General Cycling Discussion - Pros and cons of handlebar bags

???? The good the bad and the ugly.

(and please tell me which one you have) :)

Thanks!

oh, you mean specific brands and models.

i was thinking pro: super useful and convenient, con: look kinda goofy.

got no help, sorry.

I'm neutral on them; perhaps convenient to carry a wallet, phone and a granola bar.
Have a Velo Orange model that is sort of a cylinder with zipper on top- about 10" long and 4" dia.
Also a nice Cadarrice, not sure what it is called- more square.
Plus an Acorn handlebar bag.
The Acorn is smallest. All of them will fit nicely in the bag loops on a Brooks saddle.
IMO, the brake/shift cable routing, type of handlebar and stem makes a difference to the utility and size of bag.
Recently my teenage son appeared with the Acorn bag on the handlebar (a Mary bar) of his MTB/touring bike and the Cadarrice (sp?) on the bag loops of his B-68; he thanked me for "loaning" them to him. He was very happy with the set up, fitting wallet, camera & phone in the Acorn. Tube and other stuff in the seat bag.
So I'm left with the Velo Orange (have 2), one for the albatross handlebar crosscheck and one for our tandem. fits nicely on the tandem, sort of splits into two sections at the stem. does not work so well
with albatross.

oh, you mean specific brands and models.

i was thinking pro: super useful and convenient, con: look kinda goofy.

got no help, sorry.

Well, some hang kinda funny, some restrict the cables...some are hard to open - That kinda thing.

martianone, who makes Acorn?

I've used the cheap Bell and Schwinn models sold at Walmart and Target. They can block headlights. One of the loops on my Bell broke. The Schwinn is too big for the way the straps are attached and tends to hang off at an angle. The idea is fine, but execution of those two is not good.

Thank you StephenH, this is the kind of advice I'm looking for. I've used search and found what others had said they have, not what to stay away from and why. And for what it's worth, even listing the bag they have doesn't mean that one is happy with it.

I've got a Brooks Millbrook. It's big enough you have to force the cables to fit around it, and buckles aren't the easiest thing to work with. Actually, it's one of the few places I'll concede the value of velcro. It is not cheap.

Useful to carry things you want to reach while riding like a camera or snacks. The weight in front of the steering axis is not good for handling. V-brake noodles can be used to avoid conflict with Shimano brifter cables. If you arent afraid of looking dorky plastic baskets work well with shoe laces to keep the weight off the front tube and other cables.

Oh wow. I forgot about the weight. I'm not commuting or anything, just want something in addition to my saddle bag to hold a camera, some snacks, tubes and a packable wind breaker. Right now my saddle bag holds the cell, ID and a folding tool.

I guess I need something where that can pack nice and snug, don't want things moving around and throwing me off kilter.

Thanks for the noodle tip. *goes to eyeball brifters*

I use them all the time, no drawbacks I've ever noticed. Most of what you read about them affecting the handling is bogus unless you're carrying bowling balls. I have two from Rivendell, a Candy Bar Bag and a Hobo Bag, wildly overpriced but I got them as gifts. CB is tubular, maybe 14 inches long and four in diameter. Hobo Bag looks like this:" http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.cyclofiend.com/Images/bikes/hobobagsm.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cyclofiend.com/notes/gear.html&h=144&w=178&sz=11&hl=en&start=3&tbnid=ai_dyIMfXYdofM:&tbnh=82&tbnw=101&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbaggins%2Bhobo%2Bbag%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG%26ie%3DUTF-8. They don't carry it anymore, but they have a similar one.

Oh wow. I forgot about the weight. I'm not commuting or anything, just want something in addition to my saddle bag to hold a camera, some snacks, tubes and a packable wind breaker. Right now my saddle bag holds the cell, ID and a folding tool.

I guess I need something where that can pack nice and snug, don't want things moving around and throwing me off kilter.

