Cervelo Aspero: Custom Frame Bag from Bike Bag Dude

For a gravel bike, sometimes we want to use it to explore more remote areas, where there is no water or supplies for a rather long distance. In this case, it is necessary to bring along some food and drinks, plus spares for the bike, as you need to be pretty much self sufficient. I'm not talking about long multi-day journeys like on touring bikes, but maybe those one day tours where you leave in the morning, and return only in the evening.

It is also useful to have some extra luggage capacity to bring more stuff along, such as more water or more spares. To avoid cluttering up the bike with a rack or large saddle/handlebar bags, a frame bag is useful as it uses the empty space within the frame. I used the SKS frame bags on the previous Canyon Endurace, and it is really useful. However, the problem is that it is rather small, so I can't really bring much. The frame bag, being a generic type, does not maximize the use of the space within the frame triangle. Bigger frame bags can't really fit my Cervelo Aspero, as my frame is a size 51, which is considered rather small.

Then, I came across this awesome frame bag as seen in the first picture below. It is a frame bag and fully fills up the space within the frame triangle, following the contours of the water bottles to maximize the bag volume.

I found that it is a custom frame bag, which is specially shaped and sized to fit a particular frame, of that particular size. This maximizes the bag volume, within the limits of the frame.

Custom frame bag, seen on another person's Cervelo Aspero.

I contacted Bike Bag Dude, which is a company based in Australia. They make custom bags for your bikes, where you can choose the material you want to use, and the shape depends on your bike frame. Although they did not have a size template for a size 51 Cervelo Aspero, they can make the bag based on some measurements, as you will see below.

I was also advised to get side load bottle cages, as the shape of the frame bag would make it impossible to pull out the bottles from the top. I needed to take accurate measurements, with the actual bottles and bottle cages, which is why I went to get the side load bottle cages first.

Specialized Zee Cage side load bottle cages. Comes in left and right side types.

The pair of bottle cages weigh 82 grams.

I usually pull out my bottle from the left side of the frame, so using one right and one left cage would enable this.

Putting the actual water bottles into the side load cages, and taking the measurements as shown. Dimensions are in cm.

Taking accurate measurements is necessary, so that the custom bag can be made to your desired dimensions. As shown above, the shape (in green) would fill up the entire empty space inside the frame. In the end, Bike Bag Dude (BBD) was able to secure a template of the size 51 Aspero locally, and also use my measurements as a reference.

The lead time is 3 to 4 weeks, while the cost is also not cheap for a frame bag. AUD 200 for the bag, and add AUD 50 for shipping. Although it is more expensive than an off-the-shelf frame bag, it is actually quite reasonable, considering the custom made, labour and skills required to fabricate the bag. Don't forget that you can also choose the type and colour of the material you want for the bag, other than the dimensions.

The bag has arrived! Only 190 grams when empty, which is good given the large size.

Spare velcro strap, bungee cord (for the zip), and local delicacies are included.

This kind of velcro strap is new to me, as it looks different from the usual loop and hook type of velcro.

Comparing the size with the previous SKS Explorer Edge frame bag.

The new bag is about 1/3 bigger than the SKS Explorer Edge.

SKS Explorer Edge is pretty much filled up when a small bottle is placed inside.

On the new BBD bag, the bottle only takes up the narrow front portion of the bag, leaving lots of space at the back.

The width is also perfect, ensuring no rubbing against the legs during pedaling.

5 velcro straps in total secures the bag to the frame. On the downside, the shape did not fill in the corners below the two "humps" of the bag.

Strap on the downtube also secures the bag to prevent swinging.

I chose the dark camo pattern to fit the gravel theme, while ensuring that it is quite a neutral colour.

Bag fits nicely in the frame, maximizing the bag volume. Note that I used a taller bottle on the downtube, but it still fits.

The front of the bag covers a bit of the cable entrance on the downtube, but it is still OK as the bag material is soft.

The BBD custom frame bag looks pretty good even on the road setup, in case you want to bring more stuff along on your road rides.

It looks best on the gravel setup! All set for a whole day of adventure.

With 2 full water bottles on the frame, the frame bag will be used to carry spares and other supplies as needed.

Without the frame bag, I would have to use 1 bottle cage on the frame for the tool bottle, leaving only 1 full water bottle for the ride.

I am very happy with the Bike Bag Dude frame bag, as the build quality is really good, with lightweight and also water resistant material. The straps are also wide and strong, with a felt-like finish on the inside to prevent scratching the paint on the frame.

With the extra capacity of the frame bag to carry spares, I can carry two full water bottles with me, which is sometimes necessary for longer rides without anywhere to top up water.