sunsurfandsand

In the early 80's, Cannondale made handlebar bags that used a cantilevered wire frame to support the bag. After loaning, and never getting back, my touring kit, I have replaced my panniers, but have never found a satisfactory front bag.

Since about 1984, it seems like all reasonably priced handlebar bags use clunky ClickFix or similar mounting hardware that puts the bag much too high for my liking. Also, the hardware attaching the mount to the handlebar consumes a place where I often want to put my hands, close to the stem.

There are a few really great front bags that mount beautifully low using decaleurs and front racks, but the prices of those are too high for me to easily afford.

What I'm looking for is a bag that rides low like the French and Japanese front bags, mounts conveniently like the old Cannondales, and is inexpensive like them too.

Any suggestions (other than getting a higher paying position)?

badger_biker 

You might still be able to find an old Cannondale bag on eBay or CL. I have a Cannondale Trestle which was about their best in the early 80's. I like the bag but because the hanger rack doesn't work on a stem with a positive angle up, I modified it to fit a Topeak QR mounting. It seems to work fine but probably can't handle the same load it did with the hanger.

I agree with you about the loss of hand realestate with many of the newer set ups.

cyccommute 

I don't think the Rixen Kaul mounts any higher than the old Cannondale and the mount is certainly more secure. I've had the old mount too and it was prone to bouncing off on bumps. Never had that problem with the Ortlieb bag. Nor does the mount take up much room on the bars. It's only slightly wider than the wire mount on the Cannondale bag.

rodar y rodar

I`m not thrilled by the comercial bar bag options either and have started trying to come up with a better homebrew system. My current commuter bag is an insulated lunch bag that sits on a low front platform and attaches by a functional, but bulky home made QR block. Trying to improve on my QR method, I just received a set of Lone Peak pannier clips (Touring Store will sell them to you without the panniers- $22 for four clips) that I hope to incorporate into some kind of decalleur style system to work with a yet to be purchased cosmetic bag or lunch box. So far I don`t have any design down on paper, but maybe you can make some kind of use from the idea. If you beat me to the punch, put up some pics- you might come up with a better plan than I do.

sunsurfandsand

You're right about the R&K mount being more secure.

The Cannondale I had mounted lower than the assortment of bags using the R&K and assorted knockoffs of it that I have seen. I would be happier with one that mounts lower still, though.

The wire rack snugged right up to the stem on mine. The Klickfix knockoff I tried mounted almost up to the bar tape.

Thanks for the suggestion; I'll have a look at the Ortlieb.

sunsurfandsand

After you get your DIY front bag together, pictures would be great!

sunsurfandsand

To some extent, the bar real estate bugs me more than it probably should, but it definitely bugs me. There are times when I want my hand as close to the stem as possible...like when I'm fishing in my back pockets with the other hand, or drinking from a water bottle.

Camel

The Jandd quick release bracket is pretty narrow. Might be worth seeing if a shop around you carries Jandd stuff, and would let you mount a QRB on your handlebar. They are easy enough to mount.

Else as others have mentioned, keep an eye on e-bay for the type you are looking for.

rodar y rodar

"Model two" might be a while. Our digital camera is out on loan, but as soon as it comes back (next week?) I`ll post up "Model one" along with enough to explain what I`m getting at for the decalleur system, which should actually be easier as well as better.

moleman76

Eclipse made a similar bag; you can find them on eBay or Craigslist from time to time; matter of fact, I just found one listed and pm'd the OP.

I'll put photographing mine, and measuring up the wire holder, onto a to-do list.

The Eclipse bags use stretch cords with hooks to hold the bag down / prevent/lessen bouncing; hooks go into fender eyelets at the fork. They also sold a light metal - zamac or similar - two-part casting that you could clamp to your seatpost and thus hang the bag under/behind your saddle, with the cords hooked to rear eyelets.

[Found a site authored by the founder of Eclipse who said they licensed the bungee cord approach to Cannondale and others]

sunsurfandsand

Thanks for the tip on Eclipse. I look forward to your photos.

Yes, Cannondale used the same approach until about 1984, then went to a clamped-on click mount.

