A custom frame bag wins over Brusa Rider: “Where else can you find someone to make a bag like this?”
A special thank you goes to Brusa Rider, who dedicated an entire video to his new custom Kicking Donkey frame bag—and made no secret of his enthusiasm right from the start.
Brusa Rider was no stranger to the world of bikepacking bags; he had previously shared a video about a terrible experience with some cheap bags, turning him into a self-confessed fan of high-quality frame bags. So, he decided to reach out to us to request a bag built to his exact specifications. The result? A blue-purple frame bag that fits his bike perfectly, framing the water bottles with pinpoint precision and mirroring the top tube’s profile flawlessly.
The process: step-by-step guidance
Brusa Rider really appreciated the ordering process: detailed photos of the bike, precise measurements, clear email instructions, and—as he is keen to point out—Roberto’s willingness to guide him even when his requests were a bit “creative.” Without that guidance, he jokingly admits, he might have ended up with a completely useless, flamingo-shaped pink bag.
The materials: the vise test
He didn’t settle for the standard “bare-hand tear” test; Brusa Rider clamped a fabric sample in a vise and pulled at it with pliers. After a real struggle, he managed to make the material give way—but only with great effort. Verdict: it passed the test with flying colors. He also appreciated the choice of marine-grade polyester thread for the stitching—guaranteed by some manufacturers for over 10 years—as opposed to the welded seams found on cheap waterproof bags, which often last barely one or two years.
Direct comparison with the old bag
To wrap things up, he compared our frame bag with his previous universal bag: ours features thicker, sturdier attachment straps anchored directly to the bag (eliminating the risk of folding) and a larger, more durable zipper. And the weight? Despite being larger, our bag weighed in at 230 grams, compared to the competitor’s 290 grams.
You can watch Brusa Rider’s full video on his channel, which includes a rain test and a live stress test.
