Do More With Less
The idea of packing light is a well-known concept in ultra-distance riding and racing (especially if you’re Robin Gemperle), but there are plenty of people doing day rides, sportives and audax rather than multi-day ultra-distances races who need a little extra carry capacity, but fall short of needing a full bikepacking setup. That’s why we developed our new Racing Frame Pack (1L), so you can do more with less.
Photos: Nils Laengner at Badlands
Whether it’s everyday riding or big days out, the carry needs of riders are evolving as they reassess what’s essential for their ride. With solutions available for both on-body and on-bike, we noticed that the traditional frame bag is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those taking on single-day rides, no matter how challenging.
While we’re used to seeing people use our packs in ways they weren’t intended (upside down top tube packs in frames, cargo cage packs on handlebars, to name just a couple…), when we saw people using our Backcountry Frame Pack (1L), with its long, low and slack angles intended for mountain bikes, on road and gravel bikes, it was clear that a similar storage solution was needed for drop bar bikes.
We noticed that riders were using our Backcountry Frame Pack (1L) to fulfil a need for an everyday storage solution on their road and gravel bikes
An early sample of the Racing Frame Pack (1L), designed to better fit inside the frames of road and gravel bikes
Rather than simply making do with an existing pack, we wanted to create a new pack from the ground up. Taking cues from the Backcountry Frame (1L) Pack, we adjusted the shape of the Racing Frame Pack (1L) to better suit road and gravel bike frame geometry to make a bespoke, compact and lightweight pack that’s perfectly suited to every-day rides, big days out or single-day events on tarmac or dirt.
Much like it’s MTB sibling, the Racing Frame Pack (1L) is also reversible – giving it a universal fit for a wide range of frame sizes and geometries. A cable port at each end of the pack also ensures convenient charging in whichever orientation it’s fitted inside the frame.
Not wanting to miss an opportunity to exercise our Constant Forward Progress approach to design, we used the development of the Racing Frame Pack (1L) to trial a slimmer profile. We know that many riders experience knee rub when using a frame pack and as such, choose not to run them in their regular setup – eliminating the option for frame storage entirely. At just 50mm, the Racing Frame Pack (1L) is our slimmest ever frame pack – increasing knee clearance and making it a better fit for bikes with skinny tube profiles.
Perfect for storing tools, spares, snacks or even a lightweight packable layer, the frame pack also has an internal lash tab to keep some of the bulkier items from rattling around on rough terrain, such as a pump or Co2 cartridge. Like the rest of our Racing Series, the Racing Frame Pack (1L) is made from Hexalon, a bespoke fabric developed specifically for Apidura, which is lightweight and welded to make the pack completely waterproof.