Originally Posted by
MichaelW
Rixen and Kaul make the mounts used by many bag manufacturers. They are pretty close to Ortleib, I dont know which came first. My carradice bar bag with R&K mounts is 13 years old.
They are quick-release with a button, wont sag when loaded and will stay on over rough downhill tracks and trails. Spares are available.
I think the design is better than arkel and you can switch the bags and baskets from other manufacturers.
For bags, check out R&K, Carradice and Basil.
Thank you! This is infinitely helpful. I actually want to make a pannier set for touring, and was just going to attach the handlebar bag with leather straps because I couldn't find any place that just sold handlebar bag mounts, much less quality mounts.
I really like the look of the compact Ortlieb. It's small and innocuous enough that I wouldn't even mind carrying it on non-bike trips, and it has the added bonus of not costing more than the bike I'm putting it on (Methinks Arkel is just a teeny bit proud of their product)