andrelam

I am looking to get rid of the small cheapy handlebar bag I currently have. I have been looking at TheTouringStore and realy like the LonePeak H-100 bag. The size is nice and big, and it has a convenient pocket built in for maps, and also comes off nicely with a quick release. This way I can leave my saddle bags at home for short trip and just take the handlebar bag with me. The Ortlieb looks nice as well, but is a bit more money than I want to spend. Are there any other bags I should consider looking at?

The second part of my question relates to mounting my light and reflector. Those are currently on my handlebar right about where the handlebar bag quick release mount would go. The bag also sits a little proud of the handlebars on virtually all the bags I have seen and this would block my light and reflector. Any suggestion on how to get an alternate mount for the light and reflector?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and happy riding,
André

CliftonGK1

The H-100 is a nice looking bag. If you need the 600+ cu.in. then I'd say it's a good find. The only concern I have is with the mount. It's got the twin clamps for the bar, and I'm going to assume there's rubber anti-slip strips included or built in, but there's no under-the-stem stabilizer to keep it from slipping when heavily loaded. (Maybe they just don't show that installed/included.)

I've got a Nashbar Elite handlebar bag. It's a smaller capacity at just over 400 cu.in. and has the same features as the H-100: QR mounting mechanism, shoulder strap, handle, top map case, mesh side pouches and an additional front pouch. The main compartment isn't divided, but there's a separate storage compartment to the zippered top (basically making 3 compartments and the 2 mesh sides.) It's a good, solid mount which hasn't slipped and the bag doesn't bounce around much even on rough roads.

It does sit a bit tall, as will most larger h'bar bags from what I've seen. To solve the light mounting problem I'm fashioning a mounting bracket attached to the fork bridge, secured with the bolt which is currently holding my fender. Check out some of the generator light mounts at Peter White Cycles to get some ideas. I'm sure a dual reflector/light mount could easily be fashioned from about $4.00 worth of materials from the local hardware store.

HardyWeinberg

I wonder about moving my halo lighthead from the bar down to the fork using one of those 'cronometro nobs' from the Peter White link. Maybe then I'd need a flashlight on my helmet for being seen purposes?

CliftonGK1

Last night I moved my L&M Solo mount down to my left fork blade, since it was supposed to be overcast this morning. The mount held fine, and the light didn't rattle off-aim, which was my main concern.

I'd say the PW chronometro mount would work just fine, too. And a small LED white blinker on the helmet for be-seen visibility would probably be enough.

HardyWeinberg

Actually that's true, my cygo already has a tube-grabber bar mount, why not mount it sideways on the fork blade... Today was drizzly, I was regretting not bringing the headlight.

CliftonGK1

It was drizzly on this side of the lake, too. I'd like to report that both my Nashbar bags (h'bar and rack trunk) resisted the drizzle without any rain covers. If it's raining this afternoon, I'll probably put all my covers on (both bags, and the one for my Brooks.) I've had the rack trunk out in a hard rain with the cover on, and it performed beautifully. Plus, the cover is fluor. yellow, so it's awesome for visibility.

The fork mounted light option has a lot of appeal to me, and I can't believe I didn't go this route over the winter.
1. The lights are lower to the ground and project a better beam than being way up on the handlebar.
2. Having the lights lower means not having to shield it for oncoming cyclists on the MUP, or when pulling up behind cars at a stoplight.
3. I just like the way they look. I really want twin fork mount lights and a Schmidt hub on my next bike, because I think it's really classy lookin'.

HardyWeinberg

Cool, water resistance is good. I only cover the Brooks when it's POURING and I'm on/off a lot. Today it got drizzled on when I had to step down at lights rather than wobble forward by inches...

Same here. I have had it confirmed, in a way that I believe, that 2 3W halos really would do the job (plus some helmet mounted thingy to emphasize being seen), so now I just need to save up for a new wheel w/ hub plus those lights I guess. But I'm really trying to save up for a Pugsley so we'll see which itch gets scratched first.

MichaelW

I use a fork-mounted dynamo lamp with my carradice bar bag. It is a really convenient location, out of harms way and the bolt-on style means I leave it in place all the time. On one bike I run the lamp using a dynamo but on my usual commuter bike I run it from a 6v/3w battery.
The Carradice bar bag is really good, it has a tough but light plastic box , Rixen and Kaul fittings and a tough, water-resistance covering. It has a map holder, shoulder strap rings and a carry handle.

andrelam

Here is an update:

I finally settled on the Topeak Tourguide Handle Bar Bag DX for a link see: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...251271-3208631

The bag arrived the other day and last night I finally got it installed. It looks to be very nicely made. It also has a nice mesh on the inside of the lid that holds a rain cover. The main compartment is nice and large and I now carry my basic tools, lock, wallet, cell phone, etc in there. If I get to a store I can clip on a strap and easily pop the bag off the mounting bracket. This is much easier than taking off the saddle bags. There is nice large map pocket that can velco to the top. I've had a few rides where that would have been great to have. Much easier than constantly pulling out the map and then putting it back in the bag. I could not ride today as I had to take my wife to the DR office and had to take equipment to our 2nd office, but tomorrow I'll get to put it to good use. I ended up buying it from Amazon.com as the price was excellent and shipping was free. The local bike stores don't carry any bags so I did a lot of looking around on the web before I finally settled on the Topeak.

Happy riding,
André