docbluedevil

Did a search and didn't come up with much luck here.

What options are out there for a handlebar bag for the stoker compartment? I'd prefer one with a map case. That way my wife can navigate as well as dispense snacks, take pictures, etc.

The only one I've come up with is one from Gilles Berthoud.

Any suggestions?

Regards,
Abe

rhetoric

I hate forum responses that don't answer the question, but here I go anyway.

There isn't a whole lot of room for handlbar bags on a tandem given the "saddle bags" of the captain (and his [or her] big fat or little puny bum) are sittin' right there. Is there?

We find that a rear rack with an old rectangular Blackburn bag is relatively accessible. My wife turns around all the time to fetch snacks, chap-stick, sunscreen, pepper spray, camera, cell phone, make-up compact, and etc. But again, you probably know that.

I have seen stokers place maps right on the backside of the captain!

Steve Katzman

My stoker uses a bag that is actually designed to be a small underseat bag. Instead of attaching it to the seat rails, as it was designed to do, we attach it to the stoker stem because it fits better there. It is quite stable there. It is big enough to hold a digital camera and a few snacks. As far as a map case goes, she does still have room on the bars to attach a separate map holder. However she prefers to attach the map holder to my Camelbak, where it is at a position where she can more easily read it. Your needs may vary from ours, but I mention our solution because it works well for us. We also have a larger trunk pack behind the stoker, which mounts on a standard type rear rack, for carrying larger or heavier payloads.

Another solution that I have seen used for small stoker items is a "Bento Box". This type of bag sits atop the stoker's (and/or captain's) top tube. See: https://www.all3sports.com/Product/Ca.../ProductID/219

Also, Tandems East sells two models of stoker bags for $30 each that look like they can attach to the top tube or the stoker stem. See: https://www.tandemseast.com/parts_frame.html

Good luck on your quest.

Gtscottie

Abe:

We ran into the same problem and I had a couple of handle bar bags in the garage so I strapped one on to the stokers bar. It is sitting backwards to how it was designed but I think it will work. We are going to try it out this weekend when we go out. Here is a link to the bag that I used.
https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1085680298734

mlwschultz

We just use rear pockets in our jerseys & stoker wears a fanny pack (cell phone, repair kit, cash, etc.).

BernhardS

Hello Abe,
we did the same search and could not find anything suitable - until recently, when we visited Bermuda!
There we found/bought a handlebar-bag from TREK, which works and fits perfect:
https://www.trekbikes.com/accessories...ategory_id=104
In the picture you see the straps with bungee-cords, that are normally attached to the eyelets of the fork to stop the bag from swinging up and down. You would have to modify these straps for Stoker-use.
Bernhard

spacerconrad

We use a small seatbag on the Rear Admiral's stem, though I think we'll probably go with something larger in the future. She does make good use of my jersey pockets, and I must be careful before sitting down at a rest stop, as I may be sitting against half a banana.