Thanks for the noodle tip. *goes to eyeball brifters*

The weight issue is overblown. I use them on tour because that's the best way to carry a camera. I should use them in town (I used to) but I just don't. Mostly due to interference with light mounting.

As for the STI interference issue, the v-brake noodle is easy to set up and works well.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0823.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0826.jpg

Ortlieb bag by the way.

cyccommute,

Wonderful to see the visual of the "noodles" in action. I had heard of this approach as a work-around for certain larger bar bags. Very nice to see the implementation. I will definite look to go this route when moving from just a rack bag, or pannier. And I like the ortlieb! Looking to get on myself soon.

Thank you, CC. It's so nice to be able to see the noodles and how you have them set up. Your bag is about the size that I need. I saw this: http://www.rei.com/product/735854?preferredSku=7358540016&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=74948AF8-504C-DD11-98CA-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA

Buy a backpack cables get in the way and way too noisy with bumps.

If you want something which will cause no problem when used with Shimano STIs, can carry camera, tools, jacket and is waterproof with a bombproof fitting, then this is the one for you.

http://www.jdcycles.co.uk/accessories/bags---bar-bags/ortlieb-ult-4-bar-bag---compact-classic?JDC=1b

I use a cheap bar bag on my MTB, but my utility bike (coming purchase) will have a basket instead.

On my touring bikes I am less fussy about touring bags. On my Klein they often are much too hideous. I found a Madden bag which is not too big and fits under the handlebars and is hardly noticeable. I use it for wallets, tools, and energy bars. It does not mess up the 'lines ' of my race bike on a club day, but carries all the stuff one needs should you be out for most of the day. I'd say its like 5 x7x3 and takes some of the bulk out of my jersey pockets.

the Japanese Ostrich brand big bag offered by velo orange, and and the ortlieb classic 4. the velo orange bag rocks!

tried the jannd, don't like the attachment system at all. Ortlieb is secure but you really only want to be installing it once.

cyccommute,

Wonderful to see the visual of the "noodles" in action. I had heard of this approach as a work-around for certain larger bar bags. Very nice to see the implementation. I will definite look to go this route when moving from just a rack bag, or pannier. And I like the ortlieb! Looking to get on myself soon.

It's pretty easy to do, also. When you cut the end off of the noodle, use a fine tooth saw and dress the ends either by grinding or a file. You don't want any burrs in the end of the tube to catch the cable. I also left the plastic liner in the noodle and finished the end with a ferrule at the lever.

Thank you, CC. It's so nice to be able to see the noodles and how you have them set up. Your bag is about the size that I need. I saw this: http://www.rei.com/product/735854?preferredSku=7358540016&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=74948AF8-504C-DD11-98CA-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA

If you can look at the bag before you buy it, make sure that it has a stiffener that goes all the way from the top to the bottom of the bag. I have another bag that didn't have the stiffener all the way to the bottom (cut out for rain cover) and it was very floppy as you can see below.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/My-bike.jpg

I added an aluminum plate to stiffen it which worked but it's a pain. Here it is on my daughter's bike. And it less floppy.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/pics/crazyguyonabike/docs/00/00/14/10/small/rachael8.jpg?v=5r

I also see no significant disadvantages. Mine has lots of pockets, which is nice, and I usually keep my U-lock in there, plus gloves and and windbreaker. Map pocket is nice on the top. I only wish mine were larger.

Just a thought...If you're looking for up front easily accessable but minimal storage, why not try a bento box (there are various brands)? They fit on the top bar and the large sizes will fit a small camera plus a few other items or a bunch of energy bars. No effect on steering and no interference with cables.

Thanks for your suggestions everyone. I'm going to have to do more research on the internet. I appreciate the pics too!

Just a thought...If you're looking for up front easily accessable but minimal storage, why not try a bento box (there are various brands)? They fit on the top bar and the large sizes will fit a small camera plus a few other items or a bunch of energy bars. No effect on steering and no interference with cables.

