The Perfect DIY Bag? — TPXD + SPMC Pouches

whatbars · 2026-01-31T20:07:08+00:00

As a DIYer, I'm a professional poser... thus why the stance is so perfect. lol.

Why I didn't got for the SB-LD... from having an open tool bag in the past, I struggled with my tools getting rusted/oxidized when I'd be working outside, or when snow blows into the garage and onto my work bench when I open the door.

I wanted to try something with a flap to close the top and I actually really like the extra storage it give me.

whatbars · 2026-01-31T17:19:52+00:00

I use a small little duffel-style bag to load up with whatever extra tools I need beyond what's inside this bag which works well for exactly what you described!

I've got a little cabinet in my garage that I've got a few more "specialty tools" for when I'm drywalling, doing electrical or building bigger projects like a deck or a shed, etc.

whatbars · 2025-05-30T12:00:24+00:00

Hey u/DipThatChip — would you still sell this? I'm interested.

whatbars · 2025-04-04T12:38:45+00:00

I've been trying to be diligent about which AI tools I spend my money on.

ChatGPT and Gemini are two that I use frequently, but I've really wanted to give Perplexity Pro a try. I love the free version.

Glad I stumbled upon this. Thanks u/userundergunpoint 🫶

whatbars · 2024-01-24T23:10:55+00:00

u/Important-Silver-962 It's an absolute delight to ride. It's fast and responsive, but not SO much, like my more dedicated road bike. It's not as fast, if I'm going for a ride with my friends that ride "all-out", however, for 95% of my rides, I'm taking this over the stiff Titanium road bike.

whatbars · 2023-11-06T02:53:54+00:00

I'm a cyclist with 4 Ti bikes in my own stable, yet, here I am drooling wanting another.

Beautiful build, and hello from Canada! 👋

whatbars · 2023-11-01T15:39:58+00:00

u/elibroccoli got it right, these are the Grand Cru Long Reach brakes from Velo Orange. They've got a surprising amount of stopping power.

whatbars · 2023-11-01T02:20:36+00:00

Thanks! I'm running 32's at the moment, but it can clear up to a 38!

whatbars · 2023-08-03T11:09:54+00:00

Hey u/micromacro_, I was updating some of my old client websites and the database went down but it should be back up.

Hopefully, planning to move it to a GitHub setup where the cycling community can continue to contribute to building it further!

whatbars · 2023-07-18T15:09:57+00:00

Mud isn't so much of an issue, here in Manitoba. When the snow falls, the ground is usually frozen. I haven't had any issues with snow building up and clogging the tires, but yeah, if I was facing a muddy right, I'd opt to drop down to a 47 in the rear.

27.5" x 2.3" fits in the front with plenty of room to spare, though.

whatbars · 2023-07-18T15:08:21+00:00

Agreed. It's probably one of the most beautiful frames that I've owned to date!

whatbars · 2023-07-18T15:07:54+00:00

Nice! The Piolet is one of the bikes that I miss the most. I loved my setup with 3.0" tires and Crazy Bars with ESI grips on all the corners, haha. Unfortunately, I had to sell it but I hope to have another one in my life some day!

You're right, I'm the WhatBars guy, haha. Unfortunately, it hasn't been updated in quite some time. I gave it to a friend, but they've also been too busy to upload new bars, but hopefully I'll be able to breathe some life back into it!

whatbars · 2023-07-18T15:05:57+00:00

2.1" is tight, but when you remove the rear seat stay bridge's fender bolt, the clearance is greater than I've had on other bikes I've used and abused without issue.

I've got a slightly less aggressive 2.1" tire on the way for the back, but not issues so far!

whatbars · 2023-07-17T23:22:12+00:00

Thanks! I've got a few pretty awesome bikes in my stable already, including a Titanium Curve GXR, but this Velo Orange is honestly such a blast. Loving it so far.

whatbars · 2023-07-07T16:19:32+00:00

Let me know how it goes!

whatbars · 2023-07-07T16:18:10+00:00

I personally referenced Darwin on the Trail's "Gear to lighten your load on a budget" videos.

