Cycling-ish Travel Bag Recs ?

[adampaiva]

Starting a new job in 2 weeks and anticipating more travel (1-3 day trips). Hopefully I will be able to semi-regularly bring my s&s coupled bike along and make the work trips into weekend cycling trips. Or there's a good chance that the cities I'll be traveling to also have a Rapha Club, so I'm considering a RCC membership to take advantage of their rental bikes. And even if I don't cycle, I'll be going places with a fancy gym I can take advantage of. With that in mind, a few weeks ago I saw Rapha's $800 leather weekend bag (https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/shop/leather-weekend-bag/product/LKB01XXBLKXXX). As ridiculous as that luxury item is, it did appeal to me and then I saw they have a more plebeian nylon variety for $260 (https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/shop/weekend-bag/product/WKB01XXBLKXXX). Still expensive, but maybe an item to treat myself on.
https://dyzmn8020x6cd.cloudfront.net/sys-master/products/hc9/h0f/9181715693598/WKB01XXBLK-product-h217-001_SMALL
https://gadgetflowcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Rapha-Spacious-Leather-Weekend-Bag-02.jpeg
Then I came across a similar concept from Silca (https://silca.cc/collections/packs/products/maratona-gear-bag), for $180 (plus I currently have a %17 off coupon)
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0309/9521/products/5_31d1212d-2bf4-4673-b500-9777f041bb5b_1024x1024.jpg?v=1511281566
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0309/9521/products/9_09fcc322-3a03-4241-8315-b45bfd95a043_1024x1024.jpg?v=1511281566

I like aesthetics of both (and aesthetics are important) and the being able to open them up completely to access things and pack neatly and separate compartments for dirty things and designed around things like a set of cycling shoes and a helmet...all of that seems like I'd be happy to have it.
Or is this a pointless spending of money? Any other products in a similar vein I should look at? Size must be carry-on-able.

(I know I could just use a cheap duffel bag)

[eddief]

my friends still like me even though I've surpassed their duffle:

https://jet.com/product/detail/d33e8975cecf4246bd301bc22fa6259e?jcmp=pla:ggl:nj_d ur_gen_womens_clothing_shoes_accessories_a2:womens _clothing_shoes_accessories_luggage_travel_travel_ accessories_a2:na:PLA_790856390_44058085114_pla-498269551112_c:na:na:na:2PLA15&code=PLA15&pid=kenshoo_int&c=790856390&is_retargeting=true&clickid=1d7d60ca-1c2e-4e3f-98d9-5d03fead943c&gclid=CjwKCAiAm7LSBRBBEiwAvL1-LzaIhFXKFJ-5k26LUbErO0F0W4t9UEDrFasxrY16DDYDVdTUxqgewRoCL5QQA vD_BwE


or the better one here for cheap:

https://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountainsmith-bike-cube-deluxe-storage-bag~p~312kh/?utm_source=GooglePLAs&utm_medium=PaidShopping&utm_term=Mountainsmith_Bike_Cube_Deluxe_Storage_Ba g&utm_campaign=PCGOOGLES7&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAiAm7LSBRBBEiwAvL1-L53UR0-suql9Mf2YmW9uWwUhStCGt0APsIavi32oc3HHrJhlJswp6hoCZ V0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&codes-processed=true

[FlashUNC]

ILE Race Day Bag for kit stuff, regular carry-on for the other stuff.

[mistermo]

my friends still like me even though I've surpassed their duffle:

https://jet.com/product/detail/d33e8975cecf4246bd301bc22fa6259e?jcmp=pla:ggl:nj_d ur_gen_womens_clothing_shoes_accessories_a2:womens _clothing_shoes_accessories_luggage_travel_travel_ accessories_a2:na:PLA_790856390_44058085114_pla-498269551112_c:na:na:na:2PLA15&code=PLA15&pid=kenshoo_int&c=790856390&is_retargeting=true&clickid=1d7d60ca-1c2e-4e3f-98d9-5d03fead943c&gclid=CjwKCAiAm7LSBRBBEiwAvL1-LzaIhFXKFJ-5k26LUbErO0F0W4t9UEDrFasxrY16DDYDVdTUxqgewRoCL5QQA vD_BwE


