After seeing Scar's reference to the the J.PAKS frame bags, I dropped Joe an email regarding my interest in a custom frame bag for my Salsa Spearfish. Well, 7 days after Joe received my template, a nice frame bag arrived in the mail. The only custom feature I asked for was a way to externally mount my tent/tarp poles. I'm impressed with the attachment points. Joe really seemed to nail the locations down correctly.
After filling the bag with camping junk (tarp, etc) and mounting my poles to the outside, I took the frame bag out for a rough technical test ride today and it worked just fine. Honestly, after the first 10 minutes, I forgot I even had the bag on the bike.
The only minor concern I have is there is very minimal clearance between the pole pocket and the crank arm. There was zero rubbing during today's ride, but I still may tack down the pocket a bit to increase clearance. I pointed this out to Joe and I'm sure he'll keep it in mind for future builds. He said he erred on the side of making it a bit to big,which makes sense, since it would really suck if the poles didn't fit.
Communication, delivery time, and build quality were all excellent. I'm also happy to support a fellow Coloradoan. Hopefully, I can get out for some nice trips this year and provide some feedback on durability.
Not a lot of room inside that frame, but I do believe we made the most of it :thumbsup:
And now my desire for a Spearfish frame is even higher! Sweet bike.
It fills the usable space in the frame real well.
And i really like the idea of strapping the poles to the outside of the bag.
I wish i had thought of something like that before i ordered my frambag.
I ride a Surly Pugsley with a 100mm BB, so there is enough space to put things like that on the outside of the bag without it getting in the way of the crankarm's.
Seeing this Spearfish is really making me want to get geared up so I can hit some of the trails around where I live in Montana next summer.
Baker. what size is your Spearfish? I just pick up a '12 Spearfish 1 in medium and the frame looks about the same size as yours.
I just received my order of JPAKS. Got 2 frame bags (one w/hydration bladder for my Pug and the other for my Fargo). Joe incorporated a # of features into them for me, including reflective trim on the sides, and internal pockets and mesh. Very quality construction and he takes the time to ensure that velcro straps do not interfere with braze on's, mounts, and guides. -Also got a couple of snakpaks and ruksaks-which also incorporate well. I've taken the Fargo on a few day trips but no overnights yet (new build), but the fit and stitching is also amazing-you can see in the pics. Thus far, all looks well. I am actually in Minnesota, North TC Metro area if you are in the area and want to see them don't hesitate to look me up.
Joe is very accomodating and stands behind what he does. I'll post more after I get some more miles and get some pictures of my Pug, but here is some of the Fargo w/bags.
-And yes, I am losing the fenders to use this for its' intended purpose. I had been using it for some local commuting to the house of barley and hops.
I'll be ordering more bags (seat, etc.) when fundage allows. In the meantime check his blog for some other details!
Just ordered a couple RukSaks and a SnakCan.
Now I've got easy access to my bacon and PBRs.
Will report back with picts.
Thanks Joe it was nice meeting you today, love your shop.
Joe is awesome! Patient and great communication. Exactly what I wanted. Mine came in earlier this week and toughed out a couple laps of a pretty techy trail. I'm a fan and cannot wait to collect his other small paks.
I've got a Giant Anthem 29er with the same maestro suspension set up. Seeing as how you have roughly the same setup, did you come across any issues with fit/performance in your rides?
It's solid and I use it for local rides instead of my back pack. The bladder compartment is nice!
The only fit issue I came about was my fault. I didn't specify how huge the downtube was on my 2012 trance. The very bottom strap is only connected by about an inch overlap but ive experienced no problems whatsover. Same thing with the headtube. Only connected by about two inch overlap. I've already given Joe a heads up but give him a reminder. I fit a couple of liters of water, multitool, 2 tubes, levers, folding pliers, light and battery, wallet, keys, phone, lube, chain links, mini pump, knee warmers, a couple of other little things. It's so nice to have a free back. I have a 4 day trip coming up. I can stuff my tent in there and use my pack for water clothes and tools. Super pumped! :beer:
Let's all keep it civil in here. While I'm not opposed to people airing differences of opinion, I'm not going to tolerate grand accusations and personal attacks. I don't want to lock this thread, as it is otherwise productive and positive.
Hey Joe, how is the progress coming along in the seat bags? Were you able to make a stable enough design? Any extra features on it and what's capacity?
Super stoked to see more pics!
Does it clamp around seatpost and to saddle rails? If that's the case it would be awesome to have on my road bike for my work commutes and swap to my mtb for Bikepacking.
The frame bag I purchased from you was designed for the inner triangle of my trance x but also fits in my road bike. The cutout of the rear shock is even perfect to allow a seat tube bottle cage with bottle. Works perfect!
Hey Joe, how is the progress coming along in the seat bags? Were you able to make a stable enough design? Any extra features on it and what's capacity?
I've got multiple prototypes now and I'm dialing in the design as we speak. Trying to improve on the stability and capacity factors. Not scientifically tested, but I think we're in the 10-11 litre capacity
Does it clamp around seatpost and to saddle rails? If that's the case it would be awesome to have on my road bike for my work commutes and swap to my mtb for Bikepacking.
That is the plan :thumbsup:
The frame bag I purchased from you was designed for the inner triangle of my trance x but also fits in my road bike. The cutout of the rear shock is even perfect to allow a seat tube bottle cage with bottle. Works perfect!
The hardest part about designing a new 'product' is testing, testing, and testing even more.
I've been super busy the past few weeks, but I am putting time into testing these to make sure they are the best they can be.
Also planning on hitting a price point a bit lower than the current offerings :thumbsup:
Thanks!
Availability will be very, very soon on both items. The SeatPak will be available within the next week or so :thumbsup:
SeatPak will be utilizing a combination of X-Pac VX-21 side panels, 1000D Cordura spine, and 420D ripstop material along with an internal plastic spine to maintain rigidity.
Daisy chain sewn onto the underside and rubberized fabric against sewn onto seatpost velcro are stock.
All Black or Black and Grey
Price and ordering info will be on the blog so stay tuned :thumbsup:
J Paks Gear is great stuff!!! One day I shall have a full Jpaks bike.
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