handlebar bag recommendations?
 

I need to get some sort of handle bar bag, I don't want a huge one just something I can store some snacks and my wallet and anything I would like to grab quick and easy while riding. I was looking at the Arkels but wanted to here what everyone is using to get some more ideas.

Any advice?

A side note, I have Crosstop levers that the bag would have to work with so I may have to think of another option, I am not sure.

geo i have the ortlieb ultimate excellent bag 100%waterproof well made proven bag will last your lifetime.

I was checking it out earlier, I know Ortlieb make some of the best bags around so I was giving it a serious look. I like that they are waterproof without having to put a cover on them.

Rivendell Bike works makes a barsack that may work with your cross levers but I would check the pictures of the mounting rack to decide if you will have enough clearance. http://www.rivbike.com/products/show...barsack/20-208. I am getting this bag for my commuter along with a seat bag as I like the looks and the bags are simple and well made.

The mounting rack for the Arkel Metropolitan bag seems like it gets the bag out farther, so will clear your cross levers better. Its also not a huge bag so you won't overweight it like some of the bigger bags on the market. If my trunk bag is any indication, Arkel makes very well made bags and I would recommend them too. http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categ...lebar-bag.html

I was giving the Arkel a really good look because I just got a tail rider from them and LOVE IT!, the rivendale is nice but it would not have the clearance for my levers, the Arkel may it would be close, I am going to try to get some measurements from it it see. I may have to change the mounting of the crosstops a bit to get clearance I hate to but I would get used to it pretty fast I am sure. I just like always to have the ability to brake without have to change my hand placement, I have done enough emergency stops over the years that it isn't something I like to give up. I really like the map case on the rivendale though.

Maybe angling the cross-levers down some would give you enough clearance too. On my hybrid I have the levers pointed down quite a bit and can still reach them quickly and effortlessly. I am a big fan of cross-levers myself but just never got around to installing them on my current drop bar bike. Hmmm, I sense bike part order coming up.

I wanted a smaller bag as well and bought this Topeak:

http://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/...deHandlebarBag

The mounting system is sturdy and does not wobble, quick on and off, and I can recommend it.

With a waterbottle handlebar mount you can Make most any bag you find into a handlebar bag

I got 2 6~7cm long 5mm bolts and some plastic spacers, and some fender washers and bits of plastic sheet for stiffeners.
and It worked fine .

will admit Ortlieb bags are excellent Have one its on my road bike , RC roll closure top.
a discontinued Ortlieb Camera Bag serves on my Trekking bike, adapted by using a KlickFix support wire frame .

Klick Fix Plate Mounts are used on Carradice Super C handlebar bags , another good ,modest sized HB bag.
Berthoud for the Francophiles , offers a KF mount bag too.

A trick for fitting cross top levers and a handlebar bag on a drop bar is to use two stems (assuming you have a threadless stem). Mount your bars on the upper stem, and a short piece of bar on the lower stem. The lower gives you a place to mount a bag and separates it from your handlebars. It adds a bit of weight, but this is touring, not racing- a half pound will not hurt you.

Oh now you got me thinking LOL, I have the caliper out and am seeing what I may be able to make from this LOL

^Bad advice.^ OP, I had a J and D bag on my 'cross bike that tilted up and down. I also tilted the levers downward. I had plenty of room in between.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=162705

you might have a look at Banjo Bros
 

This type bag/mount comes in two sizes. Link is to the smaller of the two. Under the picture click on alternate view and you can see the goo clearance that may accommodate you cross levers. One third of the price of the Arkel.

http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/01066.php#

http://www.acornbags.com/

http://swiftindustries.wordpress.com...n-porteur-bag/

http://www.zugsterbags.com/products/rando-bag

Performance has one on sale (link) for $24, plus they had a 15% off deal this weekend, so I bought one for my son. I haven't gotten it yet so I can't review it, but for that price I figured, "What the heck?"
http://www.performancebike.com/image...-BLK-ANGLE.jpg

Question on the Arkel. Do to have to be mounted with the aluminum mount going striaght out? or can the be mounted wit the mounts angled down by 45 degrees or more?

BTW: Thanks for all the suggestions I am keeping them all on my list, this is an excellent advice you are all giving me.

I've got this same bag and it's great. I like the two side pockets that I put my phone and billfold in. It comes off easily and I take it off whenever I leave the bike. The only thing wrong is it wobbles a bit. Also, now that I've used it for awhile, I've gotten used to it and would like a bigger one. I'll be going with a rando type bag with a small rack. Probably too big for what you want.

John

We have a winner, I can use this one no problem, I will have to tilt the big up slightly but that is no problem at all and it should do everything I need it to.... Thank you very much everyone for your input

Hey Geo!

Did you get a bag? Which one? Do you like it?

If you have not purchased yet, I recommend a call to Wayne at the touringstore.com--he probably knows as much as anyone about bags, racks, etc.

I am currently looking for a handlebar bag as well and ran into this post. I was going to buy the Ortlieb bag to match my panniers, but I think I am going with the Topeak instead. It looks like it is larger and I like all the pockets (and it is less expensive).

I was also going to suggest banjo bros. I have the waterproof bag. It has the quick release mount, which looks identical to the one sedges linked to, detachable map holder, shoulder strap and exterior mesh side pockets. I haven't toured with it yet but it appears well made. Note - unlike Ortlieb, the waterproofing is due to the interior liner, not a waterproof exterior. http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/01067.php#

I use a Carradice saddlebag and made it into a handlebar bag.It works good for me.http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=165121