Cycling "bento box" top tube with cables

[masraum]

I've heard red and other folks talk about a bento box. It seems like a great thing, but I think the way my bike is put together, it's not a great idea.



Am I correct in assuming that I shouldn't be setting a bento box on top of these cables? Or is there some sort of standoff built into some or available to keep something from sitting on the cables?

[stevej37]

I don't know the answer to your question...but all 3 of my road bikes have the cables routed alongside or under the frame?

[jcwade]

I used a Bento Box years ago for centuries.

It is convenient but just as easy to put stuff in your jersey.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by jcwade

I used a Bento Box years ago for centuries.

It is convenient but just as easy to put stuff in your jersey.

For you, yes, for me, sure, for my wife less so. I'm thinking of her. Also, it's nice to be able to see what you're grabbing.

[flatbutt]

The only Bento box I ever used was full of sushi.

[red-beard]

Yeah, a Bento box isn't going to work with the cables on top.

[jyl]

Look at the bags that fit in the triangle - used for adventure cycling. Also, a good old fashioned handlebar bag works very well.

[stevej37]

https://www.amazon.com/Aduro-Bicycle-Storage-Triangle-Cycling/dp/B072J3ZTWY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3O8OC5IVYS3VU&keywords=bicycle+triangle+bag&qid=1550963907&s=gateway&sprefix=bicycle+triang%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

[porsche930dude]

you can just slice a piece of pvc tube in half and zip tie it on

[greglepore]

You have jersey pockets. What are you looking to carry? tri guys use boxes b/c no pockets

[masraum]

Originally Posted by greglepore

You have jersey pockets. What are you looking to carry? tri guys use boxes b/c no pockets

I'm trying to make this easy for the missus to eat while riding since we'll be doing 150 miles over 2 days. I'm currently 1 of 7500+ riders, but from what I understand, there is usually 10,000-16,000 riders. I'd prefer to not have to stop frequently. The break stops look like a pain in the arse. If we could go past a couple of stops, that'd be great.

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by masraum

I'm trying to make this easy for the missus to eat while riding since we'll be doing 150 miles over 2 days. I'm currently 1 of 7500+ riders, but from what I understand, there is usually 10,000-16,000 riders. I'd prefer to not have to stop frequently. The break stops look like a pain in the arse. If we could go past a couple of stops, that'd be great.

Try Hammer Perpetuem . Its complex carbs with a touch of protein. Try that in advance of the ride. Its easy to put 500-1000 calories in the bottle, which will reduce by 1/2 easily what you'll need over 75 mi. You can carry extra powder and turn that into 2k cal. Much better than food at stops. Hydrate either at stops or elsewhere if crowds are issue.

[look 171]

You will want to stop and get of the bike and give your ass and shoulders a rest. Legs, not so much unless you are cramping. Once that comes along, you are pretty much done unless you really rest up. 15 min stop aint gonna do nothin' for it.

Its seem like a mess with hundreds of people stopping to eat, pee and so on but its a great moral booster just to stop after 4-5 hours in the saddle. One time, we decided to pull in a Taco Bell and had a meal. I had no idea Taco Bell made such wonder food. We sat for about 20 min. Felt great.

She's tired and try and open that damn bag on the toptube is asking for it with so many people around. One thing about those mass rides, stay alert on up hill sections. That's when people slow down so much that someone will cross a wheel and fall over causing more to fall.

GEt a saddle bag and put a tube and Co2 inflator in there along with some money. This way is out of your way. There's nothing like having a big old bag on the handlebar or anywhere on the frame. Stuff a couple of light food items in the jersey pocket and stop at the feeds. Feeds every 30-40 miles?

[MFAFF]

Bento box bag nope.... gowever there are small top tube bags that can fit under the bar was well. Provided the rear strap can go under the cables these can fit and be accessed whilst riding.

Also consider you having a decent sized handle bar bag, say a couple of litres capacity with most of the food etc on board and you pass it to your wife “ ready” so she does not have to mess about with looking for stuff.

Drinking an energy drink (say 2x 800ml) should keep you going for a while and reduce the stress of stopping.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by look 171

You will want to stop and get of the bike and give your ass and shoulders a rest. Legs, not so much unless you are cramping. Once that comes along, you are pretty much done unless you really rest up. 15 min stop aint gonna do nothin' for it.

Its seem like a mess with hundreds of people stopping to eat, pee and so on but its a great moral booster just to stop after 4-5 hours in the saddle. One time, we decided to pull in a Taco Bell and had a meal. I had no idea Taco Bell made such wonder food. We sat for about 20 min. Felt great.

She's tired and try and open that damn bag on the toptube is asking for it with so many people around. One thing about those mass rides, stay alert on up hill sections. That's when people slow down so much that someone will cross a wheel and fall over causing more to fall.

GEt a saddle bag and put a tube and Co2 inflator in there along with some money. This way is out of your way. There's nothing like having a big old bag on the handlebar or anywhere on the frame. Stuff a couple of light food items in the jersey pocket and stop at the feeds. Feeds every 30-40 miles?

So far, on 30-40 mile rides, my rear is fine. My arms and shoulders are a little sore (muscles) which I think will improve with more time in the saddle in the postion.

We each have saddle bags. I have tire levers, inflators and CO2, tubes, and multitool spread between the two. We have been carrying food, etc in our jersey pockets.

I have seen some pics of the ride, and it looks like pandemonium. I’ve been hoping that it mostly starts out bad and then gets better as people spread out more, but that’s probably wishful thinking.

[look 171]

I don't do too many of those but in the past, we have done the Levi ride in northern Cal for the past three years. Its a fun ride and I get to hang with the boys. With that said, all the ones I have been on were 100 mile grinds. After 50-60 miles, the rest stops thin out a little, but its never too bad even in the beginning. Just a lot of riders hanging out taking a rest and go as you wish on your own time. All are polite at letting you out of the parking lot where these things are usually held. Eat something from your pocket every 20-30 miles and you should be fine then eat more at the feeds. Don't get carried away with eating. its no fun riding with a stomach full or even half full. I always go after the fruits at the feeds.

I had a slice of cold pizza this morning and went out for 50 nut busting miles without stopping but I was drained due to lack of riding for three week because of rain. These guys killed me. You will learn your body after riding for some time.

[look 171]

Its not the 30-40 miles, but the 60-80 is where you start to tire out and the suffering begins. The last 20 is torture is you are not in shape and I am not talking about leg strength or lung, but jsut being tired of holding on the bars and sitting on that damn saddle.

[masraum]

This is from last year, I believe.

[masraum]

pit stops





Day 2 start

[look 171]

Just look at how orderly those folks are, getting in line to use the can or food. I strongly suggest getting off for a little "Off the bike rest" every 30-40 miles. I have no idea how long is the total distance but it looks like a very well supported ride just by the amount of feeds, every 15-20 miles. Why carry food if its only such short distance? Have some high energy foods (Gel or something easy to carry in back)just in case.