I picked up a cheapo handlebar bag from a friend, but I can't figure out the best way to mount it. It has two straps that loop on the bars and a horizontal loop lower down that looks like it would go around the head tube or something, but it doesn't reach, and doing so would only force the bag to droop even more than it already does. Looping it around the stem would do the same.

Putting a front rack on my bike would be nigh-on-impossible, so is a home-made decaleur my best bet? Or am I just totally missing something? It has no decaleur mounting system like the VO bags.

I was kind of hoping somebody would put up some suggestions since I was looking at similar bags and wondered about the same thing. Looks like no takers, so here`s the best idea I could come up with- maybe you could hold it on by the top straps and replace the lower strap with a longer one to go around the stem just to keep it from bouncing too much?

I used the little nashbar rack that mounts on the brake bosses and held the bag on with a shoulder strap wrapped around the stem. it worked out well on my latest tour. There are a couple pictures in my journal.
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/p...=9W#pic_446918

I liked it a lot better than the original bracket that came with the bag. The rack was cheap at $12.99.
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...3_10000_201354

A picture of the bag would help. It sounds similar to the way some Carradice and VO bags attach

It sounds like it mounts the same way as the Jandd Handle Pac 1. Click the link and check post #3.

https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/549212-handlebar-bag-trekking-bars.html

Carradice bar bags attach using a Rixen & Kaul Klickfix mount. You may be able to get the parts and rivet them to your bag.
It is very quick, conventient and secure system.
Bar bags are useful because you can remove your valuables when you stop. If the bar is strapped on, it becomes much less useful.

Staehpj1:

I used that little front rack as well! Though I used it for my tent (mounted crosswise). I also had a front bag on but didn't need it to be supported. I really like it, and it's done the job for me.

I'm sure the rack isn't meant for heavy loads, but I think it's a really nice deal and provides another way to help balance loads on a bike. Well worth a shot if you ask me.