thetrooper

Hey guys! so im gonna be doing a cross country tour this summer, and im struggling to find a small handlebar bag. Idealy im looking for something small (that doesnt keep a big boxy form that sticks out far infront of the handlebars, but rather sags down), that has a quick release mechanism, and that fits around (or hangs bellow) a set of those small brake levers that are mounted on the top of drop handlebars. I cant find anything like this anywhere. can anyone help me?? or maybe someone can turn me onto the big boxy handlebar bag style. basically i think those are overkill when i have lots of space in my panniers, and i hear a lot about the handling problems with big bags out front (although ive never experienced this myself), aaaand i think they would definately get in the way of my second set of brakes which i love. so thanks a bunch in advance!

zagnut

Is this what you have in mind?
https://velo-orange.com/baesaorhabag.html

Zagnut

bedian

This was all I could think of

https://www.wallbike.com/berthoud/smallsaddlebag.html

Newspaperguy

Are you looking for something like this? https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1212463746079

My handlebar bag is similar to this design. It's got enough room for the things I need right away and it doesn't affect the way the bike handles. This year, I'm looking to build a new mount and have the bag riding on top of my front platform rack. This will allow me to keep the handlebars clear for items such as a headlight. In your case, it would also let you access the small brake levers if you're on a cyclocross bike.

jpmartineau

or this:

https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1212475811203

robmcl

I just put a small one on my bike. The Ortlieb Compact 5 should do the trick for you. Water proof and easily detachable with a shoulder strap. Available from Wayne at The Touring Store.

thetrooper

the first two, the velo orange bag and berthoud small saddlebag are just the kind of bag im looking for, BUT they have no quick release. the mec Bull handlebar bag is very close to what im looking for, because atleast its got velcro for some sort of release mechanism. i think ortlieb compact 5 takes the cake though. its narrow width makes the second set of brakes accessible, and it only sticks out 3 inches or so. and its got a quick release that should be super handy. thanks to everyone !

mangosalsa

No quick release, but for some reason I really want this bag:

https://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-bicycle-...QQcmdZViewItem

KLW2

X-Mart etc carry these.. They are replicas (sort of) of the old handlebar bags people used in drop bars.

bktourer1

Look at the Topeak bags. I have the small amd works for me. They also have a compact bag

ronzorini

Another smallish handlebar bag.

It's quick release and can be instantly converted into a fanny pack, which comes in handy. Perfect size for your wallet, cell phone and camera. It's well padded. My only minor gripe is the mounting clamp screws can strip out if you're not careful.

Edit: bktourer1 beat me to it!

Megamax

Just a note. I have used the Topeak Compact bag on several tours and while generally I really like it, you should know that even with the rain cover on it's not waterproof (at all). You will need to put the contents in a plastic bag to survive any bad weather. With that said, it's the perfect size for me and I can deal with the work-around.

It's about half the price of the Ortlieb compact, but if waterproof is a requirement you cannot beat the Ortlieb.

Mark

badger_biker 

Same experience for me regarding rain. It is a well padded bag though and for quick access to a camera, etc. and the ease of removing and throwing around your waist when you stop it is hard to beat.

zebede

+1 on the Topeak " compact handle bar bag ". I used it with the "cross brakes" that are mounted on the top of the bars with out interference. The brakes are a rotated down to a natural 45 degree angle . The quick release mount is over the top of the cables. This causes the mount to be canted slightly upward (reccomended in the installation instructions) resulting in a level bag.

Thie "bar bag" version uses the same quick release mount and claims to be more water resistant than the "compact handlebar bag" https://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/BarPack

Juggler2

Here ya go! Don't say I never give ya nuthin'!

https://www.bikeworldusa.com/product_...roducts_id/628

stevage

I also have and recommend the Topeak compact handlebar bag (not the one with waist straps). The gazillion pockets are great. Haven't noticed the waterproofing problem - but glad for the warning.

My biggest gripe with it is the two sets of indistinguishable zippers. I'm forever opening the top zip instead of the main compartment.

Steve

staehpj1

This one worked out well for my two companions on the TransAmerica.

Downside over a big boxy one? The lack of a large map pouch. As a result I went for a big boxy one.

Most bags with a quick release will not interfere with the interrupter levers as long as you rotate them down a bit. IMO that is where they belong anyway