CUSTOM FRAME BAG

For us, frame bags fall in the “need”, not “want”, category. We use them almost every day, and you probably will too.

The idea is simple: most bicycles have a good chunk of unused space inside the frame. Why not take advantage of it for storage? Great idea, but the devil is in the details of how that’s done. There are many options out there for frame bags - generic-fit overseas options of low build quality, various-quality bags from varied domestic makers, and a few extremely experienced custom builders. We’ve been building custom frame bags since 2010, years before “bikepacking” was a word passing through the bike industry’s moist, greedy lips for the first time. What’s that mean for you? Refined, dialed-in designs and features; a build quality that only comes with many years of experience; and a beautiful handmade partner for your handsome bicycle.

Our thousands of frame bags have spent time touring around the planet, have taken part in many race runs over the Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, Tour Divide, and Trans Am routes, and have quietly served their owners for over a million cumulative miles of racing, touring, commuting, and joyriding.

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Available colors (in order shown, left to right): Black, Cayenne, Ocean Blue, Evergreen, Goldenrod, Coyote Brown, Dark Camo, Olive Green, Marigold, Matrix Gray, Slate Gray, Red, Electric Blue, Southwest Turquoise, Deep Purple, Blaze Orange, Lime Green. Swatches in photostream.

The feature sets for each model were created using thousands of frame bag orders to determine what customers most commonly wanted. Choose a model based on your budget, performance needs, and preferences.

BASIC:

• Custom fit using our photographic template process

• Single zippered pocket on the right side

• Single fabric color of your choice, with a black zipper

• Attachment: Velcro straps

• Padded spine

• Hydration/electronics port

STANDARD:

• All of the above, plus:

• A zippered sleeve pocket on the left side (two zippered pockets total)

• Internal organization: Mesh pocket and lash points on spine

• Up to two fabric colors of your choice

• Zipper color your choice (single color)

PREMIUM:

• All of the above, plus:

• Fully lined for even more durability and increased visibility inside bag

• Your choice of fully-strapped or partial bolt-on attachment

• Up to four fabric colors of your choice

• Zipper color your choice (up to two colors)

• Matrix Black accent panel on exterior of bag (looks pretty cool, increases durability even more)

A few notes:

• The left-side sleeve pocket on the Standard and Premium models is the entire profile shape of the bag, but as a sleeve - narrow, suited for maps, phones, contact lens cases, or anything else slim and best separated from the main compartment.

• The internal mesh pocket and lash points on the Standard and Premium models are good for organizing small things like multi-tools and mini-pumps, keeping them from bouncing around the bag when mostly empty.

• The full interior lining on the Premium model increases both durability of the bag’s laminate fabric and visibility of contents. It also adds a minimal amount of weight. If you’re a gram-counter, you may elect to forgo the lining on your Premium model during checkout.

• On the Premium model, you may choose between fully-strapped or partial bolt-on attachment. The latter uses straps on the top tube, directly behind the zipper on the seat tube, and at the nose of the bag on the down tube, but leaves most of the seat and down tubes exposed for a clean look. These bags attach to the water bottle boss locations. We use one set per tube, not multiple sets. And, we never suspend bags from mounts under the top tube, as these fail more readily than we’d like unless we use a very heavy plastic in the spine. Partial bolt-on really doesn’t improve anything but looks… but it does look sleek!

“I’m a picky SOB, so when I say that I opened the box, took out and examined my frame bag, and was not disappointed, that’s saying something. I can’t even remember the last time I handled a piece of gear that was so well-crafted, sturdy and met all my expectations. It’s a thing of beauty. I don’t think I could be any happier with it. Thanks so much.” -Paul L., Colorado

"Guys, my frame bag fits so well the Velcro is overkill! ... Awesome fit." -Steve M, WA

"Thank you for a great product! My frame bag fits, functions, and looks great!" -Phillip W., OK

“I keep meaning to tell you what an awesome bag you made! Great fit! Beautiful, too. Lots of compliments as I ride. I just wish I had gotten all my other bags from you. Thanks for the excellent customer service - that really makes a big difference, too.” -Andy W., NM

“Just wanted to give you all a shout and let you all know that I’m blown away. My custom frame bag arrived today and the fit far exceeds my expectations.” -Julia E., WA

“Just got my custom frame bag in the mail today and really love it. I thought it would be nice but the build quality is absolutely amazing. Thanks very much.” -Jack M.

“Dude, this frame bag. I'm SO glad I chose to get one from you. This thing is next level.” -Dane L., ID

"Could not be more pleased with my frame bag. It's awesome! Fits like a glove."  -Caleb Y., Tennesse

“Wanted to say how great your bags are. I have your panniers and a custom frame bag which have completed over 2500 miles of touring (about 50 percent offroad) and over 2000 miles of commuting, and they are still in perfect shape. I am ordering more bags today!” -Sam C., MA

Weight: Varies depending on the size of the bag, but generally between 6-14oz (168-392g).

Dimensions: We make most bags 2.5" wide at the spine, which translates to 3-5” wide in the middle, depending on the frame size. We can build 3" wide spines for fatbikes or bikes with little room for frame bags; specify 3" wide in the notes on your order.

100% handmade by Freewheel Mission Gear in Madison, Indiana, USA.

Install video coming soon!

Step-by-step:

Installing and using a frame bag seems pretty obvious, but there are a few finer points for optimum install.

1) Fasten the velcro straps around the frame tubes. IMPORTANT: Don't overtighten! In extreme cases, this can lead to destructive forces on the bag. Ensure that the frame bag sits evenly inside all frame tubes, with the spine of the bag naturally relaxed. The seams at the edges of the side panels should be nice, smooth lines, not stretched into "peaks" at the velcro straps. Properly installed and empty, your frame bag will rest very centered in the frame.

2) To ensure long life for your bag, don't overstuff it. If you are squeezing just that last item in there and the zipper doesn't want to close, try loosening the straps a bit - this "relaxes" the bag and the zipper may close easily.

3) Finally, for Premium bags with the Partial Bolt-On option: We include small washers and a fabric patch for use with bolt-on bags. The small washers should be placed on your water bottle boss bolts before placing through the grommets in the frame bag spine; the fabric patch should be placed between the grommets and the frame, to prevent any damage to your frame's finish.

FREE SHIPPING on every order! For details on shipping and returns, click here.