Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - handlebar bags

i need one for my new bike. mapholder on top would be good. any suggestions?

:) thanks!

Ortlieb.
Waterproof. The new ones lock on to the mounting thingy.

I have an Arkel handlebar bag. Very solid bag. They offer two sizes; I have the smaller (450 cu. inches) and find it plenty roomy. It has a waterproof inner lining, but I can't say from experience how effective it is...

If it's like my Arkel handlebar bag (new this year), then I'd say that the waterproof lining isn't very effective. It can probably deal with about an hour or two of rain before the fabric gets oversaturated and seepage begins. I keep all of my stuff in ziploc bags anyway, and still lost a cell phone because I didn't keep the ziploc properly sealed, and by the end of my 300K (w/ 20+ hours of rain), the phone was swimming in a puddle of water.

The bag came in handy for holding a cue sheet and keeping my food in easy reach, but I don't like how it raises the center of gravity on the front fork. Next year, I'm planning on doing my brevet series with a top tube bag and some kind of cue clip system for holding cue sheets.

I've been searching for the right handlebar bag for a while, and i'm not done yet.

I tried a cheap-ish "Detours" model from REI but found I didn't like the Klickfix, which is really big and also, very ugly when not in use (and I don't use my HB bag all the time).

My wife bought an Arkel and while we were both impressed by many of the design features, it simply rode too high and affected steering too much. If I can figure out a way to mount one low (say, a second stem attached to the steering tube, with a little cut-down chunk of handlebar to mount the bag on), I may consider the Arkel for my soon-to-be-built Kogswell P/R. But I dunno.

Currently I am using a very old, faded '70s era Kirtland nylon bag, the kind that uses the wire bracket over the stem, and shock cords. I got this at a local used bike store for about $5. It was filthy so I soaked it in oxy-clean and then ran it through the washer and hung it dry! It works fine, looks OK, and if I don't load it full, it doesn't affect handling too much.

I really like this design... if you want to ride without the bag, it takes a few seconds to remove the entire bag and "mounting system," and it's lightweight and if you want to take the bag off at a coffee shop or something, it's not difficult at all, it takes about a minute to remove it while leaving the rack in place. I wish this type of bag was still being made. You can find 'em on eBay, and maybe on craigslist. Maybe I'll hoard some of the racks and start to sew my own bags for them.

Anyway, please keep us informed with your findings...I don't think my search is over.

I just use a nashbar cheapie, won't hold a map though. It was like $12. 350 ci. I'll stick a third water bottle in it along with tools food and maps phone etc. Works for me, but then again, it's not like I do 300 k's. My hydration pak has even more room for longer rides so I'll take the bag off for those. I admit I like the way the bike feels without the handle bar bag.

I have tried going with a seat bag a couple times, it's more inconvenient for me to be digging around under the seat. Guess I'll just keep looking like a dork. I like those seat post mounted light duty racks though. Don't want to spend $30-60 for one and add the weight though. It's always something....


I've been searching for the right handlebar bag for a while, and i'm not done yet.

I tried a cheap-ish "Detours" model from REI but found I didn't like the Klickfix, which is really big and also, very ugly when not in use (and I don't use my HB bag all the time).

My wife bought an Arkel and while we were both impressed by many of the design features, it simply rode too high and affected steering too much. If I can figure out a way to mount one low (say, a second stem attached to the steering tube, with a little cut-down chunk of handlebar to mount the bag on), I may consider the Arkel for my soon-to-be-built Kogswell P/R. But I dunno.

Currently I am using a very old, faded '70s era Kirtland nylon bag, the kind that uses the wire bracket over the stem, and shock cords. I got this at a local used bike store for about $5. It was filthy so I soaked it in oxy-clean and then ran it through the washer and hung it dry! It works fine, looks OK, and if I don't load it full, it doesn't affect handling too much.

I really like this design... if you want to ride without the bag, it takes a few seconds to remove the entire bag and "mounting system," and it's lightweight and if you want to take the bag off at a coffee shop or something, it's not difficult at all, it takes about a minute to remove it while leaving the rack in place. I wish this type of bag was still being made. You can find 'em on eBay, and maybe on craigslist. Maybe I'll hoard some of the racks and start to sew my own bags for them.

Anyway, please keep us informed with your findings...I don't think my search is over.

i got a carradice bag at harris cyclery. mapholder and everything. nice attachment system too!:)

i got a carradice bag at harris cyclery. mapholder and everything. nice attachment system too!:)

Nice. I was in there last week looking at saddlebags... and comparing my Brooks Swallow to the Swift.

Will that go on the IF?

I got the Carradice.
Is a modern Klickfix mount bulkier than the old one. Mine is rock solid even on trails and pumps.

I picked up a second hand Novara bag for $9 at the REI members' used gear sale (new $60). It looks really well made with waterproof zips, various pockets and mapholder, but was missing the klickfix mounting block (which I found from a French retailer for $12..) So far, so good (and very cheap!) :)

I snagged one of these for $40.00 on e-bay.
http://www.topeak.com/2006/products/bags/tourguidehbbdx.php

I've got no complaints. :)

Comes with a shoulder strap and rain cover.

Nice. I was in there last week looking at saddlebags... and comparing my Brooks Swallow to the Swift.

Will that go on the IF?

yep. right now it's on a fixed gear i use for commutin'. great bag. real solid.:) :)

Buy the ortlieb. It's waterproof and doesn't leak and the mapholder is of good quality. Don't think you can do better.