It turns out that handlebar and frame packs are all the rage these days. So, whether you’re bikepacking or just want a seat pack alternative, it’s worth giving the Lead Out! Frame Pack a good looksie.
Lead Out! Mini Frame Bag Features:
- Velcro and bungee toggle attachment points
- Left side stores slimmer items
- Right side accommodates larger items
- Water-resistant fabric and zippers
- Size allows access to water bottles
- Includes reflective touches
- Semi-structural foam liner
- Size: 11in x 13.5in x 8.5in [2″ wide]
- Colors: Black, Charcoal (tested), Orange, White
- MSRP: $65
Keep that front triangle open for business!
Most of the time, frame packs require you to sacrifice a water bottle cage or two. But, that’s not necessary with the Lead Out! Mini Frame Bag. With that, it’s a much more functional option as a daily driver or for added storage on an all-day adventure. Admittedly, it’s not made for extensive bikepacking trips, but for long days in the saddle, this is a good option.
Lead Out! focuses on a small line of packs and accessories and, along with the Mini Handlebar Bag, can provide a great option for hauling gear when you don’t want your jersey pockets stuffed to the hilt or if you need the extra space.
Attaching the Mini Frame Bag is straightforward. The three top tube straps are easily cinched down and feature soft material on the outside to save your knees from scratches. The head tube and downtube bungee toggles are also easily-used and secured. However, I have found that swapping their location works better since down tubes can be quite large compared to head tubes. That’s an easy swap. While the bag is relatively soft at all touch points, I would still add protective tape for long-term use. Over the course of long gravel rides, any micro-movement will result in paint scuffs.
The simple rope zipper pulls do the job and make opening/closing the pockets easy. There’s even nice garages to ensure the zipper pulls don’t flop around. As I’ve been testing the Mini Frame Bag, I’ve been able to stash extra gloves, hydration, tools, tubes, phones and more inside there. In fact, that left side pocket makes phone access a breeze. The foam structure keeps items from poking out and clanging on your frame or knees.
I really appreciate how easy it is to access items while in the saddle. Bar bags and saddle bags don’t offer that kind of functionality. If you prefer not to stop to access your gear, this really is a great option. That may be a killer feature for those long training rides.
So long as you have an open front triangle, you should be able to install this pack. It doesn’t work well with extremely-compact frame designs. My testing has been aboard the new Fezzari Shafer gravel bike and it works quite well — thanks to the low-placed bottle cages and a small Fly Elite 550ml bottle. Frames smaller than 54cm will likely have to sacrifice their downtube-mounted water bottle to use this bag. All my road/gravel frames are compatible with a regular-sized bottle, but my wife’s 52cm gravel bike isn’t. Keep that in mind.
The Good
- Maintains access to two bottles (~54cm and up)
- Easy attachment points
- Stays out of the way
- Nice storage space for layers and other gear
- Quick phone/wallet access
- Easy to swap bungee locations based on your frame
- Can easily access items while in the saddle
The Bad
- Can’t carry two bottles on smaller frame sizes
- You may need to buy a small-ish bottle to fit
- You’ll still want frame protection
The Bottom Line: Lead Out! Mini Frame Bag
With a variety of hauling options these days, Lead Out! is providing some Goldilocks solutions for many riders. We’re not all bikepacking these days, but many riders are venturing deeper and deeper into gravel terrain or taking longer training routes. For these type of rides, the Lead Out! Mini Frame Bag allows you to haul what you need while providing quick access in the saddle.
Buy Now: Visit Lead Out!
