ALPHA CUSTOM FRAME BAG

For me, frame bags fall in the “need”, not “want”, category. I use them almost every day, and you probably will too. They’re not only for bikepacking anymore - you’ll find them on bikes of all types. Frame bags are useful for day rides, commuting, racing, dirt, gravel, pavement, and yes, touring and bikepacking of course.

I’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.

To be transparent, here’s a list of benefits and downsides as I see them:

FEATURES = BENEFITS:

• Utilizes the empty space in your frame = carry cargo where none fit before

• Cargo weight is lower than in a backpack = lower center of gravity and better handling

• Photographic template process = accurate templates from anywhere in the world

• Dialed-in build process = a frame bag that fits perfectly and just looks great

• Built with weatherproof materials = your cargo is protected

• Truly artisan-level design and build quality = beautiful gear that lasts with elevated function and reliability

DISADVANTAGES:

• Not 100% waterproof: built with weatherproof materials, but it is a sewn product for durability, so in heavy downpours dampness may show at the seams. Learn more here.

• Craftsmanship like this doesn’t come cheap

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 my 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:

• Available color swatches are shown in the photostream - 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.

• 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. I use one set per tube, not multiple sets. And, I never suspend bags from mounts under the top tube, as these fail more readily than I’d like unless I use a very heavy plastic in the spine. Partial bolt-on really doesn’t improve anything but looks… but it does look sleek!

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

VOLUME: Varies depending on the size of the bag, but generally between 2-16L.

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

ORIGIN: 100% built by Venture Handmade in the USA. Majority of material is recycled and made in the USA.

COMPATIBILITY: Built specifically for your bike, so the Alpha is perfectly compatible with anything!

VIDEO: See above for video instructions.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Finally, for Premium bags with the Partial Bolt-On option: I 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 in the Lower 48! For details on shipping and returns, click here.

What I do, why I do it, and the way it’s done:

• I’ve been working in the bicycle industry since 1997 and hand-building gear for bicycles since 2010. A lot has changed over the years, but what’s remained the same is my motivation. I’m still here, still innovating, still building, and still believing in American craftsmanship.

• My process is human-scale and analog, not corporate and digital. I’m not intentionally a throwback; that's just the way life makes sense to me. I can’t help but push back on a modern age obsessed with technology, externalization, and efficiency at all costs… a world that increasingly feels inhuman. Working with my hands and conversing with my customers is good for me, good for customers, provides purpose, and supports my family. I count that as a win.

If you feel like reading, here's a proper manifesto.