Handlebar bag

[Catrin]

I am considering a handlebar bag. Does this weight hanging off of the handlebars have any real effect in steering or balance? My assumption is that it wouldn't have a significant effect unless it were really heavy or had bottles of water (that slosh) inside. Is this a correct assumption?

[tulip]

Why do you think you need a handlebar bag? My suggestion would be to keep things simple. If you don't need it, don't add it.

If you do decide to get one, they come in all different sizes, so you'll have plenty to ponder ;).

[Catrin]

Why do you think you need a handlebar bag? My suggestion would be to keep things simple. If you don't need it, don't add it.

If you do decide to get one, they come in all different sizes, so you'll have plenty to ponder ;).

I am looking at different food storage options for really long rides. Hope to have racks and rear panniers relatively soon - and will likely just wait for that.

They do have some nice handlebar bags available - but the prices of some of them :eek: This encourages me to ponder my choices longer :)

[divingbiker]

I have a handlebar bag on my commuter bike to carry my work badge, tire repair kit, light/batteries, sunglasses, buff, rain cover for helmet, chapstick, etc. It can get pretty loaded down. I don't even notice it.

I also used one on my road bike when touring to carry my snacks and camera, and didn't notice it there either.

[withm]

Jandd handlebar bag

small, unobtrusive, yet holds more than I have ever needed to carry. I have them on all my bikes.

<$20
15 colors
zero effect on bike handling

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

Your LBS should have something comparable, or be able to get these in for you.

[ny biker]

I used to have a handlebar bag on my road bike. It had a clear plastic cue sheet holder on top, which is why I bought it. Never noticed any problems with it. I suspect because it is close to the stem (and therefore the center of the handlebar) it has a minimal effect on handling.

[Catrin]

Jandd handlebar bag

small, unobtrusive, yet holds more than I have ever needed to carry. I have them on all my bikes...

Thanks for the link, it looks quite versatile!


I used to have a handlebar bag on my road bike. It had a clear plastic cue sheet holder on top, which is why I bought it. Never noticed any problems with it. I suspect because it is close to the stem (and therefore the center of the handlebar) it has a minimal effect on handling.

This sounds like a nice idea. TE has a map holder that I can attach to the stem - I at least need that for my longer rides - they will be a good excuse to go exploring. The pics show them mounted on top of the bars - which would block my computer/etc., but Susan posted a picture showing hers mounted on the stem where it would lay long the top tube.

[ny biker]

The bag I had was smaller than this, but had this kind of plastic cue sheet holder:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodDT_1122.html

Since getting rid of that bag (it plum wore out), I am using this for cue sheets:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodBM_H.html

I actually have this one also:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodBM_S.html

I prefer the smaller one, but sometimes you're given a cue sheet that is horizontal so the bigger one is necessary.

I have a very short stem but am able to attach it loosely enough to avoid blocking the bike computer on my handlebars.

[Catrin]

The bag I had was smaller than this, but had this kind of plastic cue sheet holder:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodDT_1122.html

Since getting rid of that bag (it plum wore out), I am using this for cue sheets:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodBM_H.html

I actually have this one also:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodBM_S.html

I prefer the smaller one, but sometimes you're given a cue sheet that is horizontal so the bigger one is necessary.

I have a very short stem but am able to attach it loosely enough to avoid blocking the bike computer on my handlebars.

I like the bag, and it has a flip-out for the cue sheet as you mentioned. Did you have any problem with the cue sheet staying where you wanted? It looks to me, unless I am looking at it wrong, that the wind might blow it over the wrong direction.

I have already decided to buy one of the map holders you linked to, just deciding if I need to get the two-sided version - probably so...

Thanks!

[nscrbug]

Another option would be a "top-tube" bag...also referred to as a "bento box" amongst the triathlon crowd. They come in various sizes (I have a medium-sized one by RAV-X on my bike) and colors. They have velcro straps that attach around the top tube and handlebar post. In mine I usually carry a lip balm, cellphone, an energy bar (like Clif or Luna), and a pack of gummy chews (like Luna Moons or Honey Stingers). I've also squeezed more stuff in there when I've needed to.

This is the one I have, in medium:

http://www.ravx.com/2010_product_pages/bags/to_go.html

[uforgot]

I have an earlier version of that Detours bag and I love it. I want my camera to be handy. It clips in to a mount on your handlebar, and you can get extra "Kickflix" or whatever they are called and move the bag between bikes with just a click. My camera is not compact, and this makes it really handier than when I put it in my saddle bag.

