Chuck Naill

Yes, the zippers have metal appendages that help you open the bag with gloves. I guess for some them flopping around could be annoying. The early small version did not have this feature. I love the Arkel water proof panniers and now this handlebar bag. The metal attachment hardware was the reason I went with this brand.

Ridefreemc

Good luck on your adventure and kudos for pushing back on those that think you should do it their way when they are not you or in your situation. Where are you headed? Do you have another post describing your plans? It sounds interesting given the situation you alluded to.

AdvXtrm

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. I'm still recovering from a fatal/near fatal collision on my motorcycle that left me partially paralyzed and crippled. A was both hit and run over. I was crushed, chest caved in, broken ribs, which punctured and collapsed my lungs, head trauma/brain injury, over half a dozen broken bones, multiple torn ligaments, and a lot more. That was a little less than 6 months ago now.

After spending time in the hospital, I was placed in a convalescent hospital because I was unable to care for myself. While I was in there crippled up and in very bad shape, I knew I'd never ride a motorcycle again. Not because of any possible physical limitations I may end up with, but because the NDE and the horrendous pain and misery I’ve suffered is enough for me, so no more.

Since motorcycles and riding have been a key and central part of my life my entire life, I knew I had to get something new in my life to take their place. I had a long discussion with my son, and he had some great ideas, and that sparked me to come to bicycling as my new thing and passion. So from that hospital bed I used my phone to start learning more about bicycles. Even that was hard to do with only one usable arm and hand. I decided that I needed to go ahead and buy one. It was all about mental focus and determination at that point. I was determined that I would get myself well enough to ride it somehow and soon. I started researching bikes to buy. I think it was the first week I got home form the hospital that I bought my bike. I was still unable to walk at the time, and no way could I ride a bicycle, but I was determined that I would. Little by little as I’ve recovered I’ve done all I can to work on my bike. This is my first bicycle build of any kind. After 3-4 months from the collision I was able to ride it for the first time. I've done amazingly well. My doctors are all freaking out. In all their years they’ve never seen a recovery like this, among other things. So that’s where I am right now. Still recovering, doing good, and my bike is coming along great. The vision in my mind is becoming a reality before my very own eyes, as it should. Once the bike and I are ready, I’ll set off for the grandest adventure of my lifetime.

djb

as an ex motorcyclist going back from my teenage years, all I can say is that on a bicycle you need to ride just as defensively, situationally aware, anticipating bad situations, and basically be on the ball just as much as on a motorcycle-- in fact more because of the speed differences and specifically the closing speed differences and misjudging by some cars of passing space and time coming up on a bicycle.

Your decision to stop riding motorcycles is yours and yours only, but in my mind, the risk factor is the same or more in some ways on bicycle, so just transfer over all your motorcycle awareness skills and enjoy cycling. Its different in lots of ways but very similar (in my opinion) especially the safety aspect.

all the best with getting back on two wheels.

Ridefreemc

Thank you for sharing your story. Interesting that I could have written almost those same words. I had a motorcycle accident when I was 16 that left me with a broken neck, knee cap, collarbone, jaw, and a lot of other things (like a mostly paralyzed arm and hand). The bicycle is what got me back out there. I still ride the MC and just finished riding it 11,000 miles around the US and Canada, but I think I'm about done now (a case of getting it out of my system). Bicycling was probably the most impactful (positively) on my life overall. I've now ridden well over 100,000 miles on the bicycle and don't plan on stopping or reducing that. In fact I just retired early (at 54) and have plans to do more touring in the coming years.

Anyway, back to you. I'm excited for you and appreciate your drive (ride? . Keep up the good work and have fun!

AdvXtrm

I very much agree with what you've said here, and am taking all of those things very seriously. I am avoiding sharing the road with motorized vehicles as much as I reasonably can. If there's a separated not motorized route I take it, if there's a sidewalk I'm on it. The safety gear that saved my life on the bike, of course can't be worn while riding a bicycle. On a bicycle you just don't have the option to where such gear, so I'm very much aware of that huge difference as well.

Thanks, and it's pretty amazing that you've basically been through the exact same thing with the accident. I plan on sticking around here "trolls be damned"; learning more and sharing my experiences along the way. lol

ColonelSanders

Have you already bought your bike for your adventures, or is it still a work in progress?

AdvXtrm

Yes, I bought a bike soon after getting home from the hospital. I've had some issues along the way. I ended up having to return the first bike and get a whole different model. Since then I've been working on it and building it up as I'm able. The most important thing has been changing things and setting it up to accommodate my injuries and disability issues as best I can.

It's feeling really good now. I've raised the bars, and I've lowered the gearing considerably. Both have had a very positive impact on my ability to ride it. It came with a great rear rack on it, and I've since added a nice front one, fenders, water-bottle cages, and a fork mounted pump. I also recently added a fantastic suspension seat-post that makes a huge difference to the impact my back has to endure. I'm really loving this bike. It's a 2016 Novara Safari. There is still some considerable work I want to do to it. I'd like to upgrade the brakes, the tires, and add a dynamo as well. I'm also working on getting my luggage arrangement sorted and purchased. I'm playing musical saddles right now, but still haven't found the right one. I've got a couple on their way. I hope one of them ends up being the one.

djb

just be aware that with seats, depending on how much you have ridden in the past, how much you've been riding, slight positional changes of the seat, how fit you are--all these things affect how a seat feels, so just a heads up that a seat that feels just ok sitting on it or on a short ride could end up being a good seat for you with a bit of time.

re small adjustments, this can really make a huge difference between discomfort, saddle sores, numbness (if you feel numbness, listen and makes some changes)

the more you ride, the stronger your legs get and your body core also, means you are pushing more steadily with your legs, taking weight off your seat. Basically there are many factors that come into play with seat/butt comfort discomfort. Shorter rides at first and slowly building up distances is one thing, what padded bike shorts you wear is another...all this to say that it probably wont be a "oh, this seat feels great" and ends up working well--it might, but take things gradual, time on the bike, breaks here and there when you feel you need it. Little breaks make a real diff for keester comfort, hands, arms, neck....standing while pedalling sometimes is good too.

bottom line, you gotta get out there to improve and to see how it is, and perhaps get some good advice from a real person in a bike store who hopefully knows thier stuff, this can at least start off from a reasonable seat position.

AdvXtrm

Something I found out very quickly, is that having any real friction on the skin of my backside is a big no no. The first tow rides I did I was wearing smooth wicking material boxers, and the same material tights over those, and the same material shorts over those, and I had zero issues there. The last time I went on a much shorter ride, but wearing standard cotton/poly boxers with the same shorts I ened up with a kind of rug-burn on moth cheeks, and man that really hurts! When I was a young kid I could ride all day wearing whatever without issue, but not at this age apparently. I just bought some new riding specific shorts that have a pad in them I'm going to rid in for the first time soon. I hope that's a good move.

djb

all the best with finding what works best for you.

AdvXtrm

Thanks!

atufft

I used Arkel bag for 45 day trip in DRC Rainforest off road trail ride. I took plastic supports out and drilled pattern of holes with paddle bit to reduce weight while maintaining strength. Bag was waterproof and durable. It was loaded with valuable electronics, some with wire coming through zipper to dump hub charge USB port on handlebar stem. Main disadvantage of handlebar bag is heavy top
Weight that makes steering heavy,

Chuck Naill

It is a good bag. I looked at dozens before making the decision to get the Arkel. The material and workmanship is excellent. I couldn't find another brand with metal hardware.