Under my saddle, I really like the Carradice saddle bags.

sunsurfandsand

Thanks to Moleman, I've got a lead on an Eclipse bag on Craigslist. But I'll look around for Jandd; I've had a couple of their tool and tire type bags, and they seemed pretty well designed and manufactured.

positron

I am thinking of dropping my carradice bag using a homemade version of one of these:

https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...2d1e6ce3dab25c

would love the nitto, but 50 bucks is a bit steep.
I love the RK clickfix mount, I just want the bag lower...

another idea maybe?

TheBrick

if you have enough steer tube two stems.

barturtle

According to Peter White, that isn't strong enough to support a bar bag.

Camel

Cool.


Keep an eye out, and if you have the oportunity try out a Jandd mount. If it's narrow enough for you, then give a look at Jandd bar bags. They make some very nice ones with some very usefull features.

-Cut & paste reply from another thread...

"They make good stuff-

I've used their Touring Handle Bar Pack II on a bunch of tours now, including my yearlong tour & I really liked it.

It has all the pockets I could ever need, and it's pretty darned durable. I like the map case, and also kept a compass in it on top of the map-really handy. The side mesh pockets are a bit too small for carrying snacks with ease, but can handle a snack bar-I normally carried lip balm and pepper spray there. The quick attachment system has held up suprisingly well, and it's really easy to swap the bag if you have a couple different bikes (nice feature)."

-I'll add that the D rings are also nice if you need to use your bar bag a lot when walking about doing touristy stuff. Carries like a small to mid size camera bag or "man purse".

I keep thinking that the QRB will crack or fail, but it has yet to. Quality gear.

positron

yeah, I'm sure its not 'supposed to' hold a handlebar bag, but im also sure it would work just fine- especially if the clamps are pointing straight down. less torque that way. my barbag only weighs a few pounds anyway. Im going to mill out longer clamps from a block of nylon i have, and use a chunk of old handlebar.

Id use the two stem idea, but I have a threaded headset and a chas roberts fillet brazed stem. this setup is not being changed...

mijome07

You know I couldn't pass this thread up. I recently got a Jandd handlebar bag. The (QRB) is made for 26mm, not 31.8mm like mine. But, once centered and mounted, it is nearly bomb-proof. After the initial rock n' roll test (earthquake simulation ), I took it for a spin. I picked some roads that are all chewed up. Not once did the mount come loose. I had about 4 lbs. in the bag. Thank you J and D.

rodar y rodar

This is my current setup. It isn`t really a handlebar bag, since it doesn`t actually mount on the bars, but it serves the same purpose. The block on back rotates- I just push it through the little bars on the rack, rotate it 90 degrees, and it`s locked in place. This bag was originally designed as either an insulated lunchbox or a medium sized camera bag. I can`t remember which. I`ve also been eyeballing cosmetic bags, fannypacks, fishing tackle bags, etc and when I get the next generation together I`ll make myself a small version and a large version.

The next one will use Lone Peak pannier mounts and I think that method will be superior to my home brew mounts in almost every way- less bulky, lighter, easier. The only way that mine wins out is in price: free VS $22 for two bags worth of mounts. Take a look at the pictures on the Touringstore website and use your imagination. I`m probably going to make a whole new rack (was going to do that anyway) with a Pi shaped backrest. The pannier clips will be screwed into the back of the bag and clamp onto the top rail of the "Pi" with the bag resting on the platform. Some of the commercial mini front racks would probably work fine for that if you aren`t into building your own rack. To mount hardware onto nylon bags, you can poke holes with a hot punch or rod, it even self cauterizes. Then use a piece of backe plate of some kind (I drilled holes in a chunk of sheetmetal the size of my mounting block) and srew it right on with locknuts inside the bag. Piece of cake.

Camel

Geez rodar y rodar,

That's a super nice set up. Thanks for sharing!

AsanaCycles

these are from Carousel Design Works

George

I just order one of these
https://www.treefortbikes.com/398_333...der-Strap.html

adaminlc

I've got a smaller topeak that I really like. I've always had good results from that company.

Adam

rodar y rodar

Hey, those guys have some great prices on a lot of things. I`d never heard of them before. Have you ordered from them in the past?

George

I couldn't believe the prices either. I should get my bag today.