[TWBigBlake]

I bought some Chase Harper barrel bags, they have a rigid piece of pvc in the bag to maintain its shape. Trying them out to see how they fare. They have straps which are a nice alternative to the giant hose clamps used to attach tool tubes. Run $18 a piece. Lots of room for tool rolls, a couple shirts, a rain liner, etc.

 

[FIRE UP]

Well,
From the point of view of the pics, they sure look like they could help in carrying equipment. But, and this is purely conjecture (not sure that's the right word), I know you're trying them out but, speaking from experience of years and years of watching tool mountings fail/break over the years on fire trucks due to poor roads etc. I'm wondering what kind of endurance the mounting of those tubes will take, based on any moderate to severe rough roads and off roading, over a given amount of time. Believe me, there's not much "carrying" capabilities on the T-dub for sure. Anyone coming up with new ideas is surely appreciated.
Scott

 

[TWBigBlake]

You definitely make a point, the straps are slick nylon and I basically had to tie a knot and rethread them through the buckle to make myself satisfied they aren't going anywhere. Might take them to a sewing/alterations shop and see if I can get some heavy duty Velcro straps sewn onto the barrel bags to secure them, maybe double up with Velcro and a buckle. For right now they are ok and didn't loosen up on my hour long ride yesterday... so we shall see. I suspect that a better mounting solution will be needed.

They do have some nylon loops at both ends of the bag... maybe throw something on those to mount them up...

 

[Michael Bryce Winnick]

They look a bit like rocket boosters. Everything we do is functional until it breaks or catches fire...as I learned with my first set of saddle bags. Just go with this until/unless something bad happens. My tool tube is indestructible. It holds my JIS screwdrivers and Charleston Chews. I'm good.

 

[Trail Woman]

I think it's a ideal solution in not so ideal location. They're the first thing to hit in a fall. Maybe under/over the rack would be better.

I've dropped my ABS piping tube several times. I could lift my bike by it.

 

[TWBigBlake]

I think it's a ideal solution in not so ideal location. They're the first thing to hit in a fall. Maybe under/over the rack would be better.

I've dropped my ABS piping tube several times. I could lift my bike by it.

Agreed, I'm not 100% feeling great about where they are mounted, initially I was just worried about feeling good about them feeling secure... I think I'll try to swueeze them in up top, see if there's a way to lash them to the rack or to the main bag... gonna have to get creative.

 

[sibyrnes]

I've had them on the handle bars of my TW and the rear rack of my Multistrada for a little over a year. I use them for carrying phone, wallet, etc. A quality product made in U.S.A.(if that matters to you).

 

[stagewex]

I had the ProCycle ToolTube kit that will fit under and hugs the left frame, nothing really sticking out.
Realisticly you could almost copy it exactly with some PVC and parts from HomeDept.
But sometimes it's just easier to be lazy. Good product.

For little Doo-Dads like your phone, keys, cigars, etc. I just got the Giant Loop Zig-Zag Bag this past weekend.
It'll work with or without a cross-bar on your handlebars. Giant Loop ha a great reputation for quality and of course sometimes kinda expensive to. But the Zig-Zag is only $55.00 and you cn move it from bike-to-bike so I feel it's a "win".

Click link below:

 

[TW_in_BC]

A fanny-pack secured to the cross-bar also works!
Once you reach your destination, you can wear it....so you don't have to worry about theft!

 

[grewen]

i know you wanted an alternative to tool tubes, but i can't. on both my tw200's i have had no troubles with my cheap $6 tool tubes. i mount them under my rack with proper supports and they work very well. and did i mention they are cheap.