3D printing has changed the cycling accessory landscape, making it possible for creative people to design and create all sorts of products quickly and efficiently. This is particularly true of road cycling accessories like computer mounts, light mounts, and tool storage boxes, which can be prototyped, tested, tweaked, and brought to production by folks with the equipment and know-how to do so. We’ve reported extensively on 3D-printed frames, stems, saddles, helmets, and, most recently, on aero storage boxes from Nano Werx.
The Bike Brew is another small brand throwing its hat in the 3D-printed accessory ring, producing a range of rear light mounts and aero-optimized storage packs. These are intended to replace your saddle bag or other on-bike storage, with aero-shaped, 3D-printed storage compartments designed to pair with Garmin’s popular Varia RTL515 radar light. Unlike the Nano Werx draft box, which is currently only available for the Cervelo S5, the Bike Brew’s Aero Packs appear to be more versatile in their attachment styles and bike fit.
Aero Packs
At present, The Bike Brew makes two sizes of Aero Packs: the smaller XL 2.0 and the larger MAX. Details on the packs are sparse, as there are no storage capacities or product weights listed on the brand’s website. However, the XL 2.0 appears to fit an electric mini-pump, a TPU tube, tire levers, and a small multi-tool as well. The larger MAX looks to be nearly double the size of the XL, with a lower compartment adding plenty of space for gummy snacks and delicious high-carb gels.
Regardless of size, the Aero Packs are designed to fit the popular Garmin Varia RTL515 radar light (not included), which doubles as the cover for the storage compartment. If you don’t use a Garmin radar light or don’t want to leave it sitting on your bike at the mid-ride coffee stop, The Bike Brew sells a 3D-printed plastic “back door” to replace it.
Both sizes of Aero Packs require a minimum of 5 inches of exposed seatpost for attachment, and the brand has a printable template on the website to measure compatibility with your frame. With two attachment styles to choose from, The Bike Brew’s Aero Packs are capable of mounting to round, d-shaped, oval, and aero seatposts. The brand offers a bolt-on plastic collar attachment that works with varying round seatpost diameters, as well as a number of d-shaped and aero posts (check the website for a list of fitment options). Otherwise, the dual strap system comes in two length options to secure the Aero Packs to seatposts with Voile straps.
Other Accessories
In addition to the Aero Packs, Bike Brew makes a handful of saddle rail and seatpost mounts for Garmin Varia radar lights, some of which include a stealth Airtag mount or an action cam mount. There’s also an “expansion compartment” that houses a 6-foot-long cable and combo lock that fits between one of the mounts and a Varia light.
The Bike Brew: Pricing
The Bike Brew’s 3D-printed Aero Packs and light mounts seem reasonably priced compared to similar products on the market. It is worth noting that none of them come with the Garmin Varia radar light, which will need to be purchased separately if you don’t already have one. The retail prices are as follows:
- Aero Pack MAX: $75
- Aero Pack XL 2.0: $50
- Aero Pack Back Door: $15
- Saddle Rail Varia + Airtag Mount: $35
- Saddle Rail Varia Mount: $37
- Seatpost Varia + Airtag Mount: $40
- Seatpost Varia Mount: $35
- Seatpost Varia + Action Cam Mount: $40
- Expansion Compartment + Combo Lock: $40
- Replacement Seatpost Collar: $10
- Titanium Bolts (set of 2): $10
- TPU Tube Keepers (set of 2): $10
Check out The Bike Brew website for more details or to purchase any of these items for yourself. Most items are currently being sold at a slight discount off the retail price. You can also follow @thebikebrew on Instagram to see what new designs are brewing.