I was actually thinking of that but even the large one is too small. I'd RATHER have something that attaches like that to the top tube but the large only holds six energy bars (according to the website).

I've tried out a bunch. I have one of the giant bags that snaps onto a frame that clips to the bars. Medium size ones that strap to the bars. But, in the end, the only ones that stay on my bikes are the tiny bags...just big enough for a mini u-lock, or a tire patch kit.

When I need to carry ten or fifteen pounds of stuff, I would rather use saddle bags...I don't feel their weight. A huge bag on the bars that is filled with gear CAN be felt and makes the steering feel a bit "off".

I have a great big honkin' bag (can't remember what brand) that slips on to a bracket that u-bolts to the handlebars. Fits very securely. I use it to carry a lunch, and my rain jacket and helmet cover when it's threatening rain, plus it's a convenient place to carry my wallet, cell phone, digital camera, etc. When I bought it, I was thinking about commuting (but then I learned that my company was relocating about an additional 10 miles farther away, so that's pretty much out of the question now) and figured I could maybe carry a change of clothes. It does have a transparent flap on it, under which you could place a map if you were on a tour.

In the winter it's kind of nice because you can place your hands on to the tops of the bar behind the bag, and they are shielded from the wind.

It's heavy, so it makes the bike difficult to lean against anything, as it causes the front wheel to turn sideways and roll out from under the bike. If I'm going to lean the bike against anything, I release the bag from its bracket and sit it on the ground next to the bike.

I have used the cheap Bell bag from Chinamart and it works fine for my purposes. I have used it for about 5 years with no problems. It holds all of my stuff and has held up fine. I have a small trunk bag I keep a patch kit, multi tool, zip ties etc in. My bar bag carries my cell phone, my blackberry, a couple of power bars, poncho, small first aid kit and couple of extra Glock magazines. Even on rough terrain it doesn't bang around and doesn't leak when it rains.

Of course I am a little more frugal rider, hence the Trek 3700 and not the 9.9 :D

Well, some hang kinda funny, some restrict the cables...some are hard to open - That kinda thing.

martianone, who makes Acorn?

SBW:
Think i got it from some guy on BF whose wife (or GF) makes these in california,
search BF for "Acorn Bag". It has actually worked out pretty well, a good size for
a wallet and phone.

....and couple of extra Glock magazines:D....

So, another weight weenie, huh?

Just kiddin'.

So, another weight weenie, huh?

Just kiddin'.

Yup, that is why I only carry one of my Glocks when I bike, Polymer is lighter than steel. :thumb::lol:

???? The good the bad and the ugly.

(and please tell me which one you have) :)

Thanks!

After trying Ortleib, Arkel and almost everything I can think of, I went back to my old Kirtland Tour HB bag that has a U shaped support that fits over the bar's and is easily removable. Rock solid and no ugly plastic support that stays on your bars.
The older Kirtlands can sometimes be found on E-Bay.

Richard

Thanks for the suggestions, tips and comments, everyone! :)

What do you want the handlebar bag for ?

I use one, mostly as a camera case. It's the large Arkel handlebar bag (http://arkel-od.com/panniers/hb_bag/overview.asp?fl=1&site=), padded with the Ortlieb Camera insert, and it conveniently carries a SLR camera, a telephoto, my reading glasses, money and maps.


Things I like

– Very sturdy. Tough enough that the bag survived a fall down a small cliff and neither the bag nor the camera were affected.

– Very stable. Compared to my old (1980 vintage) handlebar bag with minimal framing, I hardly feel its effect on steering. Typically, if everything is well set so it can't move, I only notice it for 1-2 minutes after installing it.

– Easy on, easy off. The two clamps are hard to install (you almost need four hands), but once they are installed, installing or removing the bag takes 2 seconds. Useful most of the time, because when I tour, I'll take the handlebar bag with me inside.

