I have never used an Ortlieb handlebar bag, but know people that do and they like them.

Different bikes handle differently, some bikes will handle a handlebar bag without problem, others do not like much weight in a handlebar bag.

Even if my handlebar bag was causing handling issues when I have too much weight in it, I still would always use it for a bike tour. I keep all my valuables in it and when I go in a restaurant or grocery store, the handlebar bag goes with me. I really like the convenience of it.

I do not regularly look at this forum, but they might have more comments on the bikes you are looking at: Cycling UK Forum ? Index page