Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Touring
Reload this Page >

Handle bar bag/ back rack pack

Search
Notices
Touring Have a dream to ride a bike across your state, across the country, or around the world? Self-contained or fully supported? Trade ideas, adventures, and more in our bicycle touring forum.

Handle bar bag/ back rack pack

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-25-14 | 05:28 PM
  #1  
LuckySailor's Avatar
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?
LuckySailor is offline  
Reply
Old 05-25-14 | 05:55 PM
  #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 .

Last edited by fietsbob; 05-26-14 at 07:30 AM.
fietsbob is offline  
Reply
Old 05-25-14 | 07:22 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
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).
Bezalel is offline  
Reply
Old 05-25-14 | 08:07 PM
  #4  
Vintage_Cyclist's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 671
From: Big Apple

Bikes: yes

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.
Vintage_Cyclist is offline  
Reply
Old 05-25-14 | 09:44 PM
  #5  
mtnbud's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Anniversary
 
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.
mtnbud is offline  
Reply
Old 05-25-14 | 10:08 PM
  #6  
bransom's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis area
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
bransom is offline  
Reply
Old 05-26-14 | 06:52 AM
  #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.
ClemY is offline  
Reply
Old 05-26-14 | 08:51 AM
  #8  
phughes's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,862
Likes: 2,218
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.
phughes is offline  
Reply
Old 05-26-14 | 12:19 PM
  #9  
bktourer1's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 69
From: Western Ma.

Bikes: Diamondback "parkway" Spec. "expedition

I have a Axiom trunk that works well for me. Try their site for some nice gear
bktourer1 is offline  
Reply
Old 05-27-14 | 07:07 AM
  #10  
robert schlatte's Avatar
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.
robert schlatte is offline  
Reply
Old 06-04-14 | 12:54 PM
  #11  
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland Ohio

Bikes: 1984 Bridgstone 400 & 2014 Fuji Touring

Originally Posted by bransom
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
I LOVE my Tailrider, great for day trips, I use mine with Dolphin48's for overnite's but doubt I would use it for longer treks.
Tumatan is offline  
Reply
Old 06-04-14 | 01:52 PM
  #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.

Originally Posted by mtnbud
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.
BINGO! My Arkel fits the bill perfectly.
Louis Le Tour is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
WNCGoater
Touring
4
01-19-18 12:47 PM
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
jyl
Classic & Vintage
11
06-19-12 08:04 AM
philosoraptor
Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling
15
09-02-10 08:10 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.