or the better one here for cheap:

https://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountainsmith-bike-cube-deluxe-storage-bag~p~312kh/?utm_source=GooglePLAs&utm_medium=PaidShopping&utm_term=Mountainsmith_Bike_Cube_Deluxe_Storage_Ba g&utm_campaign=PCGOOGLES7&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAiAm7LSBRBBEiwAvL1-L53UR0-suql9Mf2YmW9uWwUhStCGt0APsIavi32oc3HHrJhlJswp6hoCZ V0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&codes-processed=true

Cheaper still: https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/129782/mountainsmith-bike-cube?CAWELAID=120217890004439069&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=16301318560&CATCI=pla-93948199480&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|404_35150|1297820001|none|88b69c 29-662e-42ee-bf12-452531628d1b|pla-93948199480&lsft=cm_mmc:PLA_Google_LIA|404_35150|1297820001|no ne|88b69c29-662e-42ee-bf12-452531628d1b|pla-93948199480&gclid=CjwKCAiAm7LSBRBBEiwAvL1-L8FqyaSp27LgDXKQip17728QnX4KSuDr-O1-Ck7I4bepTWe1gs3ZpBoCBNEQAvD_BwE

[adampaiva]

The Mountainsmith is perfectly functional. But gosh its ugly.

The ILE looks appealing. Maybe more high-end backpacky and less business travel than the two I posted, but looks very nice. Plus MIUSA. Hmmm.

I'm not sure where the Silca bag is made and website doesn't seem to say.

[jmoore]

This one. I think there are different sizes so you can get one a bit cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/Ogio-Unisex-Endurance-9-0-Gear/dp/B00JEVHCQ6

[jtakeda]

You could also go vintage if you enjoy the hunt.

I have a vintage Campagnolo duffel I use for trips

[eBAUMANN]

cough

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=215656

cough

:banana:

[radsmd]

This one. I think there are different sizes so you can get one a bit cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/Ogio-Unisex-Endurance-9-0-Gear/dp/B00JEVHCQ6

I use this ogio endurance 9.0 and really like it. It is a little larger then the others mentioned, so can fit the cycling stuff as well as a regular change of clothes.

[AngryScientist]

i'm looking at those bags and dont see any clear advantage over a regular travel bag. i'm on the road quite a bit, and have traveled with my S&S bike a number of times also, generally extending business trips for pleasure.

if i travel with the S&S bike - shoes always go in the case. otherwise, i have a canvas bag they go in and that goes in my main bag, generally carry on. helmet is either in my luggage or strapped to my backpack in the overhead bin.

all of these nifty "stuff specific" pockets may seem neat, but might wind up just being an inefficient use of space.

everyone travels a little different though, i've got my preferences down now and it may just take you some experimentation to see what works best for you, but i generally think the few "cycling specific" bags linked are a little gimicky and unnecessary to pack a helmet, shoes and what amounts to regular clothing.

IMO

[radsmd]

Definitely want to use the right tools for the job.

i'm looking at those bags and dont see any clear advantage over a regular travel bag. i'm on the road quite a bit, and have traveled with my S&S bike a number of times also, generally extending business trips for pleasure.

if i travel with the S&S bike - shoes always go in the case. otherwise, i have a canvas bag they go in and that goes in my main bag, generally carry on. helmet is either in my luggage or strapped to my backpack in the overhead bin.

all of these nifty "stuff specific" pockets may seem neat, but might wind up just being an inefficient use of space.

everyone travels a little different though, i've got my preferences down now and it may just take you some experimentation to see what works best for you, but i generally think the few "cycling specific" bags linked are a little gimicky and unnecessary to pack a helmet, shoes and what amounts to regular clothing.

