Is the scarab bag convenient to retrieve food while riding?
- Thread starter SteveY
- Start date
Boreen bimbler
Well-Known Member
The scarab bags are not easy to open while riding in my experience. Great bag though.
Mathew Fy
GRU
Also look here
forum.cruzbike.com
I used a Jandd bag attached the seat for a long time. I could easily operate the zipper and access stuff. Now I prefer clean lines and better aerodynamics by keeping things in a rear bag. Of course it means stopping now and then.
Here for pic of that bag mounted
forum.cruzbike.com
Quick access to small items?
I've got a couple of different setups on my V20c and S40 for carrying things. I have a sling pack on both that I use for tools, tubes, etc., and also have small bags attached to the rear rails. The latter are big enough for e.g., jacket and gloves and I usually keep my phone there. For longer...
forum.cruzbike.com
Here for pic of that bag mounted
TIGR mini bike lock ?
Has anyone used the bike lock featured on the cruzbike site on an S40 with any regularity? I'm considering buying one but wonder how versatile it is to use in varying situations? Right now I still carry a kryptonite chain when I need a lock.
forum.cruzbike.com
Frito Bandito
Zen MBB Master
I have always thought that frame bags under the seat would be a great way to add 6-10l of handily accessible storage while riding but I don't recall seeing that setup yet. I'd love to see a pic if you have one, and hear how you connected it to the seat.
SteveY, I have plenty of wheel time on my V20, and I keep snacks in my tailbag that I can access while riding. However, I see in your profile pic that your tailbag is lower making it difficult. I think I'd go with the fanny pack idea, or even a light running backpack worn backwards on your chest if IyheM's suggestion doesn't work for you.
kizarmynot
Well-Known Member
This is my setup with a grub bag. It should work with traditional handlebars too. I don’t experience any rubbing and it’s worked well while touring and regular riding. 
Black Hawk Down
Senior Rookie
I doubt that this will be helpful, but I'll share it anyway. For me, I find that if I don't eat anything before my ride and during my ride, I never get hungry and I never bonk. Bonking was an issue for me until I stopped eating carbs on my rides. Now I can ride as hard as I want for as long as I want without bonking. I do intermittent fasting anyway, so this fits with my normal eating schedule.
IyhelM
Létrange MBB
Mine are simply bolted to the seat.
5l Geosminas on the Silvio:
3.5l Vaude Aqua on the Vendetta:
Plenty of other options if I remember well in this thread by Tor (where you contributed
).Not sure why more recumbent riders don’t use them, maybe fear of drilling the seat?
PS: on the Silvio I’ve got a narrow stiffening steel plate (the red strip) at the rear to prevent the bags from touching the tire when overstuffed.
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SteveY
Member
Can you provide a shot from the side? I've thought about mounting a grub bag on top of the steering tube but thought it would flop around too much.
SteveY
Member
I've thought about doing this for a long time. Maybe now is the moment to try it.
Frito Bandito
Zen MBB Master
I'm getting old lol. Those look great though. Now we just need a tubed peanut M&M dispenserMine are simply bolted to the seat.
5l Geosminas on the Silvio:
3.5l Vaude Aqua on the Vendetta:
Plenty of other options if I remember well in this thread by Tor (where you contributed
Not sure why more recumbent riders don’t use them, maybe fear of drilling the seat?
PS: on the Silvio I’ve got a narrow stiffening steel plate (the red strip) at the rear to prevent the bags from touching the tire when overstuffed.
kizarmynot
Well-Known Member
The bag has 2 Velcro straps that attach to the handlebar and another strap that wraps around the steering tube. I originally purchased it on impulse for a DF bike and it has worked well for my Cruzbikes.
SteveY
Member
I am trying IyhelM's suggestion with the frame bag attached to the seat. I wanted to fairly easily remove the bag for travel, so I cut slots in the seat for the velcro straps to wrap around. I can't do a test ride until next weekend - hopefully it works. It is more aero and lighter than the rear rack and trunk I have. I need to find someplace to put another water bottle or bladder now. The frame bag took the place of one of my 3 bottle holders.
I got the Osprey Escapist Biking Frame Bag for Men and Women, Black, Medium, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPQTZJ3K. It fits nicely.
I got the Osprey Escapist Biking Frame Bag for Men and Women, Black, Medium, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPQTZJ3K. It fits nicely.
smarkberry
New Member
Steve,
I bought a scarab bag. Very roomy, but - to me - didn't enhance the look of the bike. It went into the "Wished I hadn't bought it" bin.
Easy to access while riding? Only if you are a much better rider than me. It's good for bulk stuff you're not likely to need without stopping.
I would look at some of the conventional bike handlebar bags. I put a small one on the top of my bars and a larger one connected to the headrest bar.
Mark
SteveY
Member
I took a gravel ride yesterday with the Osprey bag and it worked fantastic. It was stable and easy to retrieve food from. I ordered another one for the left side. The bag is sufficient, but not incredibly large. If I did it again I would try the large size.
The bag has 2 zippers on one side to get into the main pocket. The other side has 1 zipper with a small pouch. If I want to mount them the same orientation I must cut out the fabric divider to access the main pocket. I like the 2 zippers so I may mount it reverse.
Thanks.
IyhelM
Létrange MBB
I had to do just that with the Geosmina, in this instance on the right side - well not cut the fabric, just the seam; I hesitated to cut out the whole divider but opted to keep it, there are convenient small pockets to sort various tools and I can hide the ones I don’t use often behind the divider so that cereal bars don’t mix with spare tubes.
