WTB: Ron's Fabios Chest (Small) // Talk me out of it

[Daniel Ocanto]

Looking for a Small Fab's Chest for my Susie. Is there such a thing as too much yellow? Interested in the Goldilocks colorway, but also really like the Olive. 

Goldilocks on gold may be too much, or not enough.

Open to suggestions for other bags close to this spec. Lemme know what you think!

D

[Erik daSilva]

I have a small white xpac chest (pictured) and a large goldilocks — I use the small on a very regular basis, it's the best size and the expansion possibilities mean it can pull xtra carrying duty when necessary. E.g., I commuted to work yesterday with the bag in it's more compact form, but expanded it to full size after stopping at the bakery and buying two large sourdoughs (shout out to Night Moves Bread in S Portland, ME!). Laptop, 2 notebooks, change of clothes, 2 lunch burritoes + fruit and yogurt for lunch, 2 loaves of bread, bike tools, charging block, and a bunch more all fit no problemo — that wouldn't be possible in a non-rolltop bag. It's easy to attach to the bike and then with a shoulder strap becomes a comfortable carrying tote. 

Soooo, go for it, it's a nice bag and the goldilocks waxed canvas looks even nicer as it starts to develop a patina. Guess I'd rather talk you into it :)

[Minh]

from a functional perspective I really like mine, it holds a lot of stuff, people criticize the ''floppiness" of it, but that allows it to flex around a lot of different loads.   I keep mine on my bike semi-permanently because I use a rod-steward for support underneath, I don't think I would use it without some kind of support underneath.   

the biggest complaint I have with mine is that it gets so dirty, and it feels dirty, whether its the wax on mine that needs to be stripped, or whatever, its just kinda gross.  I met someone on a overnite recently with one and asked him the same question about keeping it clean and he echoed the same thing, went so far as he airs his out after trips!   mine is the lighter canvas/bubblegum so it will show dirt more than the other ones, and maybe it just needs a good strip and rewax.  

I was hoping that the xpac one would be better in staying clean but Erik's above doesn't look it--sorry Erik no offense!   

Anyway aside from that I do love mine for function.   I know you mentioned the gold one--and IMO I think it leans more towards gold than yellow in person, but if you wanna go more complementary, I have a 2nd used navy small i'm considering selling, you can message me to discuss.  

[Ed Carolipio]

Just offering either the Piccolo or the Tail Grab from BagsXBird as alternatives to the small Chest: https://www.bagsxbird.com/

If you're patient, you can order a custom bag with the colors and materials you want. I use a Piccolo 11W as a front bag on my Gus (Tosco handlebars and rackless).

--Ed C.

Redondo Beach, CA

[Brian McDermott]

I have a small one and it’s a great daily bag as well as for bike camping. I also have a large to use as a saddlebag for camping but haven’t used it yet, I assume it’ll be great though.

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 8:06:05 PM UTC-4 daoc...@gmail.com wrote:

[Brian Turner]

I've owned two small waxed canvas Fabio's Chest bags, and recently sold my olive one. I still have my Goldilocks, and a matching Fab's Abs handlebar bag. I think they look great, and are very well designed and well-built bags. I love the look of them; classic transverse-style bags with modern features.

In my own personal preference, I'd say the Ron's line of bags are my 2nd favorite brand. My all time favorites are Jay Ritchey's (Bags by Bird). His are just a bit less traditional-looking, but I just prefer his for overall form and function. They are also less fussy to deal with in terms of mounting and getting things in and out of the bags.

Brian

Lexington KY

[Ben R]

I have a large waxed "bubble bum pink" fabs if you're interested in that.  its pretty much brand new.

it does look kind of cool with my yellow susie but to each there own.

willing to let it go for a decent price since its just been sitting around my parts bin and would rather see it being used.

[Pam Bikes]

I love the Ron's bags.  I've owned one if each.  Well-made, look great, great functionality but... you must have enough vertical clearance.  I ride a 47 and have no clearance for the L or Small Chest.  I have a Claptrap which is the smallest one.  Any of the other ones would hit my dyno light or get too heavy and I couldn't mount them on the rear either.  As long as you have enough space, you'll love it.  Or you may need a support to keep it high enough to not rub on the wheel or fender or light...

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 8:06:05 PM UTC-4 daoc...@gmail.com wrote: