Just wanted to post an update. I've been using the lowered bottle cage since I posted this and the other day the top mounting portion of the bottle cage broke off. This was due in part to hauling a large heavy bottle and having to remove it more from the side as I couldn't remove the bottle straight up because my frame bag is in the way. But primarily because the bottom mounting hole portion of the cage was free. Meaning that it was not captured by anything. So all the stress and vibration was being absorbed by the top mounting hole. It was kind of like when you bend metal back and fourth in the same spot it will work harden and break.

My solution is to ditch the bracket and just capture the bottom cage mounting position with a hose clamp. Not nearly as elegant as the bracket but much more solid and vibration free. I backed the bottom of the bottle cage with a piece of metal and tube roughly the same thickness as the threaded frame boss.

I didn't put a stiffener in this one. I put a strip of 1 1/2" Velcro along the bottom. So between that and the 1000D cordura it's pretty stiff. I put Velcro to attach the lower frame bag which I haven't made yet.

Cool. My prices are very reasonable. ;-)

Just thought I'd share. Let me know what you think.

Just thought I'd share this simple device I made to lower my bottle cage. It's made from some scrap stainless steel sheet. 3/8" wide by 5 3/4" long. Three holes through pitched the same distance as the cage mounts.

Forgot to post this. Thoughts?

Just finished making another frame bag.

Awe man. Kind of a brutal situation for both of them. I would assume Stefan would have won had he not messed up. For Lael to win because of Stefans mess up is kinda lack luster but also triumphant in that they raced to the finish and she won. I would have had the same attitude as Lael. Strip the bike and sprint!

Funny cause I fell asleep while I was watching Inspired to ride last night.

Your idea is so cool and unique. I love it. Looking forward to experiencing it. Let me know if you need any bikepacking bags for your journey. Good luck

Thanks for your input fellas.

That's epic that you skinned and tanned the hide you used to make your bag with! I like your combination of natural and man made materials.

I'm on the fence about getting a Jones bar. Do you Jones owners feel a change of stem length is needed when switching to the Jones bars from a standard mountain bar?

Hey. New to the forum. More just cause I like to read what people are up to and don't want to be too much of a "lurker." So making my presence known. Haha

Iv'e been a cyclist my whole life. BMX racer as a kid/teen. Then just mountain biking and cruising since. Took the plunge into bikepacking with my amazing girlfriend over the last year and a half. I make all our gear as sewing has been a hobby for as long as cycling. Machinist by trade. Just love making stuff.

Hoping to learn and contribute. Peace.