending on bike size, design and suspension configuration.

• Frame triangle dimensions: measure the available length and height and compare them with the bag's dimensions.
• Bottle cage clearance: check whether the bag will restrict access to your water bottles.
• Full-suspension bikes: make sure there's enough clearance for the shock absorber and rear suspension throughout their full travel.
• Straps and attachment points: check the available mounting positions and possible obstacles such as cable routing or other components.
• Pedalling clearance: the bag shouldn't interfere with your knees or crank arms.

For larger frame bags, we recommend checking the bag's dimensions against your specific bike before ordering.

Are Acepac Frame Bags Waterproof?

When choosing frame bags, it's important to distinguish between water-repellent materials and a fully waterproof construction. Acepac frame bags use durable fabrics with a protective coating, but standard zips and stitched seams may not provide complete waterproof protection.

For example, Robic nylon with a PU coating helps protect the contents during brief rain showers. However, during prolonged rain, water may enter through seams or closures.

We therefore recommend storing electronics, documents and other moisture-sensitive equipment in a separate waterproof case or dry bag.

How to Distribute Your Gear on the Bike

Frame bags are particularly useful for smaller, heavier items that are best carried close to the bike's centre. Lighter and bulkier equipment can be distributed among other bags according to the available space.

• Frame bags: tools, food, electronics and heavier essentials.
• Handlebar bags: sleeping bags, lightweight clothing and other bulky equipment.
• Saddle bags: spare clothing, overnight essentials and other lighter gear.

For longer cycling adventures, explore our complete selection of bikepacking bags.

Need help choosing the right size or checking compatibility with your bike frame? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.