Originally Posted by LeeG

Ahhh. $.02 don't get a big honking handlebar bag that cantilevers the load high and forward. Seems to me all of those are designed to act as an easily detached glove compartment and not the best way to carry a load that doesn't affect front end handling. Experiment around.

The front bag I used for fast touring 35 yrs ago was an oval nylon tube with plastic stiffener and one horizontal zipper. Attached to the bars with Velcro at the brake hoods and bottom of the drops. Not really convenient to get things out of but it left room for fingers on the tops of the bars was light and could be removed easily requiring no proprietary clamp devices. I could carry a windbreaker, bags of food, cap, can of juice etc. just a couple lbs is all.

It would be interesting if you could get your sleeping bag into a 13liter dry bag for the handlebars and the rest of your stuff in two 20liter dry bags strapped down tight on the rack. I know you're invested in the panniers but panniers were never meant for racing bikes. It's like loading up the trunk of a sports car with bags of concrete, you can do it but not exactly optimum for a long trip.
Because of your relatively light weight and load you can make this happen pretty easily on the existing wheels.
if you can get a fatter tire on the rear it would be beneficial.



Big River Dry Bag | Sea to Summit