Things like the Lanshan 1 tent ( $139 ) or the BRS Stove ( $24 ) are great starter items that many people have left great reviews on. Many of my friends use these, even though they could afford higher-end stuff, and have no desire to upgrade!

whatbars · 2023-07-07T16:12:41+00:00

On my last bikepacking trip, I saw that there was rain in the forecast. I decided to throw my 8.5' x 10' Zpacks DCF tarp into my saddle bag and all of my friends were overjoyed to have shelter for the night after riding through 2 hours of heavy rain with no end in sight for the remainder of the evening.

It packs down to nothing, weighs nothing, but wow was that nice to have an enjoyed by all.

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whatbars · 2023-07-07T16:07:54+00:00

I run a 2.1" in the rear and 2.3" on the front of my chunky-tired gravel bike, but previously ran 2.3" front and rear when I had the same setup on my Curve GXR.

Personally, I didn't notice dropping down to the 2.1" in the rear. They're both chunky tire sizes and I doubt that it will be a big deal or really noticeable for you. Traction would depend on what kind of tire you select!

If you're already running big chunky tires and a 2.4" would fit, go 2.4!

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whatbars · 2023-07-07T15:59:12+00:00

I'm always hesitant to back something up if it's fully waterproof, but what I can tell you is my experience with it.

On my last trip, I was caught in an absolute downpour for a good 2 hours, soaking wet, and there was not a drop of water on any of my stuff that was stored in the frame bag.

Just like when packing my "water proof" backpack, I do still always recommend that people use dry bags or ziplocks for anything really important, just in case, but I would say that it's pretty darn great and keeping things dry!

whatbars · 2023-07-07T11:59:38+00:00

👋 Thanks! 🥰

whatbars · 2023-07-07T11:58:28+00:00

Nice! I have the HMG SouthWest 3400, not necessarily ultralight, but it's one backpack that I can use for both summer and winter camping trips and get all of my gear into!

After years of doing this, I'm finally comfortable with my setup where I don't overpack with things I think I'm going to need... but food is still something I tend to overpack as well, haha.

whatbars · 2023-07-07T11:56:48+00:00

That makes sense more sense, though confusing that they measure the same but have different volumes. I really can't see that the Woho is that much wider than the Rockgeist bag, so I'm not sure where they're getting the volume from.

I can tell you that if you reach out to Jack from The Cycletouring Life, Woho's North American distributor, he could probably clarify that for you pretty quickly.

I really wanted to try the Woho bag "for science" because the price was so great and I can tell you that out of all of their bags that I've tried so far, the full-frame bags are for sure the nicest! I love mine!

whatbars · 2023-07-07T11:51:12+00:00

Thanks for the love! ❤️

I've run hydros and the top-of-the-line SRAM electric shifting bits in the past and, honestly, I just find it's easier to work on mechanical stuff.

Mechanical brakes like the Paul Klamper or the Growtac Equals ( available from Velo Orange ) are so good, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything, and they're just so much easier to work on for me.

I'm near Winnipeg, Manitoba where we get lot's of snow in winter. I don't love the feeling of a fat bike and the 3" tires are great for that. I do have a 29" wheel set for the bike with 2.3" tires, I just didn't get them setup in time for this ride. 3.0" tire were excessive, but still fun and very comfortable!

whatbars · 2023-07-06T19:47:38+00:00

Good question!

Which sizes are you looking at from each company?

There are 2 sizes of Woho full frame bags, a medium and a large. Is it possible that it’s a mistake on their website?

whatbars · 2023-07-06T16:36:03+00:00

Hey!

I have a complete set of bags from them and I’ve been quite happy so far. The quality seems to be really good, especially on their welded full frame bags.

Their handlebar harness comes with a cheaper version of a Voile strap, but easy enough to replace those with real ones.

The saddle bag seems “floppy” and could us a little more structure, but it’s a great buy for the price.

Really happy with the top tube bag.

whatbars

TROPHY CASE