RichardGlover

So, randonneurs typically have a handlebar bag, supported by a front rack. Great design. But, what do tall riders do? You end up with a larger frame with a taller head tube & higher bars. It seems to me that the bottom of your bag wouldn't reach the top of the front rack.

Is that a problem? I mean... if your bag is too high to hit the top of the rack, it's too high to rub on your fender. But what about additional stability afforded by the bag being attached to the rack?

Am I overthinking this?

redxj

Just get a bigger bag for a bigger bike. I didn't have any trouble with either of my bikes:

62cm Nishiki Seral:


and the now in pieces 64cm Kogswell P/R 700c:

StephenH

FYI, in the local randonneuring group, I doubt there's 1 in 10 that carry a large front bag like that. Not to say you shouldn't or that people elsewhere don't, but it's the exception rather than the rule around here.

unterhausen

traditional randonneuring bags are not really handlebar bags. They ride on the rack, and the top is supported from wobbling back and forth by a decaleur. The decaleur was often attached to the stem, but it also can be attached at the top of the headset. Acorn says that their boxy rando bag doesn't need a decaleur and just attaching it to the rack is enough. Seems like the perfect size bag for most randonneuring. However, some 1200k's have very little support and thus a randonneur might like to carry more clothing/food with them instead of relying on bag drops.

lonesomesteve

Sorry to venture off topic, but holy crap! The head tube on the Kogswell is as long as the top tube on my bike.

unterhausen

yeah, that's quite the head tube and it doesn't look like it's really that large of a bike. Head tube material can be had in 3' lengths, and true temper sells some really long steerers.

redxj

Head tube is 290mm if I recall. The fork uncut had 400mm of steerer! The fit for me was great at 6'6" too bad the frame was built incorrectly.