Front Handlebar bag and rack, on a budget.
02-21-16, 01:14 PM
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Front Handlebar bag and rack, on a budget.
I get sticker shock everytime I consider adding a Handlebar bag to my Motobecane Grand Record. Spending more than $150 for a moderately nice bag and a rack to support it seems spendy to me. Can someone suggest a combination that doesn't bust the budget?
My bike is the largest frame size with a 20cm head-tube. I'd like the bag to be close to 10 inches tall. The bag should also be black or gray with tan trim. The bag should either be easy to remove to avoid theft and take with me while stopped, or so difficult to remove that attempted removal would frustrate an amateur theft.
Any suggestions?
My bike is the largest frame size with a 20cm head-tube. I'd like the bag to be close to 10 inches tall. The bag should also be black or gray with tan trim. The bag should either be easy to remove to avoid theft and take with me while stopped, or so difficult to remove that attempted removal would frustrate an amateur theft.
Any suggestions?
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
02-21-16, 02:10 PM
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Avenir Excursion QR on ebay for $50.
My son used one last season on his Della Santa.
Best inexpensive bag.
Otherwise start looking for a used Swift Paloma. They are fantastic.
About $150 new with QR mount. I found mine for half that on my local CL.
Same with my Swift Ozette.
Another line to check out is the Ostrich line at Alex's Cycle.
Nice waxed canvas bags at very affordable prices.
My son used one last season on his Della Santa.
Best inexpensive bag.
Otherwise start looking for a used Swift Paloma. They are fantastic.
About $150 new with QR mount. I found mine for half that on my local CL.
Same with my Swift Ozette.
Another line to check out is the Ostrich line at Alex's Cycle.
Nice waxed canvas bags at very affordable prices.
02-21-16, 02:12 PM
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I don't think you'll find a rack and quality bag for less than $150 new. Keep your eye on eBay and you might get lucky. If you start looking used you might have to be more flexible in your color preferences to get something that work.
Here's a cheap ($50) new green bag with leather trim that looks semi-classic and might do that doesn't even need a rack under it: Amazon.com : Tourbon Canvas Cycling Bike Handlebar Bag Bicycle Saddlebags Shoulder Messenger Storage : Sports & Outdoors
But you get what you pay for . . .
Here's a cheap ($50) new green bag with leather trim that looks semi-classic and might do that doesn't even need a rack under it: Amazon.com : Tourbon Canvas Cycling Bike Handlebar Bag Bicycle Saddlebags Shoulder Messenger Storage : Sports & Outdoors
But you get what you pay for . . .
Last edited by artclone; 02-21-16 at 02:16 PM.
02-21-16, 02:18 PM
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Avenir Excursion QR on ebay for $50.
My son used one last season on his Della Santa.
Best inexpensive bag.
Otherwise start looking for a used Swift Paloma. They are fantastic.
About $150 new with QR mount. I found mine for half that on my local CL.
Same with my Swift Ozette.
Another line to check out is the Ostrich line at Alex's Cycle.
Nice waxed canvas bags at very affordable prices.
My son used one last season on his Della Santa.
Best inexpensive bag.
Otherwise start looking for a used Swift Paloma. They are fantastic.
About $150 new with QR mount. I found mine for half that on my local CL.
Same with my Swift Ozette.
Another line to check out is the Ostrich line at Alex's Cycle.
Nice waxed canvas bags at very affordable prices.
Wow, that Swift Paloma bag is a great deal and comes in lots of colors. Thanks, I've never seen those.
02-21-16, 02:19 PM
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I don't think you'll find a rack and quality bag for less than $150 new. Keep your eye on eBay and you might get lucky. If you start looking used you might have to be more flexible in your color preferences to get something that work.
Here's a cheap ($50) new green bag with leather trim that looks semi-classic and might do that doesn't even need a rack under it: https://www.amazon.com/Tourbon-Handle...+handlebar+bag
But you get what you pay for . . .
Here's a cheap ($50) new green bag with leather trim that looks semi-classic and might do that doesn't even need a rack under it: https://www.amazon.com/Tourbon-Handle...+handlebar+bag
But you get what you pay for . . .
The Swift bag and Avenir mentioned above carry a lot more than most people need.
Neither require a front rack mounted on the frame.
After riding extensively the last couple of years with Revelate, Swift and Porcelain Rocket bags, I am trying hard to keep a rack out of the mix.
This bikepacking gear has really opened my eyes.
I no longer feel the need to have a full suitcase on a front rack.
...and I certainly won't put one on just to look the part.
02-21-16, 07:34 PM
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I retrofitted this Rubbermaid insulated cooler as a front bag. I think it was $14:
Perfect size for a dozen bagels!
As far as racks, Soma sells a relatively inexpensive front rack, or pick up a rear rack, cut off some struts and modify it to fit.
Perfect size for a dozen bagels!
As far as racks, Soma sells a relatively inexpensive front rack, or pick up a rear rack, cut off some struts and modify it to fit.
02-21-16, 07:43 PM
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Check out local bicycle part swap meets. The last two handlebar bags that I purchased cost $5 and $0.50 respectively. Both are high quality and meet the OP's description except that they don't have tan trim.
02-21-16, 07:47 PM
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It rests on a handlebar mount, not a rack, but I like the jandd front handlebar bag; it even has a map case:
Touring Handle Bar Pack I
Touring Handle Bar Pack I
02-21-16, 08:01 PM
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I recycled a nice camera bag I bought at the flea market for $5 with a $25 Velo Orange decaleur and a $12.99 Nashbar front rack. Total cost was $42.99. The bag is commodious, padded, has Velcro closures with nylon quick release straps and a front pocket. The decaleur, in combination with a front rack or support, makes possible the repurposing of many types of bags into a front bag.
P4170268 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
P4170269 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
P4170268 by galoot_loves_tools, on FlickrP4170269 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
02-21-16, 08:11 PM
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I recycled a nice camera bag I bought at the flea market for $5 with a $25 Velo Orange decaleur and a $12.99 Nashbar front rack. Total cost was $42.99. The bag is commodious, padded, has Velcro closures with nylon quick release straps and a front pocket. The decaleur, in combination with a front rack or support, makes possible the repurposing of many types of bags into a front bag.
P4170268 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
P4170268 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
02-21-16, 08:14 PM
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I'd seen your bag before, but I'm just now noticing your "decaleur" solution. Nifty!
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
02-21-16, 08:25 PM
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Thanks! That bike has a front rack with the standard upside down U shaped back rail, and I sewed a piece of leather into the back of the Rubbermaid bag to slip over it. The bag also has a long leather lace that comes through a couple of grommets on the bottom and secures the bag to the rack itself.
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