Hello! I ride exclusively on the road, and like to go fast. I’m looking at some long winter outdoor (in Southern California) rides and want to get either a burrito/bar bag or a frame bag to carry extra layers and snacks. I’m hesitant to put a burrito bag on my aero one piece bar/stem because AERO, but also unsure if a frame bag is right. Any recommendations as to which of the two I should get, and within each category, which bags would you recommend? I’d prioritize lightweight and ease of attachment over pretty much anything else. Thanks!
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I’m not even that concerned with aero, but I’d shy away from a burrito bag because it seems like too much of a windcatcher.
With any frame bag or top-tube bag (also a viable option), you need to ask whether your knees will be rubbing it, and whether that will drive you crazy. I’ve got a full-length, half-height frame bag (the 4 L version of this), and my knees unavoidably rub it, so using it is a last resort. But I’ve got a half-length frame bag (this) that I leave on all the time—it doesn’t interfere at all. I don’t think there’s anything exceptional about that bag. There are many others like it. But it works fine for me. .
For any frame or top-tube bag, I’d sketch out a full-scale mockup on paper and tape that to the frame to see what the knee-rub situation is like. A combination of half-length frame bag and top-tube bag might get you the storage you want without the annoyances
Also, check how waterproof the closure is (this will be more of an issue with top-tube bags, which have upward openings), and check whether there’s a high-contrast lining. If you go with a top-tube bag and your frame is a little large for your inseam, you can have a problem with standover clearance. This is more of an annoyance than a real problem, but something to consider.
You may want to put down a layer of helicopter tape where the bag touches the frame.
There won’t be a lot to choose between bags in terms of ease of attachment. They mostly have built-in velcro straps. Tailfin uses its own rubber straps, and there are a few that use crisscross laces.
Depending on your frame size and whatever frame bag you’re considering, you might want to get side-release bottle cages.
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I have a top tube bag on my gravel bike (Apidura racing) and don’t rub my knees on it, so this might be the best option aerowise too if the storage is enough (which might be an issue).
I also use a frame bag (Apidura expedition) and there is some knee rub there. I use it only for bikepacking and would not want to have it on all the time. Finally, I do have a Rapha Explore bar bag I use occasionally on my gravel bike to carry a spare set of gloves etc. But I don’t care about aero on my gravel during the Winter as I have full length mudguards there too 
I have various bags from Roadrunner, Inside Line Equipment (ILE) and Swift Industries, and would recommend those makers. They fasten easily, don’t weigh much, and don’t get in the way.
The Roadrunner burrito bag I use doesn’t catch much wind as far as I can tell, but I’m also not optimizing for aero whatsoever. The regular size doesn’t hold much though, so I’m also often using a frame/top tube bag and/or a large saddle bag.
Hi! Thank you all for these recommendations. This is all very helpful info and now I don’t feel like I’m shooting in the dark.
Apidura recently released an aero frame bag, which they claim makes your bike more aero. But even a “normal” frame bag is almost certainly more aero than a bar bag. Plus I find frame bags tend to be more convenient to use. And look more aesthetially pleasing. So all in all, I’m definitely team frame bag.
Within that category, lots of options to choose from, many of which are pretty similar. Apidura is probably the most established brand in the space, but lots of smaller bag makers produce nice products (especially if you have strong colour preferences!)
It’s also worth looking at Tailfin’s top tube and frame bag offerings, of which there are quite a few. They’re not the cheapest or lightest, but may well be the best engineered, and least likely to rub. If it was me, I’d stay away from burrito bags, which have performed poorly in wind tunnel tests. FWIW, I’ve had zero knee contact with Revelate’s Tangle bags, but top tube bags which lack structure have been a major PITA.
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Hello! Just wanted to come back here to say thanks for all the input. I settled on a frame bag, and chose the “racelite mini” from a local brand, Lead Out. Here’s a link to the bag:
I put it on my frame for a 6.5 hour 12,000 ft climbing day on Monday and was thrilled. All my snacks stayed in the bag, I noticed no wind issues or extra weight honestly. It worked great, for anyone who finds this and is curious!
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I use a Tailfin mini wedge frame bag and would say they make an excellent product. They are the most expensive but are well worth it.