handlebar bag - folding bikes
 

Am curious others that are doing distance touring have used as handlebar bag

Also concerns about suspending another 3kg on the front of a long lever arm, as we all know these bikes are more sensitive than full sized bikes for headset/handling concerns.

Am looking at higher end ($100+) models from Ortlieb, Vaude, and Arkel.

Long term issues you've experienced? Statements from the bike mfctrs about adding weight there?

Perfect mounting systems that don't affect fold much? (Klickfix (ortlieb+vaude) / arkel aluminum)

For distance riding especially on hot days, I have a homemade handlebar bag for my Dahon Piccolo. It holds a few items plus water bottles. In this way, I don't have any steering issues or extreme weight to contend with. When I fold up, the connecting straps snap off quickly and the tote/shopping bag can be carried on my shoulders.

I use the Brompton luggage, which mounts to the frame. I believe Dahon offer something similar, and I see no reason that a KlickFix mounting couldn't be fitted to just about any frame, if you're willing to pay for it.

I mount an Ortlieb Ultimate to the headset of my Curve with a Klickfix adapter. It works well, although I can't attach the bag to the mount unless I open the cover. (The true-blue Ortlieb mount has no such problem.) I can feel the weight, but I imagine it's a lot better than having the bag up on the handlebars.

Carradice is also looking nice to me, the Carradry model addresses the lighting issues that other bags don't. Klickfix appears the most mature and versatile mounting system. @neilfein, I think you're using the seatpost adapter to mount it to the headtube area? Good idea.

It's the "New Frame adapter", and yes, it's the headtube. I got the idea from the OP of this thread.

I use a very large (guessing 10 liters, it's no longer produced) Novara handlebar bag with klickfix adapter on my Birdy. I don't generally load it very heavily, but it's convenient for light bulky things like a jacket.

I've sometimes put my u-lock in there, and it has a noticeable effect on handling.

I've considered using the new stem adapter too, but that would take away the space I now use for a bottle cage and pump..

:thumb: nice, but have any disadvantage of folding bike???



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I used the Klickfix adapter for the headtube with a Rixen Kaul backpack on my old 2007 Curve SL. Though there was a bit of resistance (hardly perceptible) I thought the bike handling actually improved with the added weight over the front wheel. Less twitchy.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/...f83f0d556c.jpg

I now have a 2009 SL and for some reason Dahon removed the front braze-ons, so now I use a similar adapter for the seattube to carry my backpack. Works well - but I now carry less weight in backpack. I'm not too keen on adding to the load of the extended seat tube.

I jury-rigged a way to attach my Rixen Kaul saddlebag to an extra seat tube reflector bracket, which I then attached to the handlepost.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/...bf20436822.jpg

@Owenfinn, I'm impressed you can hang something that seems so big off of those adapters. No flex issues or degradation over time? Is there enough slack in the seatpost band to get it around some part of the handlepost? (to put it up front)

Klickfix seems to have a huge following and a lot of support from users and manufacturers. They must be doing something right and creating a quality product.

No flex at all. It's a big piece of solid plastic. When the backpack was on the front, I could put quite a bit of weight in it, with no negative effect at all. On the seatpost, if I loaded it up I'd still be well under Dahon's max weight, but I don't chance it, since I've already experienced the dreaded frame crack at seattube issue on the previous bike and really don't want a recurrence. When I'm riding I don't notice that the pack is there, but it feels a little top heavy when I stop. It's really great for commuting during the summer, when you don't want to wear a bag on your back because of the heat.

Don't think I can attach the seat post adapter to the handlepost for a few reasons - the bottom of the handle post is not a uniform diameter, I wouldn't be able to fold the bike, and the cables would probably interfere too much.

handlebar load
 

I carry my 7lb Yorkie on my Downtube NS in a handlebar bag, she weighs 7lbs and the bag is about 3lbs. Handles nice even with 4 panniers, dog, and stuff on top both racks. Just go a lot less distance in time compared to a full sized bike. The front rack is hooked to vbrake bosses. I put light stuff in those panniers and on top of front rack.

handlebar load
 

Sorry double post
I carry my 7lb Yorkie on my Downtube NS she weighs 7lbs and the bag is about 3lbs. Handles nice even with 4 panniers, dog, and stuff on top both racks. Just go a lot less distance in time compared to a full sized bike.

fwiw I used the front panniers on my Dahon Speed TR for the kind of stuff I would otherwise put in a barbag, and a little bit more, and the handling was if anything better than without. Great bike the TR.