Recommendations for a Handle Bar Bag
 

I have finally gone out and purchased my Surly Disc Trucker and have put on the racks. I want to mount a medium sized handlebar bag that will still allow me to use my Garmin bike computer. I think then I need one that has a good mount that pushes the bag forward about an inch or two from the handlebars. I have looked at the Topeak and the Ortlieb on line but both had a significant number of write ups complaining about the mounting system. Am getting ready for my first tour on the bike, so need some help. Thanks

I just bought a waterproof Arkell bag. Seems very solid. It mounts quite far away from the handle bars with aluminum mounts. Doesn't move around. Hopefully those with more experience will have some suggestions.
http://www.arkel-od.com/en/small-han...-bike-bag.html

The Canadian dollar is at a very low .75 USD.

I like my Carradice handlebar bag:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...j/IMG_1005.jpg

mount a second stem for the bag.

or you can get a little extension bar thingie. one or two clamps onto the handlebars,
with a 3-6" section of aluminum tubing set off from the bars by a couple inches.

also saw somewhere an extension mount that screws onto the top of the
stem.

I have found that when I take a handlebar bag I actually prefer to remove all of the original mounting hardware and use the little front rack sold by nashbar or under the sunlite brand. If I remember correctly it weighs about 12 ounces. I used it with a Nashbar Elite bag and was pretty happy with it. I wrapped the shoulder strap in a kind of figure eight on the stem and the bag stayed put pretty well. I took some of the stiffening out of the bag to save weight since it didn't need it as much when sitting on a rack. The rack and bag wound up weighing less than the standard bag and mounting hardware.

It is intended to mount on the canti brake bosses, but I have adapted it to a p-clamp setup before as well, by using a little aluminum plate on each fork leg with double p-clamps.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=477577

On some trips I have used a bar roll instead and on a couple trips hung a little Mountain Hardwear camera bag on it.

It all depends on your intended use. Do you want waterproof, easy on and off, and durable? A bag that is easy to access while you are moving? I take my camera out frequently while moving to photograph other riders.

I'm not sure what you heard about the Orlieb bar bags, but my wife and I both use them. There have been almost no problems in the 8 years we have been using them.

If the mounting cables are just snugged, not mashed, the mounts can be loosened, removed, and remounted without a problem. I just recently installed interrupter brakes on my touring bike and there is plenty of clearance.

The only problem I had is one of our mounts was broken when we shipped our bikes home from a tour. But that was not the only thing damaged.

I guess what I 'm saying is, don't discount the Ortlieb bar bags without checking closely.

The Ortlieb mount is more complicated than it needs to be but as Doug said they are reusable if you don't destroy the cable by over tightening. You can also get a KickFlix replacement mount that is just a simple mount (no cables). I love my Ortlieb handlebar bag. The only minor irritation is that things often wiggle out of the divider. I plan on trying a cardboard six-pack holder, which should work a little better.

Another vote for the Ortlieb bag. I've taken one of those mounts apart and honestly even though it seems complicated the mount is actually one of the best designs I have ever seen. There is pracically no possibility where your mount can break and the bag can just fall off while you are riding, unlike with some plastic mounts. The cable is more than a fastening system. It's also a very good security system. The thing is also really difficult to rip off or cut off for a prospective thief, not to mention you can lock the bag so it's locked on the mount and locked shut. Then again the locking system only works for runners and it won't protect for a second if you are not on, or directly next to the bike (nor should it really...)

Some people just like to complain:rolleyes: The Ortlieb mount is solid and relatively easy to use. In 13 years of use, I've never had a problem with the mount on my handlebar bag. If you need more room, you can get extenders to push the bag out further.

The bag itself is absolutely water proof. I've carried my camera in it for thousands of miles and never had any water in the bag

Ortlieb ultimate 6 bar bags top 2 models have a touch thru window in the lid for your electronic toys.
View the ULTIMATE 6 M PRO at http://www.ortliebusa.com
the Top model has electrical contacts to power USB chargers off the front Hub dynamo.
View the ULTIMATE 6 M PRO E at http://www.ortliebusa.com
All comes off in the bag, without unplugging anything but the HB Bag.


You are talking about the TopPeak mount complaints I presume ..

Carradice Buys Klick Fix mounts , in bulk.
they will let you hang Ortlieb bags from them (done that)

I have the Topeak Compact Handlebar bag and love it. For me the mounting works perfectly, and I like the ease of snapping it in and out to take with me. It also came with an attachment to attach a bike computer on top of it.
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The Ortlieb mount goes on easy and stays on. It's a solid mount. And your Garmin mount will work with the Ortlieb mount.

The complaints I've seen have been from people who wanted to take the mount off and on. It can be done, but that can also booger up the cable and you'll need to buy another one. I leave the mounts on -- they don't weigh anything. (I also leave both water bottle cages on even for short rides that only take one bottle.)

I did get a secondary stem for my travel bike, which needs to be taken apart to fly. Again, the mount stays on the stem.

Being a DIY guy I Used a Modified Handlebar Water bottle cage Mount , and some Spacers , and long Bolts .

and Fixed the bar bag, a pretty cheap one I made over with stiffeners, to the bars .. .

The 'valuables' were in a Money Belt under my Clothes ..

I'm an Arkel Big bag fan myself. I've been using it daily for over a year now. I used the Ortlieb Ultimate for about a half a year, but found the Arkel to suit me better overall. The mounting is better but less universal and may require some hacking.

Thanks all, just ordered the Ortlieb classic in M and the map case. Was a hard choice between the Arkel and the Ortlieb, but the warranty on the Ortlieb sold me.

I like the Carradice Super C that I have. Its light, has a great map case, a nice shoulder strap, and a zippered pocket inside the main compartment to keep money and other valuables in. It uses a Klickfix mount and is easy to get on and off the bike. I also have a large Arkel handlebar bag, but it is heavy and I find that is inconvenient to carry off the bike due to its large size and boxy shape.

Shop you resale stores and get a camera bag.

$3.99

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h.../399bag006.jpg

Zip ty it.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h.../399bag002.jpg

Excellent!

I currently have the Jandd Touring I handlebar bag and have been pleased. Size is great, can have camera, phone, wallet, snacks and room for light jacket in main pocket. Top map-pocket is great (I'm a map person myself), though it has its glare issues occasionally. Front flat pocket to carry some extra reflective, emergency contacts card, some bands/ties. The compression straps on the sides work great to keep it balanced. The mounting is easy, just a bracket that clamps onto stem/handlebar area and then the bag itself "clicks" onto that via a "big clicker." Side mesh pockets for my trash. Very versatile, roomy, sturdy, easy enough.

Agree. I use short piece of PVC pipe in a second stem for my mount, but a piece of handlebar would be stronger. That can lower the bag for slightly lower center of gravity. Two different bikes shown here:

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=477948

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=477949

If you use drop bars like me, keep enough room for your fingers between the bag and bar if you are wearing ski gloves in winter. If flat bars, you only need enough room to make it easy to open and close the bag.

i wasn't so clear in my post. i meant mount the bag on the handlebars, since that's
carrying most of the weight. the second stem or extendo would carry the lighter
stuff. i suppose it could even be mounted facing the rear, easier to watch
tv while riding....

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=477951