I know, it's probably been discussed before, but I'm outfitting a new bike and would like the best solution for having lights and a handlebar bag.
The bag is a necessity -- I need my pager, keys, cell phone, and occasionally a map at hand when riding. However, I sometimes get home at dusk, and would feel a lot better having some type of lighting.
How can I marry the handlebar bag (which takes up the space for most lights) with having night lighting for a reasonable price? (I don't ride at night for safety purposes, so am reluctant to spend >$50 for a light.)
I saw a website that sold a bar that attaches to your handlebars that you can use to attach accessories to. Maybe somebody here will remember what it is called. I think it was used for touring.
Another lighting option is a helmet light. I just have a small but powerful flashlight attached to my helmet with rubber bands.
http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.942
You might be able to get away with a bento bag (http://www.onetri.com/bento-bike-large-p-2475.html) for your stuff. I get cell and GPS in mine with room to spare.
bktourer1
06-14-08, 09:10 AM
Look into the Minour Space Grips & Swing grips. Everyone has their own pros & cons about them.
I have both and haven't had a problem yet.
Hydrated
06-14-08, 10:08 AM
Homebrew.
Attach the lights to the front fork arms. I went whole hog and run my 20W halogen lights overvolted to 14.4V... it practically shoots flames out in front of your bike. And I have prolly $100 invested in it but that includes a digital light controller unit that cost me about $40.
http://members.cox.net/netwurkin/trekbars.jpg
Look into the Minour Space Grips & Swing grips. Everyone has their own pros & cons about them.
I have both and haven't had a problem yet.
As I run lights and a handlebar bag, I modified a space grip to fit the fork crown hole on my Heron. Using a cheap pipe cutter, I reduced the width of the tube to 3 inches and modified the base with a dremel to avoid the lower part of the headset. Used 2 cheap chrome H-bar plugs to dress up the ends. It now ratchets up or down. Clears the H-bar bag perfectly and looks like it was meant for the bike. My light is a Nightrider "Minewt." I've had many ask where they could purchase one and where I got it. As I've never been able to post a pic to this forum w/o a half hours worth of hassle, send a pm if you'd like a pic.
Richard