In these crazy times of the construct known as Enduro, how to carry stuff on a mountain bike has become somewhat of an ongoing evolutionary process that has seen a plethora of methods employed. Have a look at an EWS pit gallery and you’ll see spare tubes taped to any available nook and cranny of frames, tools jammed under seat rails, and Co2 canisters mounted in all manner of special holders.

Racers don’t like having a bag full of dead weight on their backs these days, and carry just enough water to get them to the next refill between stages. Riding without a backpack is rather more liberating than you may think, but us regular riders also like to be prepared for any event that may pop up on our rides where there are no mechanics or first aid officers to help us out should we break bike or body. It’s a dilemma alright; ride light, but be prepared.

I’ve been using a bumbag for a couple of years now, and it changed my perception that the only way was the backpack way. Of course, all day missions when there is no chance of refilling bottles or having an easy way out should anything go awry will still require something fairly roomy for extra clothing and food, but the majority of rides will usually have you out of the house for between 2 and 4 hours. A bumbag is perfect for such rides, and if it has a water carrying capability (like our favourite the Camelbak Palos) then you are pretty well covered. If you prefer to carry a bottle and tape spares all over your bike, then a tidier and more convenient option is a bag of some kind. But the dropper post has virtually put an end to saddle bags on mountain bikes, as a lowered post and a decent rear suspension compression can put paid to them in no time.

Keen observers of the EWS this season would have spotted Josh Carlson’s bike sporting a small bag nestled in the front triangle of his frame. Those who might have sneered at the bumbag were now singing the praises of this ‘new’ idea, one that is essentially a spin-off from the full-frame bags preferred by most bikepackers. Australian manufacturer of high-end custom bags Bike Bag Dude made a mid-sized bag for his Tallboy LT a while back, and when I was visiting with him a couple of summers ago he whipped up this mini bag for my own bike. I rode it for the whole time I was away, and having not even a bumbag on my body in the heat of the Aussie bush was a whole lot more comfortable. I could fit everything I needed in there with room to spare.

With anything that is out of the ordinary, reactions are usually on the negative side, and until something is being used on a wider scale, derision is the first form of acceptance. With Carlson’s endorsement, the mini frame bag just got a whole lot more trail cred if comments online are an indicator. The bag I have (when I asked BBD what it was called, he quickly came up with “Dunce, because it sits in the corner”) is on the larger side of mini, and can easily accommodate two tubes with plenty of room left over for a multi tool, Co2s, a bar and gel or three, phone, patch kit, my Lezyne micro shock pump and mini pump, and not have a struggle to get the zip closed. Everything I used to carry in a backpack basically. A bottle in the cage and you’re covered.

Each of BBD’s bags is custom made to your bike, so the fit will be snug between it and your frame. Want it smaller or larger? No problem, BBD will make it exactly how you want it. The materials they use are the best quality available using Dimension Polyant VX series laminate fabric, YKK water-resistant zippers, and all the seams are double stitched and fully taped and sealed on all their bags. Two wide Velcro One Wrap straps are all that’s needed to secure it firmly in place without scratching up your precious paintwork or rub through carbon. They have also recently been making some crazy light bags from the wonder material Cuben fibre, as thin as cling wrap with super strength and tear resistance to match the thicker fabrics out there.

The Dunce held tight and didn’t move around over rough stuff, but if you don’t pack it fully you might want to stuff a rag or a lightweight jacket in there to prevent rattling of your tools etc. It allowed me to carry more than enough spares and food for some longer missions, and kept everything dry through an unexpected downpour.

If you’re a bit daring, not influenced by what your mates think, are over the backpack or want another solution to carrying the essentials, then the Dunce offers a viable option for hauling gear while hauling ass. And it’s so enduro you’ll be ahead of the curve and around the next bend before everyone else catches on, just like it was with knee pads, goggles and, god forbid, bumbags.

Contact Bike Bag Dude for pricing and options.