– It has hard sides but a soft bottom, so that the camera is suspended like in a hammock. Considering our famous potholes, that's a worthy feature.

– With the Ortlieb Camera Insert (added 2 years afterwards), nothing moves, so the camera body isn't scratched; besides, retrieving and storing back the camera takes a few seconds. The way the Arkel is designed, the Camera insert is not essential, but it's faster than wrapping one cloth around the camera to prevent scratches. I would not use a camera insert if I were using a small point & shoot camera.

– The various pockets are a nice place to carry the folded maps, notes paper, a small calculator, sunscreen...

– If you like a bag that sits high, the brackets are designed in such a way that the bag is a few inches away from the handlebar. It means you can ride on the tops without feeling cramped between the bar and the bag, and that you could also install auxiliary brake levers.


So-so appreciation

– Not waterproof; the rain cover is very effective, but it means that I am less tempted to open the bag when it rains. (I probably would not open it much in a downpour anyways, but might do so more in a drizzle.)

– A bit heavy. The bag weighs 1,4 kg, vs 0,7 kg for the Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Large. Not a problem on the bike, but not as much fun when I carry the bag for a long time off the bike.


Not to my liking

– Apart from the shoulder strap, I have added a very short one so I can carry the bag in my hand. I generally prefer hand carrying, except when I take photos. Adding that strap was a short sewing project.

– The map case seems good, but I find that the opening is just a bit smaller than the way most typical maps are folded around here. I may be a little picky about my maps, but I like to read them mostly unfolded. So, I don't use the map case at all.

– The "blinker hook" (just below the Arkel tag in front) weights nothing, but is a useless gimmick.


A modification I have done

I may be old fashioned, but I like my handlebar bag to sit low. Since I ride a tall bike (single 25" – 63,5 cm) with high handlebars, I have added a second stem that allows me to install the handlebar bag lower (http://www.mgagnon.net/velo/potence-double.en.shtml). (I have since replaced the lower stem with a shorter one pointing down, so the bag is yet 15 mm lower).

With that modification, the bag clears both my generator-operated headlights and any headlight I would like to install on the handlebars. I'm not sure a modification like that could be done on a tiny frame: one can lower the bag only so much before it hits the wheel!


Arkel, Ortlieb or MEC ?

I have seen these other two contenders "live" only after I had bought the Arkel bag. I did not like the MEC bags and I'm not sure whether I would like the Ortlieb bag: it's lighter, but I'm not sure how effective its padding is on our bumpy roads.

Update

I have added two pictures showing the bag with a 35-mm reflex camera and telephoto lens in it.

Handlebar bags done right

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2209/2506223269_87a8c9335f.jpg?v=0

Wow, thank you for that informative write up, Michel Gagnon!

I was hoping to use the bag for a small camera, some snacks, a windbreaker and other such necessities. It would be used mostly for day trips and recreational, no touring or anything like that. I'd like it to be easily removable, and be able to carry comfortable with the strap.

I haven't had the chance to actually go see/touch/feel any bags yet - my days off vary. I'll have to go at the end of the week, my next time off.

Dobber, that set up looks great! Nice and sturdy!

You're welcome.

I have added a couple of photos above. If your camera is small (like the Nikon CoolPix 200 a friend has), a smaller handlebar bag would be plenty.

That bag seems to be real nice! But I have a little point and shoot Canon SD Powershot 950IS. I kind of like the Topeak Compact bag, I have a feeling that might be something I can use. I was just curious if it would sag or spin down with the handle bar mount.

That bag seems to be real nice! But I have a little point and shoot Canon SD Powershot 950IS. I kind of like the Topeak Compact bag, I have a feeling that might be something I can use. I was just curious if it would sag or spin down with the handle bar mount.

I have one and it doesn't sag or spin down at all. However I find it is just too small and with the built-in waist strap I feel it is over-engineered. All in all I gave up on it and found the compact Ortlieb which is just as narrow but deeper and fits well with STIs.