IMO

[572cv]

That Chrome bag looks nice, even if it did have a dancing banana introduction. :)

I have been very pleased with this bag over the course of the last year. It is spiffy looking and very well organized. I got a little set of their stuff bags with it. Slides under the next seat on the plane just fine or goes overhead. I'm kind of pleased with how much I can get into it, and the shoulder straps are very good.

https://www.minaal.com/collections/your-future-gear-black/products/minaal-carry-on-bag

It also comes in black.

[pasadena]

I travel a lot and take my bike stuff. The most difficult piece is the helmet.
It takes up a lot of room and is fragile- you dont want compressive weight on it.

The Rapha bag doesn't sound unreasonable at all. Good bags easily hit $300+
and with Rapha's warranty, I would never worry about it.

I prefer a backpack for carry on, and there are several travel backpacks that are nice.
Swissgear makes a great quality one- plenty of compartments and very affordable.
Compartment for shoes, pedals, laptop, etc

for a more robust, bike specific bag the kitbrix is great.
kitbrix.com

The worst bags are ones without a lot of pockets.
I have a MW Vandal that is a great cargo bag and backpack duffle but just not easy to use if you want some order in your packing.

[Kirk007]

When I traveled with my S&S bike I gave up on trying to squeeze everything into a small second bag and decided what the heck, I'm already checking one bag I might as well check two and not have such a hassle. A big Patagonia black hole duffel became my best friend. Left me with a nice small manageable carry-on and no worries.

[adampaiva]

Thanks for all the feedback.
Found out the Silca bag I linked is made in China which turned me off versus spending another $60 for MIUSA so I'm leaning towards the ILE Race Day now, but going to hold off and take a few trips probably before plunking down the skrilla.

[chiasticon]

fwiw I have the Timbuk2 race duffel and love it. it's basically the same as the Rapha one, with a little bigger middle compartment, and it also has backpack straps in addition to the shoulder/hand straps. the format is awesome for racing and keeping everything organized; essential when you're stressed for time to pre-ride a cx course, change clothing because you're freezing, find just the right gloves/scarf/hat, change sunglass lenses, etc. but I also use it whenever I travel with my bike because it's just easier to have a place for everything and you know when something's missing before you leave without it.

unfortunately, it's been discontinued. it was under $100 when it was available. I just wanted to state, in case you spring for the Rapha bag or similar, that it is an awesome format.

[Lovetoclimb]

cough

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=215656

cough

:banana:

BONUS = you can carry your skateboard!

[Lovetoclimb]

If you can get your hands on one of these, I highly recommend it.

Rapha Race Bag (https://www.rapha.cc/it/en/shop/race-bag/product/RBG01XXBLKXXX)

[metalheart]

I have an upcoming international trip where I need to carry-on the cycling and other travel essentials (helmet, shoes, pedals, a couple changes of cycling and street clothes). The Silca bag referenced earlier in this thread is a possibility and the Rapha Travel Backpack (https://www.rapha.cc/rd/en/shop/travel-backpack/product/BKP01MDBLK) is also an option. It needs to be something I can easily manage with another bag and tote aboard planes and trains. Any updated ideas about this kind of travel backpack?

[metalheart]

I use a Patagonia Messenger Bag to hold my everyday riding gear, shoes, helmet, etc.... I also remembered that stuffed in a closet I have a Patagonia MLC bag that I used to use for fishing trips and other adventure travel. I plan to use the MLC bag to carry cycling clothes and enough everyday clothes, and other everyday essentials and use the Messenger bag, that should fit under the seat, the carry helmet, shoes, pedals, saddle, cycling socks, and a few other small things. Think I have the problem solved without having to buy anything new. I should not have to check anything,assuming KLM does not like the size of the MLC.

[Lovetoclimb]

I have been using the original style of the Rapha bag for 2 years now. I basically use it every time I pack things to go for a ride whether it is a weekend trip, or a single day ride. I don’t know about fitting a weekend’s worth of stuff, depending how much kit you needed to bring, but for my needs it has been flawless. It was being blown out on clearance way back, something silly like $80.