O.K. I have been out of the game for a few years and was baptized again at IM Chattanooga where I got to see the newer bikes and bike treats. On the bike course I saw several bikes that had a “half-moon” looking box below the seat that I assume carried the typical tube and levers ect. I don’t know what they call those and I have not had luck finding them online so they must be called something different than a “bento box”. Any help would be appreciated. (All the “aero” bento boxes I find are mounted on top tube)
Thanks! TTT
Was it soft-shell, like this from x-lab?
https://xlab-usa.com/aero-pouch-300.html
x-lab makes some other smaller pouches too I think.
Otherwise try searching for “rear storage”, rear storage bag, box, etc. You’re right that Bento will probably only return top tube products.
Geneally they’re called saddle bags.
Are you by chance thinking of the Cyckit Aeroclam?
Ok, what I’m talking about was hard shell and it was attached to the post and aligned perfectly with post so as to be aero. One of them actually had a flashing light in it as well. These were all newer bikes so it looked like new technology for storage. Never had seen one until race.
I think what you are referring to are called “Draft Boxes” and are mostly integrated with the bike frame (i.e. they are sold as part of the frame or new bike when purchased from the LBS). They are indeed used for storage of flat kits, and in some case, for hydration.
Felt, Specialized, Quintana Roo, and Trek (as well as many more) all have these. The QR version is the one with the built in light, as found here.
Here’s the new Shiv with its built in draft box.
I’ve done double bento.
Bento on the front attached to the headtube faced backwards
Bento on the back attached to the seatpost faced forwards
For IM I was carrying I think around 10 100kcal special K bars – bar every 30 minutes.
I also had a saddlebag for flat repairs, etc.
Aero wasn’t my primary concern. Finishing the bike by avoiding the sag wagon and having enough energy for a good mary.
Geneally they’re called saddle bags.
Are you by chance thinking of the Cyckit Aeroclam?
Argon called this a Tailwind Box. That was specific to that type of seatpost that they used, I think I’ve seen another bike using something similar, or at least the attachment piece.
I do sell rear boxes for a variety of bike brands Cervelo, Canyon, Giant, Specialized, Ceepo, BMC, Parlee, Argon18, Felt, among others
You can buy them on my website: https://custombikexcessories.com/products
.