Handle bar bag/ back rack pack
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 660
Likes: 6
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Bikes: Trek 520 total custom build, Cannondale Mountain Tandem, Oryx Mountain Bike
Handle bar bag/ back rack pack
Currently I have MEC panniers, but no handle bar bag or rear trunk. I find that one pannier is way to big for when just myself goes out for a boot. When my wife joins on the tandem, one panier is great, as she always overpacks : ) So as I am looking for a handlebar bag, I would like to get, or at least consider a trunk at the same time (to match). What are your experiences with Jandd, Ortlieb, Arkel, ? . Cost isn't my concern- but it has to be justified. Form, function, waterproofness, portability(shoulder strap) are important. Your thoughts?
#2
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
Klick fix bar Bag mounts are able to be adapted to go on seat posts.. I use my Ortlieb HB bag on them..
or do you just want a color match ?
Ortlieb has a suitcase like rack pack https://ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lang=en...&biketoy=trunk
and a handlebar bag with an electrical contact set in the QR for your electronic toys charging current from the Hub Dynamo.
https://ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lang=en...biketoy=handle
& both F&R bags Come off, easily, when desired .
or do you just want a color match ?
Ortlieb has a suitcase like rack pack https://ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lang=en...&biketoy=trunk
and a handlebar bag with an electrical contact set in the QR for your electronic toys charging current from the Hub Dynamo.
https://ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lang=en...biketoy=handle
& both F&R bags Come off, easily, when desired .
Last edited by fietsbob; 05-26-14 at 07:30 AM.
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 14
From: City of Brotherly Love
Bikes: Raleigh Companion, Nashbar Touring, Novara DiVano, Trek FX 7.1, Giant Upland
I don't use a rear trunk. The top or my rack is used for my bulky items (tent, Sleeping bag, pad, and sometimes bear canister).
My handlebar bag is a Topeak TourGuide DX attached with a Velo-Orange Decalear (Drilling mounting holes through the stainless steel bracket was quite tough).
My handlebar bag is a Topeak TourGuide DX attached with a Velo-Orange Decalear (Drilling mounting holes through the stainless steel bracket was quite tough).
#4
I have an Arkel large handlebar bag. Better mounting system than the Ortleib or Jandd in my opinion. Mine is older and isn't fully waterproof, but I haven't had any issues with the inside getting wet or damp the few times I got caught in the rain. I believe the current version is fully waterproof, as is the Ortleib. The Arkel has a large main compartment, an inside compartment in the top of the bag, two front pockets (one zippered at the front with an open sleeve behind it, and a mesh pocket on each side. It also has the customary plastic map case that attaches to the top and a shoulder strap. You can also get extra mounting brackets to use the bag on multiple bikes (I assume the other brands do as well). I probably could have gotten away with the smaller bag, without affecting the way I use it.
I don't use a rear trunk when touring, but have a cheapo, no-name, shoe-box shaped, soft cooler type that I sometimes use for day trips when I want to have the ability to keep something to eat cool. Arkel has a nice looking rear trunk that matches their bags.
I don't use a rear trunk when touring, but have a cheapo, no-name, shoe-box shaped, soft cooler type that I sometimes use for day trips when I want to have the ability to keep something to eat cool. Arkel has a nice looking rear trunk that matches their bags.
#5
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 621
From: Salem Oregon
Bikes: 2019 Trek Stash 7, 1994 Specialized Epic 1986 Diamondback Ascent 1996 Klein Pulse Comp, 2006 Specialized Sequoia Elite
You may want to consider whether your trunk has the ability to be used as a cooler. It's a real treat to be able to pull a nice cold beverage out of your pack for a little refreshment. You could always jerry-rig your trunk to be used as a cooler by using ice packs and added insulation if needed, but I believe some trunk packs have been purpose built with that in mind.
I picked up a smallish soft sided cooler at Goodwill and sewed on some nylon webbing with release buckles. I use that when I think I might stop by a store for something that needs to be kept cold for later.
As far as handlebar bags go, I'd recommend something with a quick release system so it can be quickly put on and taken off. This is a real nice place to stick your camera, wallet, and any other valuables because you can easily pop it off and carry the bag with you.
I picked up a smallish soft sided cooler at Goodwill and sewed on some nylon webbing with release buckles. I use that when I think I might stop by a store for something that needs to be kept cold for later.
As far as handlebar bags go, I'd recommend something with a quick release system so it can be quickly put on and taken off. This is a real nice place to stick your camera, wallet, and any other valuables because you can easily pop it off and carry the bag with you.
#6
I just got the Arkel trunk bag and love it. I doubt I'd use it if I was doing a fully loaded tour but for daily riding or short overnight trips, it looks like it will work pretty well in combo with a handlebar bag.
Here's a review of it: Review: Arkel Tailrider
Here's a review of it: Review: Arkel Tailrider
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 571
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
Bikes: Hollands Touring Bike, Schwinn mountain bike, folding bike, tandem and triple
If you have canti front brakes, a Nitto M12 front rack attaches to the cantis and fork. I use one with an Acorn front bag. I use strings to the bars for upper bag support. It is nice and light and doesn't move around and affect steering.
On the rear I put a sleeping bag and top and don't use a trunk bag. I do use seat bags and have small, medium and large bags for that.
On the rear I put a sleeping bag and top and don't use a trunk bag. I do use seat bags and have small, medium and large bags for that.
#8
I love my Ortleib, once the mount is attached, it really isn't an issue. I find it to be very convenient, easy on and off. 100 percent waterproof as well. That is the biggest feature for me. I don't have to worry abut it.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 895
Likes: 10
From: columbus, ohio
Bikes: Soma Saga, 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8, New Albion Privateer
I recently purchased a Topeak tourguide bag. It got a lot of storage pockets to get your stuff organized. It is a little small but it serves my purposes. It is a vast improvement over the little unsupported bag I was using before.
#11
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland Ohio
Bikes: 1984 Bridgstone 400 & 2014 Fuji Touring
I just got the Arkel trunk bag and love it. I doubt I'd use it if I was doing a fully loaded tour but for daily riding or short overnight trips, it looks like it will work pretty well in combo with a handlebar bag.
Here's a review of it: Review: Arkel Tailrider
Here's a review of it: Review: Arkel Tailrider
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Currently living in Oakdale, CA about 20 mi. NE of Modesto in the hot central valley.
Bikes: Surly LHTD with a YAK trailer. I may have to ditch the trailer and go to panniers but I'll give it a try and see what happens.
BINGO! My Arkel fits the bill perfectly.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
9606
Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling
33
07-28-14 11:20 AM
Hairy Hands
Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling
24
04-03-13 11:54 PM
philosoraptor
Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling
15
09-02-10 08:10 PM