[tctrek]

Another option would be a "top-tube" bag...also referred to as a "bento box" amongst the triathlon crowd. They come in various sizes (I have a medium-sized one by RAV-X on my bike) and colors. They have velcro straps that attach around the top tube and handlebar post. In mine I usually carry a lip balm, cellphone, an energy bar (like Clif or Luna), and a pack of gummy chews (like Luna Moons or Honey Stingers). I've also squeezed more stuff in there when I've needed to.

This is the one I have, in medium:

http://www.ravx.com/2010_product_pages/bags/to_go.html

+1 on the Bento box. I have this one and love it: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1493734.html

It holds my cell phone, shot blocks, tissues, chap stick, keys, etc.

[Crankin]

Not to put a fly in the ointment, but I did find that having the handlebar bag did make a difference in my handling. I had a Detours bag, not too big, on my Trek 5200 for at least a year and when I took it off, I realized it was affecting my stability and cornering. Of course, I am a spazz, so take it for what it's worth. I won't use another one.
I have a pannier on my Jamis, and even when it's jammed packed, once I get rolling, I don't notice that at all.

[Catrin]

Not to put a fly in the ointment, but I did find that having the handlebar bag did make a difference in my handling. I had a Detours bag, not too big, on my Trek 5200 for at least a year and when I took it off, I realized it was affecting my stability and cornering. Of course, I am a spazz, so take it for what it's worth. I won't use another one.
I have a pannier on my Jamis, and even when it's jammed packed, once I get rolling, I don't notice that at all.

Do you notice the pannier while getting started? Not that I would start out loading 20 pounds worth of stuff... I am also looking at racks. I would love to get Surly's racks but they are quite heavy so will probably go for a lighter option that will carry at least 40 pounds.

[Desert Tortoise]

For those who use a bar bag on their road bikes, does it get in the way of your hand position? Can you still put your hands on the flat portion of the road bars?

thanks

[Crankin]

The bag did not affect my hand position on the road bike (and it was a tiny road bike).
Catrin, I find that I am aware of a loaded pannier when I start off, but I know it will feel different, so I guess I just do what I do and adapt my technique, because I haven't fallen over yet! My Jamis is so heavy and sturdy that it adapts well to the load. One time I went holiday shopping for my colleagues and after realizing I had to stash some hand made ceramic pieces in my pannier, I thought it might be hard to deal with. But, while it was slower going up the hills, I never felt like it was hard to do anything else. Of course, being 30 degrees out probably made the load feel worse...

[soprano]

I also notice a big difference in handling when I use a handlebar bag. The bike tends to feel twitchy. I have a larger bag (it's an older version of this bag (http://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/TourGuideHandlebarBagDX)) but I don't tend cram it full of stuff - usually it's just keys, a granola bar, wallet and phone, pepper spray, and a cable lock.

Have you considered a saddle bag? Or, you can do a rack and a trunk bag or a single pannier. I've never had trouble carting around unbalanced loads in one pannier.

Desert Tortise, I have plenty of room for my hands in the normal positions, including the flats.

[Crankin]

I was going to suggest a Carradice saddle bag. DH has 2, with a special clamp that he leaves on his bike, so he can switch them out, as well as clip on his teeny seat bag. They are pricey, but well worth it.

[Catrin]

I was going to suggest a Carradice saddle bag. DH has 2, with a special clamp that he leaves on his bike, so he can switch them out, as well as clip on his teeny seat bag. They are pricey, but well worth it.

NICE, and I have read good things about them on the LHT owners list. My only question is if one large enough for my needs would fit on my bike - but that is for me to figure out. I do like the idea of a saddlebag if I can find an appropriate size that would work. With the 46cm frame, 26-inch wheels, and only 3 inches of seat-post showing, there isn't much room.

Thankfully they post the dimensions, so when I have a chance on the next rainy day I will figure this out. Their Junior might work, though I am unsure if the bag is large enough. I have problems thinking in metric - and am accustomed to a "liter" to be a liquid measurement. How can I visualize 9 liters of storage space in a saddlebag?

I hadn't considered saddle bags before yesterday when an interesting discussion started on the LHT owners list.

[Desert Tortoise]

Soprano, Crankin, thanks for answering my question about hand position. The smaller bags seem handy for those over 50 mile training rides. I don't like loading my jersey pockets with too many things, it pulls and feels annoying.

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