Gravel guides
Frame bags for gravel: size, weight and what to carry
For rides up to a day you need two bags: a top tube bag (0.5–0.8 litres) for phone, food and tools, and a half-frame bag (2–4 litres) for a tube, pump, layer and gloves. Together they weigh 150–300 grams, keep weight low and central, and empty your jersey pockets. Add a saddle bag only for overnight trips.
The two bags that cover most rides
A top tube bag sits behind the stem and holds what you reach for while riding: phone, gels, a bar, a multitool. A half-frame bag fills the front of the main triangle and takes the things you need once or twice a day: spare tube, pump or CO2, a wind layer, gloves, a battery. On a gravel bike these two replace stuffed jersey pockets and a rattling saddle bag.
Tinden's set is exactly these two bags, drawn around the Eryx so both bottle cages stay free.
Sizes and weights
Top tube bags run from 0.4 to 1 litre; above 0.8 litres they start to brush your knees when you stand. Half-frame bags run 2–5 litres; 3 litres carries a day's kit without blocking bottles on a medium frame. A typical set weighs 150–300 g empty. Full-frame bags (5–8 litres) are for bikepacking and cost you both bottles.
Packing for calm handling
Heavy items go low and central: tube, tools and battery in the bottom of the frame bag. Soft, light items — gloves, layer, food — go on top and in the top tube bag. A bike packed this way steers the same as an empty one. A heavy saddle bag or handlebar roll does the opposite: it makes the front vague and the rear sway on descents.
Water resistance
Most good bags are water-resistant — coated fabric, water-resistant zips, welded or taped top seams — rather than waterproof. That keeps rain and spray out on a normal ride. For anything that must stay dry in a storm, use a small dry bag inside.
When to add more
For an overnight trip add a seat pack (8–12 litres) for sleeping kit and a handlebar roll for the bulky, light things. For a day ride, resist: every extra bag is weight you lift on every climb and drag through every corner.
Frequently asked questions
How big should a gravel frame bag be?
2–4 litres for day rides; 3 litres fits a tube, pump, layer, gloves and food without blocking bottles on most medium frames.
Do frame bags slow you down?
A low-profile top tube bag and half-frame bag add almost nothing to frontal area. Handlebar rolls and large saddle bags cost more aerodynamically.
Are frame bags waterproof?
Most are water-resistant, not waterproof: coated fabric and water-resistant zips keep spray and rain out. Use a small dry bag inside for things that must stay dry.
Do Tinden's frame bags fit other bikes?
Yes, most gravel frames with a straight or slightly sloping top tube. Send your frame model and size to kontakt@tinden.cc and we will confirm.