spanky4x4

I wanted a carradice or berthound but both are really expensive and more then I am willing to spend at this point. I am considering the topeak tourguide dx . it seems like a good size for the money. not near as classy or pretty as the others, but functional for sure. there is a smaller version foir about 20$ less, but for some reason it seems to small to be really usefull for longer trips. any thoughts on this?

valygrl

I use a Topeak bag, i think it's the 2004 Deluxe model - the smaller one. it's really good. You don't really want something huge, b/c you will be tempted to overload it, which can affect the bike handling.

I find the most important features of a h.b. bag are:
1) stays attached to the bike - sounds obvious, but it's a safety issue
2) map holder on top
3) at least one outside pocket that you can reach into while riding
4) easy on/off - i use it as my purse - wallet, camera, passport - and take it with me every time I leave my bike. Nice to have a shoulder strap for it too, for this.

I don't go for waterproof anything, I just line everything with trash compactor bags.

hope this helps,
happy riding!
anna

bradw

I use the Arkel small handlebar bag:

https://www.panniers.com/panniers/sm_...asp?fl=1&site=

I can put a digital point-and-shoot camera, snacks, etc in the main compartment, and throw in some sunblock and other items in the side compartment. The weight of the bag and clamps on the handlebar did affect handling, but since then I've added some front panniers and the handling is smooth.

LordOpie

at what point do you use a handlebar bag? Do you have front & rear panniers with a trunk already or does the HB go on sooner?

I ask, cuz a guy at the LBS convinced me not to buy one saying it's like holding up a board in front of you, the wind resistance is bad.

I want to do light touring this summer.

MichaelW

Carradice is a good one but not cheap.
The wind resistance is hard to notice on a be-panniered tourer. The map holder increaced my average speed by reducing navigation stops.
The Rixen and Kaul attatchment is solid if you remember to click the catch. It can survive fast descents on unsurfaced mountain trails.
The corrugated plastic box structure is incredbly light and tough, you may want to get some "For Sale" noticeboards and make your own.

Flaneur

Depends what you call cheap............my Carradice bar bag is 23 years old The map case and elastic straps on the lid only lasted 5, mind;-)

Treespeed

I use this performance bag:

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...cfm?sku=16420#

I think of it like my glove box, and the Bob Trailer that I use as a big trunk. It has a great map window, and attachments for lights and computer. Plus it detaches with one hand and doesn't have any straps to the fork that I hated from my previous handlebar bag.
I think a handlebar bag is great on tour for keeping maps, wallet, snacks, and a camera handy.

tourbike

I don't know who gave you that advice, but considering most LBS's don't cater to the touring crowd, I'd be willing to bet this guy has never toured. The thing is, wind resistance is a problem with touring, and one for which there are few solutions. In fact, the one thing on your bike that causes the most wind resistance is YOU. On a loaded bike (w/ panniers), wind resistance is a given, something you work through. I don't see a handlebar bag adding much to the overall bad wind profile.

Camel

I've used a Jandd handlebar bag for two extended tours. I like it because of it's secure quick release (NEVER popped off on its own), and ease of use off bike with a shoulder strap. Mostly I kept a shoulder strap attached to it, then folded into the front pocket. Then I could lock up the bike, and be off shopping or sightseeing in moments. The clear map pocket/flap is handy for cue sheets/folded road maps as well. And I keep pepper spray at hand in one of the side mesh pockets.

I recently purchased a used larger Arkel h-bar bag (yet to use it) for a "song". Seems to be of excellent quality (what Arkel is known for), however It seems as though the metal mounting system might be uncomfortable to use walking about with my shoulder strap set-up.

acantor

I had a handlebar bag, and used it once or twice before getting rid of it. Its bulk and weight made steering feel less secure, even when it was basically empty.

I do have a mapcase mounted to my handlebars, but otherwise, I prefer to place weight closer to the ground. I keep my wallet, travel documents, pens, keys, a few tools, and my camera in or strapped on to a fanny pack, and my snacks in my rear panniers.

