Just picked up a used Domane and…what do you guys have stuffed in your downtube? I didn’t get the flat kit bag that gets stuffed in there…I wrapped a multitool, a tube, and a couple of C02 tanks in fabric and put them all in there, it seemed to fit pretty well and with smarter packing I think I might be able to squeeze even more stuff in there (tire boot, fiber spoke, maybe even a mini-leatherman too.)
What do you guys have in there? Is there a multitool that fits in the door of the hatch?
Joe
I assume the Domane opening and compartment is smaller than the one on my FUEL EX but in the fuel I carry a multi tool, derailleur hanger, zip ties, some first aid stuff, and a quick link
Yes. It is stupid expensive for what it is but fits perfectly without rattling, is pretty small & light and does what I need it to do. I have the sleeve that came with the bike and just have what they intended in it. Tube, CO2 cartridge, CO2 inflator head & levers.
On long days with big changes in temp (Wisconsin) I’ll put my lightweight vest in with the tube kit. It’s a tight squeeze, but it’s night to keep as much stuff off my back as possible. I love that thing for bike packing. That little extra space goes a long way!!
I have a Specialized Diverge. I can fit all maintenance tools and parts in the downtube.
Sounds like a lot. But everything is small except for pump and tube.
I’m getting a new trek Fuel frame with integrated storage. I hope it can fit similar.
I just wish it had a chain tool with it. Admittedly I’ve only broken a single chain in my life (back in '95) but it’s a show stopper if it happens. I might rummage thru my box of old crappy stuff and see if I have a multitool with a chain tool on it…if I have one and it’s small I could remove it from the old crappy multi tool and stick it in the kit. Thanks for the link!
I like this list! But…what’s a chain brush and what is it for?
Joe
I take the head off this and use it to brush down the chain when needed before applying more lube.
Helpful on long dusty gravel rides.
That would make it go from petite to pretty massive and heavy which I’m sure Trek wanted to avoid. I carry a KMC Mini Chain Tool along with a couple of extra CO2 cartridges plus some odds and ends in a Lezyne Caddy Sack - Small which goes in one of my jersey pockets. The chain tool is small and might fit in the sleeve but I carry the Caddy Sack anyway since there is no way I would venture out with only one cartridge I just stuck it in there. There is no way I would venture out with only one cartridge.
Firefly 2+
And stuff.
I’ve just got a Checkpoint with a Di2 battery opening. I squished a tube and CO2 pump in there.
Thread resurrection but…
Just got my Domane and thinking the same question. I’ve packed the BITS roll and added some zip ties and a tyre boot but am sure the lower part of the downtube void could be usefully used for more. I hate having my jersey pockets over-stuffed.
I have a tiny Birzman pocket pump that fits but is actually TOO short and falls down too far. I’m tempted to pack it with some bubblewrap to reduce the space and also hellp avoid any rattles. As I run it tubeless it also seemed perfect to store a Dynaplug kit in there.
My other thought is for sportives and long rides I can tuck in a couple of little bags of energy mix so you can add them to plain water at pit stops. Alternatively I bet a tightly rolled rain jacket would fit. Theres an unused Di2 battery holder in there and it would be good to remove that if at all possible and make better use of the potential this offers.
A £5.99 recorder bag (the musical instrument from school days) works well, it’s more compact than the Trek bag supplies and 40cm long so you can get a load of stuff in and out all at once. Handy little space.
I just upgraded my Checkpoint frame from an SL to an SLR so now have a downtube storage to use. It came with the roll, so I packed that as they recommended. I do want to stick in a few other things like a proper multitool with a chainbreaker. However I need do something to prevent it from falling down into the bottom bracket area. I saw the suggestion above about bubble wrap. I initially tried stuffing a microfiber towel, but of the ones I had one was a bit to big and the other one kind of small, so I was worried I would lose it down in the frame as well.
Also, the piece of blasket on the back of the removable panel looks like it was designed to stick a very small multitool into it. Can that piece be removed or exchanged for something else? I tried taking it off but then then one of the water bottle mounts won’t hold the screw because it needs to be threading into something.
Curious to hear what other peoples creative solutions have been.
I got a recorder case like as suggested above…haven’t put it in yet but it’s about the right shape.
Joe
Here are some pictures of the recorder bag…I’m getting a multitool with chain breaker, 2oz sealant, and a co2 with head in the bag and then a second co2 wrapped in a bit of cloth (I put a little tape tab on the cloth so I can pull it out after it slips down towards the bottom bracket shell). A tire plug and I’ll be all set.
Joe
Another idea for a storage bag:
I use this in addition to the trek wrap/bag
