The Perfect Handlebar Bag

[ummbnb]

Why did I sell that thing, why?!?! I don't recall the brand, although it was 13 years ago and probably doesn't matter but I had the best handlebar bag and I can't find anything similar.

It was about the size of an old school rectagle lunch box, soft sided, had a plastic protected map window and a strap to use it as a fanny pack. It was ideal for long rides where you want to take a small wallet, camera, sunscreen and have room for a layer or two as you peel them off over the course of the day.

Can anyone recommend anything remotely similar??

[snapdragen]

Maybe?

http://www.rei.com/product/765949?vcat=REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC

[ummbnb]

Thanks for the link. I looked at that one at the store the other day and its much larger than I want. There's another at REI (http://www.rei.com/product/733833?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=12C998AB-981B-DD11-AA92-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA)that is the size I want and has the map pocket but it doesn't have a strap. I'm thinking I could rig something up. hmmmm

[SouthernBelle]

I've ordered this one (http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZbagnbasket) (second down) and it should be in today or tomorrow. It doesn't have a map pocket, but has a shoulder strap and looks easily detachable. I bought it for the commuter beast.

I'll let you know how I like it.

[divingbiker]

Thanks for the link. I looked at that one at the store the other day and its much larger than I want. There's another at REI (http://www.rei.com/product/733833?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=12C998AB-981B-DD11-AA92-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA)that is the size I want and has the map pocket but it doesn't have a strap. I'm thinking I could rig something up. hmmmm

I've got this bag, and I don't love it. It's a bit floppy, and I find that things fall out of it when I unzip it (while it's on the bike). I'm thinking the top-opening handlebar bags look more practical.

[ummbnb]

I've got this bag, and I don't love it. It's a bit floppy, and I find that things fall out of it when I unzip it (while it's on the bike). I'm thinking the top-opening handlebar bags look more practical.

Thanks so much for letting me know this. Guess I won't take that lunch trip to REI today ;)

I wonder if I can make a map holder (zip ties and some sort of plastic sheet) and then use a fanny pack as a bar bag, just wrap the straps around the handlebars.

[Thorn]

My favorite is still the little Topeak handlebar bag
http://www.rei.com/product/735854
It converts to a fanny pack, is just the right size for my camera, wallet and some snacks. It doesn't have a map case, but I've attached a small map case that normally velcros onto the handle bar onto the bag's handle. Works well.

At the time I bought it, there were a bunch of references to it here on other threads.

[dex]

My favorite is still the little Topeak handlebar bag
http://www.rei.com/product/735854
It converts to a fanny pack, is just the right size for my camera, wallet and some snacks. It doesn't have a map case, but I've attached a small map case that normally velcros onto the handle bar onto the bag's handle. Works well.

At the time I bought it, there were a bunch of references to it here on other threads.

I have the Topeak bag, and I love it. I haven't tried attaching my map holder to it, but I'm going to now. Thanks for the idea! :D

[SouthernBelle]

Thanks so much for letting me know this. Guess I won't take that lunch trip to REI today ;)

I wonder if I can make a map holder (zip ties and some sort of plastic sheet) and then use a fanny pack as a bar bag, just wrap the straps around the handlebars.

When I need a map holder I use tiny binder clips that go around the brake cables and onto the map. If you need waterproofing, put the map into one of those plastic sleeves. Used many times.

[ummbnb]

Re the Topeak bag...You don't find it too rigid and bulky as a waist pack? I came seconds from buying one last week then changed my mind.

[sbctwin]

I, too, have the Topeak bag. I really like it. But, I must admit I don't use it as a fanny pack, but I like the idea that I could. I keep my expired driver's license and money in the zippered parts of the straps. It is a good size. I am amazed at how much I can stuff into that thing!

[Thorn]

I don't find it too bulky, but, then, I often have it slung on the front, just off to the side because I'm usually walking in the city and I like to be able to keep an eye on it.

I did add a camera strap to the bag and I will also use it slung over my shoulder. When I carry it through crowded airports I often am double clipped--wasit band and shoulder strap. Not because I don't trust people, but because I'm a bit forgetful. Oops.

I was concerned that the clip would dig in, but not really.

[SouthernBelle]

I got the bag in that I ordered from ebay. It looks like exactly what I had in mind for commuting, handlebar bag to purse. It has exterior pockets all round, a shoulder strap and is easy on and off.

I won't get to give it the real test until Friday.

[withm]

I have and love this bag on 2 of my bikes

http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FBB

It's not big nor obtrusive, but big enough to stash money, kleenex, cell phone, camera, granola bar, other glasses, and whatever other little stuff I may need to carry. Not big enough to stuff a jacket, but I think I could squish in arm warmers, gloves or glove liners no problem.

For cue sheets I use this one when I need it but don't carry it very often

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___98102

They make it in a larger size to hold maps but so far I've not needed one so big.