Kodama

Small, beautiful and functional.

tourbike

Sweet ride..., what is it?

spanky4x4

thanks for all the comments
looks like an Atlantis and a baggins candy bar bag

tourbike

Yes, it is!
https://www.rivendellbicycles.com/htm...tisframes.html

Where's my checkbook?

Schumius

o! that baggins bag looks glorious!

sakarias

I have a small Arkel bag. I wish it has a slightly larger, easier to get into front pocket. Otherwise it is a good size.

The Arkel attachment system has a negative that I find annoying compared to the HB bag it replaced. If I have any weight in the Arkel at all, it makes it so I can't ride no hands. With my old bag (even with stuff it is), I could take off and put on a jacket while riding. I can't with the Arkel. I think the probolem is that the Arkel attachment system puts the HB bag too far forward, making steering unstable when it is weighted.

I agree with valygrl that a large HB bag makes it too easy to put too much weight in the HB bag affecting handling.

FWIW, I nearly always ride with a HB bag, even when just doing errands, or out rec riding. On a tour the HB bag contains the important stuff and comes with me with I leave the bike, so ease of detachment/attachment is important.

Gtscottie

The handlebar bag is generally used for the Can't lose items such as wallet, ID,GPS, maps etc. Most bags have a quick release so you can take it with you when you leave the bike to go into a store or resturant. If you are carrying panniers you already have a big wind resistance there. Plus the bag sits directly in front of you so the chances are your body offers more resistance than the bag.
I don't think you will really notice any extra wind resistance from the handlebar bag.

Tom808

I just purchased a Topeak handlebar bag in preparation for a tour on Big Island this summer. It the smallest model, which also functions as a waist pack. It is just large enough for my wallet, sun glasses, keys, a camera, and a snicker bar. Not much more than that. My only complaint is that, when mounted, the bracket allowed the bag to slip (or rotate) down a bit. I cranked it down a bit more and pulled the mounting screw right out of the plastic bracket. I ended up using a longer bolt with washers on each end of the bracket. (I’m not sure if I made this clear, but it is on solid now, but looks pretty ugly for a brand new bag.

The price was less than $20 from Nashbar and my old bag had completely “had it”. My new bag has worked well on training rides and I like that I don’t have the long elastic cords reaching down to my front wheel any more.

Gordon P

I use a Topeak bag and I really don't like it at all, in fact it is a replacement for a really crappy Topeak bag that fell to pieces. It took Topeak 6 long months to replace it and they were nasty about it by giving me the run around and wanting to charge me shipping costs etc. and than they did they gave me a small bag! No more Topeak products for me!

Kodama

Though this seems covered, I should clarify that the Atlantis that that Candybar Bag is hanging on is not mine. I just linked to the Rivendell promotional picture for the Bag as I don't have a good pic of mine handy. It is my dream bicycle though it that counts for anything When I do get my own Atlantis, I'll probably put this bag on it:

David in PA

Like Treespeed, I also use the Performance® TransIt Pro Handlebar Bag. It has a bright-yellow, built-in rain cover. I like it's extra front pocket, inside and outside pockets, and the many elastic loops on the inside that I use to hold tiny bottles of stuff (mouthwash, etc.), prescription medicines, etc. I also like the features mentioned by Treespeed.

Here's some other stuff I keep in the bag: money, light snacks, binoculars, throw-away camera,, cell phone/wall re-charger, microcassette recorder/blank tapes, extra tire tube, safety vest, mirror, etc., etc., and of course, cycling maps.

Generally, the bag is great for lightweight stuff and valuables, and I try to keep its total weight to no more than five pounds.

David in PA (Wolfy)

Juha

What she said. One of my more spectacular crashes was a result of a handlebar back detaching and falling in front of my front wheel.

Whatever you get, keep it small. A HB bag is easy to access, so there will be no stopping in coming up with things that would be "nice" to keep in there. No matter what size it is, you will be tempted to fill it to capacity (after which nothing in there will be easy to access anymore, just more dead weight to make bike handling more difficult). My current bag is rated for 8 litres and I think it is still a bit on the large side. It does provide a good support for the map, though, making it easier to read.

--J