I've got a new bike that's great, now I need to put a couple bags on it for some distance rides.

I think I would like an expandable seat bag and either a handlebar bag or a bag that straps to the top rail and stem tube(?). Does a handlebar bag hang on the front or rear side of the handlebars? It looks like it would interfere with the cableing on the front side.

I want to carry a patch kit, spare tube, some sort of pump, some sort of multi tool, a wallet, cell phone, iPod, water and gatoraid (hydration pack maybe), a snack or two, and a 9mm compact pistol. Any other essentials that I should carry?

I was looking on a site call REI.com. They had a lot of stuff but I know there are a LOT more sites out there. Any suggestions of sites with reasonable prices and good customer service? Thanks in advance for any help.

Shabo

You will find no better customer service than REI. You will find better prices, but keep in mind that REI members get 10% off all regularly priced items, and more if they use an REI Visa card.

Try Amazon.com. They often have good prices along with "free super saving shipping". But caveat emptor, as their prices may not always be the best and free shipping only applies to select items.

Beyond that, the internet is your oyster.

Give Wayne at The Touring Store a call. He specializes in what you are looking for, and has great prices and top notch service.


https://www.thetouringstore.com/

Try Here: https://www.bikemania.biz/Handlebar_Bags_s/359.htm
also Adventure Cycling / topeak / Arkel

Bags? Do they light up or record distance?

+1

I like my small Avenir Bigmouth underseat bag, which also comes in medium and large. I consider my little bike bag a gadget and I got it on amazon.

Other than that, this seems to be a much kinder, gentler forum section.
I'm here for bike computer problem help. See ya back at the ranch. LOL

The 9mm pistol...is that a good idea? Anyone else carry protection; is security a concern [I'm interesting in randonneuring, and it has crossed my mind how safe it is [say, riding at 3am in parts unknown]. Comments?

I've got a large Topeak seat bag on my roadie that I love. Holds a couple of tubes, tire tools, couple of CO2 canisters plus the nozzle thing and still has room for my car keys, iPhone, an emergency Cliff Bar, and some cash. Even has a quick release so you can pop it off and carry it if need be.

Definitely. He set me up with a rack and panniers for my ride. He actually talked me out of a slightly more expensive rack, telling me how the one I ended up with was a better fit for my disc brakes and pannier hooks. Wayne's like the Sheldon Brown of racks and bags.

For the rear packs, I would look at the Topeak packs.. I have used a small Topeak seat pack for basic essentials and then have a Topeak Dynapack.. It holds up to 10lbs of gear.. I have the larger DX model but they come in 2 sizes.. Great for short trips..

https://topeak.com/products/Bags/DynaPack
https://topeak.com/products/Bags/DynaPackDX_raincover
https://topeak.com/products/Bags/Aero..._medium_Velcro

list of all there bags.. https://topeak.com/products/Bags?WYSE...teack0ell1uc27

Rixen and Kaul, Klick Fix Brackets , they have one to mount the same bag
front or rear..

And lots more to mount many of your gadgets , onto the bike...

Check with the folks at www.bikebagshop.com. Great selection and service.