Quick tip for carrying odd bits

[adouglas]

I hate carrying stuff in my pockets while riding.Wallet, loose change, house keys, iPod, thumb drive... stuff like that.

The question is, where to put it?

From the "why the heck did it take so long for me to think of this?" files I give you this:





Simple way of "creating" some storage under the seat cowl. All you need is a small stuff sack and some cord.

As you can see, the bag stays in place when I put the cowl on. That's nice, because if you just use a bag it doesn't want to stay where you place it. Putting the cowl on is fiddly, and when you take it off the bag wants to fall on the ground.

You don't need to use this much cord, of course, but it's handy stuff to keep around. You never know when you might need it. (Besides, I had a piece several feet long already on hand and was too lazy to go find a knife and lighter to seal the ends. )

[bikeguy57]

Excellent idea! I love ideas that solve a problem for free. another cheap idea- Aerostich makes a super lightweight backpack that folds down to 4X4X1" for that unexpected purchase when out on the bike.

[Sailariel]

Andrew, Thank you for that idea. I used thin bungee cord material. I'm too lazy to untie the cord every time I need to get in there.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by bikeguy57

Excellent idea! I love ideas that solve a problem for free. another cheap idea- Aerostich makes a super lightweight backpack that folds down to 4X4X1" for that unexpected purchase when out on the bike.

Ah, brilliant! I actually have a very similar bag that was given out as a freebie at a bicycle ride a few years ago. I'll just use that instead... double duty!

BTW, Sailariel, there's never any need to untie the cord unless you want to use it for something. There's plenty of give.

[randomwalk101]

Good idea but just know that cowls are known to get blown off so becareful with your valuables.
Posted via Mobile Device

[ninjabrewer]

Hmm, good idea about securing it with the rope. I have already been storing stuff there, now I know another way to keep it from falling out.

nb

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by randomwalk101

Good idea but just know that cowls are known to get blown off so becareful with your valuables.
Posted via Mobile Device

Yeah, I always give the cowl a tug to make sure it's solidly latched.

I think that at least some of those incidents are due to false latching. It's possible to push down on the cowl and not have it click solidly into place.

[adri99an]

Awesome!!

[Anteraan]

My favorite approach is still the FastPack from the Cycle Guys
http://www.thecycleguys.com/default....7&ProductID=97

It carries quite a bit if need be. I've put an entire change of clothes (including shoes) in there before, and still had room for toiletries, etc.

[adouglas]

Fast Pack: $69.95

String inside cowl with freebie soft sack/backpack: Free

Using improvisation to find a good solution that costs nothing: Priceless!

[lockie]

Thanks for the idea. I use a tank bag and a cargo net for the cowl but a little sack under the cowl will come in handy.

[adri99an]

Since we are talking about cowls--and we all know they are prone to blowing off the bike.....here's how I secure the grommet and cowl itself....I just posted this in another thread

[00NissanNinja]

Nice a cargo net could be useful, might do that when I get my cowl.
@adri99an that's a good idea to do that just to be on the safe side.

[Brian250R]

I was looking to get a cowl but it appears they don't lock on like the seat it replaces?

[adri99an]

Brian......they lock on...you just have to fiddle with it a bit....some people don't have any issues...and some do....I really like how it changes the look of the bike.

[Brian250R]

ok great. if it didn't lock on i wouldn't even consider it. thanks.

[CZroe]

I have the Timbuk2 zippered folding backpack (very tiny) but I've never had to use it. With my tank bag and the extra pockets on my jacket, I've never needed any additional storage. I do remove and stash my Parrot SK4000 "puck" under the seat when I'm already there locking down my helmet (comes off the helmet). Fits perfectly the way it is.

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by adouglas

Yeah, I always give the cowl a tug to make sure it's solidly latched.

I think that at least some of those incidents are due to false latching. It's possible to push down on the cowl and not have it click solidly into place.

Not the ones where the latch itself is still attached with the cowl MIA like Delta's! These incidents are common too.

[CZroe]

Timbuk2_Hidden_Backpack.JPG
Here's that Timbuk2 Hidden Backpack I was talking about. I've actually used it as a wallet, but never as a backback (tank bag + pockets always sufficed). It's only a little bigger than a wallet. I tried it and it fits my wallet snug inside!

[ScorpionNinja]

nifty idea adouglas!

but... as for loose change, i dont know about you, but i STILL stuff it in my sock/shoe!

example: the other week. I usually put on my helmet, gloves, jacket (4-5 pockets to store my cell,keys,money,wallet,etc) when i leave work to go ride 1-2 miles out to grab Lunch.
I always have SHORTs on during these times, but my shorts pockets cannot be trusted to hold your wallet,etc!

As i went into a one day for lunch and only wore my helmet. I work outside landscaping at a golf course and it was HOT as hell out. I didnt feel like wearing my jacket/gloves
-(both are hard to put on over sweaty/damp skin, no to mention they stick to you)

Anyways, my Wallet i stuck under the seat cowl, but my loose change....
then something i havent done since high school, about 15 years... stuff the coin in my sock/shoe!!!
-shurg-

it worked, thats all i know!

[ricochet08]

Originally Posted by ScorpionNinja

nifty idea adouglas!

but... as for loose change, i dont know about you, but i STILL stuff it in my sock/shoe!

My DVS shoes have pockets in the tounge

great idea indeed adouglas, now I have something to do in the mornin

[bud_44]

Wonderful idea Andrew. Thanks much.