The need for a frame pouch is probably non-existent for triathletes, but I thought I would share a DIY project I have been working on.
I have always used a triangle frame pouch for my rides that are over 200 miles, but the pouch I used always bulky and not very aero.
Below is my my $20 custom frame pouch
Supplies:
$1 - Poster board (Walmart)
Hold the poster board behind your frame, then draw a triangle template using your frame as a guide.
$8 - Fabric (Walmart)
Thick with a somewhat plastic backing is best. It will not fray when you cut it and it will be strong when the sides are pulled tight around your frame tubes.
$13 - Bulk velcro w/ glue backs (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AI28QFU
This stuff is amazing. I used about 1/4th of what I purhased. The rest can be used for other DYI projects around the house.
$0 - 2 x zippers (Aunt)
Amazon sells these but my aunt had a lot laying around.
$0 - Thread (Momma)
My mom already had thread and a sewing machine. The triangle seams and zippers were pretty easy for her to sew even though she only gets the sewing machine out once a decade.
Tools:
Pencil
Chalk (great for putting marks on the black fabric)
Scissors
Sewing machine
Ruler
I designed this pouch a couple months ago but finally got around to making it. My mom helped me with the sewing. It took us about 2-3 hours total to make the pouch. I spent the evening at my parents house and helped my dad build a pergola. During down time, my mom and I would work on the pouch on and off.
The pouch velcros around the top tube, bottom tube, and upper portion of the seat tube. I also velcroed the bottom of a xlab stealth pouch to the top of the custom pouch. Both pouches can be removed and put back on in under 2 minutes. Additional tape can be added to secure small pieces to the frame.
In the below to pictures, I was able to fit the following items in my pouches:
lockpatch kittire bootextra contactscash7 x gels (flask)6 x energy barssunscreencoconut oilchamois creammulti-tooltire leverstire jackpumptape2 x spare tubestoe coversarm coolerscharging bank7 x lights
This frees up my jersey pockets for other needs (example: phone, more food, directions, kitchen sink etc).
