Big Handlebar Bag & Lights?
04-02-08, 06:00 PM
#1
Professional Fuss-Budget
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Big Handlebar Bag & Lights?
OK, here's a good one for the truly bored. 
I've got a rather large handlebar bag (Ortlieb), which works pretty well. The only hitch is it blocks any spot where I could possibly put a light.
For the moment I can put a light or two on the fork, but that won't be an option if/when I use a front rack. I also can't put it too much lower (e.g. with an extra mounting bar) as the bar-end shifter cables will get in the way.
Any suggestions?
I've got a rather large handlebar bag (Ortlieb), which works pretty well. The only hitch is it blocks any spot where I could possibly put a light.
For the moment I can put a light or two on the fork, but that won't be an option if/when I use a front rack. I also can't put it too much lower (e.g. with an extra mounting bar) as the bar-end shifter cables will get in the way.
Any suggestions?
04-02-08, 07:27 PM
#2
eternalvoyage
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OK, here's a good one for the truly bored.
I've got a rather large handlebar bag (Ortlieb), which works pretty well. The only hitch is it blocks any spot where I could possibly put a light.
For the moment I can put a light or two on the fork, but that won't be an option if/when I use a front rack. I also can't put it too much lower (e.g. with an extra mounting bar) as the bar-end shifter cables will get in the way.
Any suggestions?
I've got a rather large handlebar bag (Ortlieb), which works pretty well. The only hitch is it blocks any spot where I could possibly put a light.
For the moment I can put a light or two on the fork, but that won't be an option if/when I use a front rack. I also can't put it too much lower (e.g. with an extra mounting bar) as the bar-end shifter cables will get in the way.
Any suggestions?
https://www.princetontec.com/products/index.php?type=1
04-02-08, 07:31 PM
#3
cyclepath
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One possibility is to use a good, bright LED headlamp (PrincetonTec make some good ones). They often fit right over a handlebar bag, and they're versatile -- they have many other uses as well.
https://www.princetontec.com/products/index.php?type=1
https://www.princetontec.com/products/index.php?type=1
It's made by Minoura, google it, Amazon has it.
04-02-08, 07:45 PM
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As an aside, you can re-route the cables for your bar-ends so they run under the tape and exit at the stem. Much cleaner routing. I've been running that for a couple of years now on my 520 with no ill effects on shifting. You'll need to get new cable housing, because you need a bit more than when you let the cables stick out the front of the drops.
04-02-08, 07:56 PM
#5
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04-02-08, 08:04 PM
#6
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I have a light on my helmet, but I noticed a big disadvantage if you're actually trying to see it: the higher angle tends to flatten out small bumps, so while you can see that there isn't a massive rock in your path, a pothole on an unsealed road is pretty hard to see. When riding with a couple of friends I found I did a lot better switching it off, and just using the light from their handlebar-mounted lights: the low angle made every bump cast big shadows.
04-02-08, 08:13 PM
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I am considering the same thing with my handlebar bag. I believe that i have seen pics of lights mounted on the front loop over the tire on a front rack.
I'll try to find some pics.
I'll try to find some pics.
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Last edited by Bacchusbill; 04-02-08 at 08:18 PM. Reason: pic added
04-03-08, 04:26 AM
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Fork crown works too. You might get a shadow cast depending on your rack.
04-03-08, 06:09 AM
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There's been a good deal of discussion of this over in the lighting group. There are a lot of choice, running a second handlebar, using a spacebar, etc. The most common solution is the helmet-mounted light. I use a fenix flashlight, mounted w/ a single strip of velcro.
04-03-08, 01:34 PM
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I had a Topeak Bar X'tender mounted under the stem. I just ordered a Jandd Extreme Front Rack. I have a Jandd Rack Pack II [trunk] that I'll be putting on the front rack. So now I moved the Bar X'tender upright on the stem to clear the trunk. Here's a picture of what I'm talking about. This would also work it you had to clear your handlebar bag.
