Do I want this: Handlebar bag edition

[americancyclo]

needs more ipad

[KayakCyndi]

@dasgeh 48932 wrote:

My road bike doesn’t have stays for a real rack.

While I could put a rack on the Viaje it just didn’t seem right given how pretty the seat stays are. Thus I just picked up one of these:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]2689[/ATTACH]
https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=store.catalog&CategoryID=4&ProductID=7

It is actually very large. It isn’t cheap but it seems really, really well made. That plus a small bar bag are enough for my work clothes, lunch, coffee, and repair supplies. Probably won’t work in the winter when I tend to carry more but its working right now.

[DismalScientist]

I would put weight on the back with a post mounted rack before I would put weight on the bars. (A post mounted bag is also good if you can find one big enough.) Less weight on the bars gets more important as the bike gets lighter and the seating position gets less upright (i.e. it doesn’t matter on a CaBi).

When touring, I would put significant (~5-10 lbs) in the handlebar bag (no front panniers) with much more weight in the rear. Then, the added weight in front didn’t matter as maneuverability was already compromised by weight in the rear.

[DaveK]

@dasgeh 48932 wrote:

My road bike doesn’t have stays for a real rack. This handlebar bag looks like it would handle getting what I need to and from work. The question is, would having extra weight on the handlebars of a road bike screw up the handling too much? I’d generally be carrying purse stuff (keys, wallet, phone) + lunch + pumping equipment (though not the pump)

Between these two links I guarantee you can find a rack mounting solution:

http://www.thetouringstore.com/TUBUS/Fly/FLY%20PAGE.htm

http://www.thetouringstore.com/TUBUS/Fit%20Solutions/FIT%20SOLUTIONS%20PAGE.htm

[TrishN]

@dasgeh 48932 wrote:

My road bike doesn’t have stays for a real rack. This handlebar bag looks like it would handle getting what I need to and from work. The question is, would having extra weight on the handlebars of a road bike screw up the handling too much? I’d generally be carrying purse stuff (keys, wallet, phone) + lunch + pumping equipment (though not the pump)

You might want to consider the Arkel Ranonneur Rack http://www.arkel-od.com/us/arkel-randonneur-rack.html. It works great w/my carbon seatpost and saddle with titanium rails. I also highly recommend the Arkel Tailrider Trunk Bag – http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categories/seat-bags-trunk-bags/tailrider.html Very well made and holds a lot of stuff.

[Drewdane]

I’ve used a Baggins Hobo Bag (that is not my bike) for years, but I’m not sure they make them anymore. Plus it hangs low enough that you need something like a small front rack or a bungee cord to keep it from rubbing the tire, which is a PITA and adds weight. I just ordered a baguette bag from Velo Orange, which looks large enough to hold my wallet/phone/lunch/windbreaker without needing rack/bungee support.

[Greenbelt]

@dasgeh 48932 wrote:

My road bike doesn’t have stays for a real rack. This handlebar bag looks like it would handle getting what I need to and from work. The question is, would having extra weight on the handlebars of a road bike screw up the handling too much? I’d generally be carrying purse stuff (keys, wallet, phone) + lunch + pumping equipment (though not the pump)

I think the seatpost-mounted rear bags are pretty strong and well made, though expensive. Wouldnt the handlebar bag get sort of tangled up in your brake and shift cables in the front on your road bike?

[Amalitza]

I have this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165S9VU/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Used 2 or 3 times. Was not the solution to my needs (I needed something easier to get into while riding, but sounds like you do not, you just need something to carry your lunch?). Do you want it? Either to have or just to try out a handlebar bag before buying something nicer? You can have it if you do. The one you linked to looks much larger, but I think this one is big enough for lunch, plus keys, etc. Haven’t looked at it in awhile.

I never put enough stuff in it to answer your question about weight affecting handling. But it didn’t get tangled up in the cables.

[dasgeh]

@Greenbelt 49028 wrote:

Wouldnt the handlebar bag get sort of tangled up in your brake and shift cables in the front on your road bike?

My road bike is a Felt ZW35, which has internal cabling for all but the brakes. So I don’t think that would be the issue. Just the weight effecting handling.

@acl 49033 wrote:

Do you want it?

Yes! Thank you so much!!! I PM’d you.

[Drewdane]

@Drewdane 49027 wrote:

I’ve used a Baggins Hobo Bag (that is not my bike) for years, but I’m not sure they make them anymore. Plus it hangs low enough that you need something like a small front rack or a bungee cord to keep it from rubbing the tire, which is a PITA and adds weight. I just ordered a baguette bag from Velo Orange, which looks large enough to hold my wallet/phone/lunch/windbreaker without needing rack/bungee support.

Initial impressions of the baguette bag are overall positive, though I did have to return it twice due to defective rivets on the side loops where I like to attach a shoulder strap (not included with bag); third time, they replaced the rivets with bolts – those puppies aren’t going anywhere now!

It’s a bit of a tight squeeze, but I can fit my wallet, soft glasses case, a small pouch with my watch and wedding ring, my clasp knife, snack and the day’s underwear (TMI?) in the bag, leaving my jersey pockets for the shoulder strap, my work ID, keys and phone. It’s compact, unobtrusive and light.

[dasgeh]

@acl 49033 wrote:

I have this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165S9VU/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This has been awesome. Thanks, acl! It fits a cheap lock (good for quick errands), my work id and my phone with room to spare (keeping meaning to put our garage door opener in there). Doesn’t affect handling at all. It’s great to be able to hear the phone, especially with the Endomondo lady saying “4 miles in [lots more minutes than most of y’all and some seconds], lap pace [somewhere between 3 and 4] minutes per mile.

[ebubar]

http://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Cycling-Roswheel-Frame-Pannier/dp/B0089JOTJ2/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1368200810&sr=1-3&keywords=bike+bag

I ordered this. Waiting for delivery in mid May and will update folks on its usefulness. Gets good reviews AND its cheap…win-win!

[ebubar]

@ebubar 51690 wrote:

http://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Cycling-Roswheel-Frame-Pannier/dp/B0089JOTJ2/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1368200810&sr=1-3&keywords=bike+bag

I ordered this. Waiting for delivery in mid May and will update folks on its usefulness. Gets good reviews AND its cheap…win-win!

Had this bag for about a week.
The Good:
1) Comes with an internally routed cord so you can hook your headphones in from the outside of the bag. VERY nifty.
2) Clear plastic front cover allows easy access to a touchscreen phone (iphone in my case).
3) Phone is VERY securely cradled in the bag.
4) Space for my keys, wallet and multitool in the main pouch and the phone in the additional pouch. I was also
able to fit in three Park tire levers and a patch kit. Without the wallet I could also get in a tube. Thinking a rear
mount bag would be good for this, then just need a lock solution and I don’t need the pannier all the time.
5) Bag seems very sturdy thus far.

The Bad:
1) Its a tiny bit floppy. This is due to problem 2:
2) The velcro on the attachment straps isn’t very well placed. The straps are too long, so I can’t get it very securely attached to the top tube. Hope to fix this with a little bit of sewing.
3) The bag is a little wide and floppy so if i’m climbing out of the saddle (like on 41st Street or Military Road hills!) I sometimes hit the thing with my knees. Its a pit pin-bally bouncing between my knees.

Verdict:
For $10 its a pretty tough value to beat. A bigger bag would be unwieldy and awkward. A smaller bag might not hold my wallet, keys,
phone and multitool. If you’re looking for a nice bag for using on the front of your bike so you can easily access your smartphone/music while riding, I’m not sure you can beat this deal!

See you on the trails!

[Author]

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