Touring - Topeak handlebar bag's bolt system sucks ass... you have been warned.

Had my first failure of the tour. I just KNEW that this thing would end of causing me trouble since the attachment system is made of plastic. WHY oh WHY can't they make the attachment and support structure out of METAL???

http://www.topeak.com/2007/products/bags/tourguidehbbdx.php

I tightened it to my handlebars, even putting some old rubber tube material underneath to give it a larger surface to grip to. It kept slipping no matter what I did. I finally tightened it down to what I thought was a sufficient torque, only to have the bag slip down about 80 miles into my tour. When I tried to reinforce it again and re-tighten it I ended up stripping out the entire screw and threads. What a piece of *****!!! Fortunately I was in a small town when this happened, and the guy at the hardware store helped me replace the screws with a regular nut and bolt system with a few washers. We cranked that thing down tight and now, after 500 more miles, it's still secure.

I love my Topeak Road Morph pump, but their handlebar bags suck. Also their quick-release seat bags suck too because they can't be attached to a Brooks saddle. Who designs this crap?

Ben

I am having a similar problem with mine. CA glue is working for now, but I think I may end up using epoxy to attach the mounting hardware to the handlebars. Which all kind of sucks, because I really like the bag.

I had a similar problem with the compact Topeak handlebar bag. The mounting system leaves a lot to be desired. My problem was that the upper and lower clamp holes didn't line up after the clamp is spread open to fit over the handlebars. So the bolt threads in at an angle. Easy to strip the threads that way.

Anyone have long-term experience with the Ortlieb handlebar bag mounting bracket (specifically, I'm referring to the latest, Ultimate 4 series)? I got one for Christmas, and although the bracket is plastic, I'm optimistic that it will hold up.

The fastening design is notably different than the Topeak: instead of two screws to clamp down the plastic bracket, it has a braided steel wire, which is sheathed in a plastic coating, thread through the bracket and around the stem and bars. It seems to hold very well, but I've only had it on for a few days.

-D

nebben123, I also had the same problem in that the first time I attached it, the bolt stripped and started spinning. It's a bad design. But the wire prevented the bag from slipping down. Topeak was great and sent a replacement mount to me which worked fine. I believe Klikfix used to sell just their attachment system for handlebar bags and I have thought about getting one and attaching to my Topeak.

As a matter of fact, here is the link:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.klickfix.com/&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dklickfix%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3DDNF%26sa%3DX

I had a Vaude bag with a klickfix mount and used it for about 9000 miles. It never slipped once. Now that you have me thinking about it, I might get one in the near future and attach to my Topeak. Your are right, the bag itself is great.

Here is at least one place to buy this:
http://detours.us/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=71

When installing the wire in the mounting bracket, I use pliers to pull the wire taut, then tighten the set screw while keeping pressure on the wire. That seems to make it more stable. YMMV.

Sorry for my ignorant post: I see now that Topeak uses a wire for mounting as well. I apologize for any confusion. -D




Anyone have long-term experience with the Ortlieb handlebar bag mounting bracket (specifically, I'm referring to the latest, Ultimate 4 series)? I got one for Christmas, and although the bracket is plastic, I'm optimistic that it will hold up.

The fastening design is notably different than the Topeak: instead of two screws to clamp down the plastic bracket, it has a braided steel wire, which is sheathed in a plastic coating, thread through the bracket and around the stem and bars. It seems to hold very well, but I've only had it on for a few days.

-D

Hmm, different experience here: I've got about 6000 miles on my Topeak (older style) "guide" HB bag, w/no problems. I like it a lot. Did you use the wire?


Also their quick-release seat bags suck too because they can't be attached to a Brooks saddle. Who designs this crap?

That's not really fair, is it? "These aftermarket floor mats suck because they don't fit in my Toyota Tacoma"

How do you use the wire? I have it and not a clue what it does.

Mounting instructions for wire

http://www.topeak.com/sub/documents/M-TT3017-GB-7-05.pdf

Mounting instructions for wire

http://www.topeak.com/sub/documents/M-TT3017-GB-7-05.pdf

Thank you!

You have to first loosen the 5mm allen screw from the bottom before the wire will go thru the hole.