Largest front bag that is functional?
 

I love the look of a randonneur bike with the boxy bag in the front. I am considering making one for myself so I can make it any size. If I am going to go through the work, I would like to be able to fit a laptop in it easily. My current laptop measures 12.65" X 8.35". That is the smallest I would consider. The largest replacement I would consider is about 15.75"X 10.15". Would a 16" x 12" X 12" boxy bag work?

The largest non-custom front bag I have found online is the Waxwing Porteur at 14"x9.5"x10" . What do you have that is that size or bigger? Is it awkward? For the record, it will be going on a low trail bike.

Waxwing Porteur for reference-https://www.waxwingbagco.com/store/p...g_Porteur.html

Well, I went the custom route with Waxwing for my Gugified 650b Raleigh International (including a Gugie front rack, Gugie decaleur with Ortlieb QR attachment and R-clips on the bottom of the bag):

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f24ec637b.jpeg

I can fit my MacBook Pro in its case, lunch, a jacket, and more. It’s the BAB!

Are you using this with a drop bar? Keep in mind that the bag has to clear the inside of the drop bar. For example, with a 40cm drop bar, the inside-to-inside measurement would be just shy of 15". And you have to allow some room for your hands and/or brifters.
For a smaller laptop like the one you have, I think the Soma Porteur rack with fence is your best bet:
https://cdn.shoplightspeed.com/shops...ack-silver.jpg

I ride wider drops. I have a set of 48cm Nitto Noodles and two sets of 46cm bars. I have been contemplating a set of 52cm Noodles but I haven’t committed.

I am interested in the Velo Orange Portuer rack. Currently I have a Nitto front rack with the standard size top.

Only a front u lock in Boston with that bike? brave man.

I haven't had a bike stolen in over 25 years of bike commuting in the Boston area! I don't leave it outside overnight, which is generally when bike thievery happens (or leave it on an outside porch).

Interestingly, about a year and a half ago, I had my bike locked up outside a grocery store near campus. When I came out, the shaft of my U-lock was gone. Essentially, someone sent me a message that my u-lock was crap, but he wasn't interested in stealing my bike (it was not the bike shown above). I got a new lock.

I'm reminded of Velo Orange's April Fool's bag from a few years ago. I thought it was internet photoshop tomfoolery, but I also remember seeing a picture here of someone's French Fender Day recap, and one of their Neutrinos was in the shot with the April Fool's bag. (This is the pic from VO's April 1 blog post, can't remember the year.)

https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/u...-2000x1333.jpg

Is this big enough?

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...72f9f45d94.jpg

:lol: what's the rationale for the fruits and vegetables?

I did something similar for @Andy_K recently, can't find any pics. Between his half a brain and my half a brain one full brain came up with some interesting ideas. Perhaps Mssr Kaylor will reply.

Work with Dave at Waxwing, he's done a lot of different custom bags including some very large ones.

Sure. Which one do you want?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3572ebeb_h.jpg
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ficazione.html

Or

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6eaf2a1d_h.jpg
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...o-bacon-2.html

Both solutions were designed around a 14"x11" laptop sleeve, which just fits in a Velo Orange Porteur bag. The upper solution is far slicker, with the laptop sleeve clipping directly onto an outer rack add-on (with a smaller bag sitting on top), which is removable, allowing the smaller rack to be used with a traditional handlebar bag.

It was another goof product, hyper-specific carrying cases. Tomato-shaped tomato carrier, Nutella-shaped Nutella carrier, that sort of thing.

:lol: Check out the ratings of the banana-shaped banana carrier on Amazon. They're funny.

I recently discovered I can slice the banana in half and put it in a sandwich box. Much simpler.

A guy on Paceline is selling his Swift Ozette, Nitto rack and decaleur combo at a fair price:

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=319184

My city bike uses a Pelago porteur rack with their matching bag. It’s not a full box, but I find it handy for carrying into grocery store, etc.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c26a52a60.jpeg

With that setup, you probably want to be careful not to put too much weight too far forward.