Die richtige Wahl der Fahrrad-Rahmentasche

They're at the heart (literally) of your bike: the frame bags! But because of the geometry of your frames, they can take on several forms, functions and even positions, and it can be difficult to make the right choice between all these options. Zéfal has sorted out the options to help you choose the right frame bag, whether you're commuting, bikepacking or even ultra-cycling!

What's the point of a frame bag?

Your frame is the main part of your bike, and it would be a shame to deprive yourself of the space it offers! For decades, cyclists have made it their home for their water bottles with bottle cages, but more recently it's bikepacking that has led them to attach all kinds of bags: long, short, above or below the horizontal tube... Some of you may find yourself without much space on the frame because of its geometry or simply the size of the bike, so Zéfal can help you in its article dedicated to bikepacking equipment for a small frame !

It's important to define your frame bag requirements. This will enable you to equip yourself correctly and avoid having a pannier that is useless for your cycling! The frame bag is the one you'll probably open and close most often because it's so easy to access, especially when it's positioned above the top tube, giving you direct access to the zip. You can then leave your personal belongings in it, such as your phone, wallet, keys or anything else you might need quickly on the road. Some cyclists also like to have their tools close at hand, so storing them in the frame bag is the easiest way to carry out a quick repair: multi-tools, tyre levers, repair kits or lubricants for rides that put a lot of strain on your mechanical parts.

A frame bag for every day...

Are you looking for a compact frame bag that lets you store your belongings without taking up too much space? Here's a small selection of panniers that will convince you:

• Z Aero : This is the frame bag for the most minimalist of you! It's the smallest bag in the selection, so you can store the bare minimum without taking up too much space or distorting the shape of your bike. It's an aerodynamic bag that will suit backpackers and triathletes in particular, as it's ideal for storing gels or nutritional bars, as well as a small cruet of lubricants just in case!

• Z Adventure T1 : This horizontal tube bag is an intermediate solution for anyone looking for a bag capable of carrying your personal belongings (wallet, phone, repairs, nutrition, powerbank...). It's universally suitable for road bikes, gravel bikes and even mountain bikes. It's completely waterproof and has a cable channel in the middle for when you're running low on battery power! Also available in Bolt version for those with threaded holes on their horizontal tube: more minimalist, more solid!

• Z Adventure C2 : This is the frame bag of our selection that will fits directly under the horizontal tube! It's also the biggest, with a capacity of 2.5 litres. This bag is ideal for day trips, where the weather can be capricious, to store rain gear or gloves (the pannier is waterproof), or for 2 or 3-day bike trips, as a complement to other bags.

• Console Pack T1 : This is the frame bag for bike trips. It's great for short rides or commuting, thanks to its integrated smartphone holder! It also has a cable loop for recharging your phone and making sure you don't get lost on the way home from work! Also available in larger T2 and T3 versions.

Whether you need space, accessibility, practicality or aerodynamics, there are several solutions available. However, these panniers only meet a certain need. For the more ambitious among you, who are always up for a big cycling trip, you'll need to equip yourself differently.

...A frame bag for life!

Do you want to set off on an adventure, explore the countryside by bike, or bivouac under a full moon (or not)? Then you absolutely need a frame bag that will last a lifetime! So here's a small selection that's more geared towards bikepacking:

• Z Adventure T3 : Your best ally when bikepacking! This pannier, which fits over the horizontal tube, gives you quick access to a large number of your belongings thanks to its large volume and long zip. This waterproof bag is a must-have for ultra-cycling thanks to its 2L volume and minimalist construction that won't get in the way of your pedalling.

• Z Adventure C3 : This bag is the perfect in-between! It's suitable for the vast majority of frames and, with its 3.3 litres of volume, you'll be able to store lots of your stuff in it. It can carry your personal belongings as well as a jacket that you can quickly take out in bad weather, and also your repair kit.

• Z Adventure C4 : The 3rd size of the Z Adventure C, and the largest of all. This waterproof bag is the perfect addition for cycling trips lasting more than a week, with its 4.2L capacity. Do you want to travel light without having to worry about space on your bike? The Z Adventure C4 is perfect for that! However, the Z Adventure C4 is not suitable for all frame geometries, so make sure yours is.

And a few useful accessories

Finally, you may find it useful to use your frame to the maximum of its capacity. In addition to bags, water bottles and bottle cages, here are a few accessories you might need...

The Z Box is a toolbox that lets you easily store your equipment in a waterproof receptacle that fits into one of your bottle cages. While the S version will find favour with road cyclists, the Z Box M and Z Box L are ideal for bikepackers who want to keep their bags for clothes or personal belongings only. The Universal Tube Strap is the perfect accessory for mountain bikers. This universal strap attaches to the frame to keep a spare inner tube and tyre levers close at hand, so you don't need a saddlebag or bag!