Mounting handlebar bags

[Kubla]

I wasn't sure where to post this question. Does anyone use a handlebar bag with their dropped bar bike/STI shifters?

I have an older L.L. Bean handlebar bag that attaches with straps, but it just doesn't seem to fit on the bike I have in mind. Between brake cables, shifter cables and the bike computer, it's pretty crowded in the area where the bag would typically go.

Is there some kind of adaptor made that would extend the bag out a bit and help it clear the cluttered area?

[OakLeaf]

I don't, but I know someone who does. The only kind I ever used back in the day, was the kind that mounts with a fork that rests under the stem and over the bars. I don't think the forks are sold separately from the bags, so although you could probably get a cobbler to sew some sleeves into the side seams of your bag, it probably wouldn't do you any good - you'd have to buy a new bag anyway. :(

[Velocivixen]

Yes, go to rivbike.com and see under their bags, there is a two pronged mount that you can buy separately from bags.

[Kubla]

Yes, go to rivbike.com and see under their bags, there is a two pronged mount that you can buy separately from bags.

What a cool site! I'm now in love with Rivendell bikes! (Forget the carbon bike on the bucket list; I would be much happier with a higher end steel bike.)

Velocivixen, I tried several different links on the site and could not find the pronged mount you mentioned. Could you tell me where it was?

Oakleaf, either I or my DBF can probably retrofit something that will work...was just hoping to find some ready-made hardware to do the job.

Thank you both for your help.

[Velocivixen]

Here's the link: http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/r8.htm

It's called the "Barsack" rack and it's under "racks", then "front".
I love the Rivendell site. I just ordered two "John's Irish Straps" that I received yesterday.

[Sky King]

For some, a loaded handlebar bag makes the bike hard to handle (ie me). The other option to consider it a front rack bag that sits on your front rack instead of attaching to your handlebars. We have the nitto prong mount as well, they are pricey but do the job. Good luck.

[Karma007]

http://detours.us/store/handlebar-bags/leto/

I have this! I LOVE it! Just the right size for longer rides, and the bracket is easy to mount, and small enough that the cables just run behind it.

[Kubla]

Belated thanks to everyone for the handlebar bag recommendations. The adaptor on the Rivendell site is a bit pricey for me, so it looks like I'll have to turn to the resident engineer for a possible solution.

I wear a fanny pack while riding and that is not a problem-except on the hottest days-but it sometimes would be more convenient to have a handlebar bag for my keys, wallet and phone.

[Dog]

I NEED a handlebar bag.....realized that again today on my ride. I plan on checking out the recommendation from Detours since it is a Seattle based shop. Probably will be on my Christmas list :D

[AnnieBikes]

You might like to try this one...I have the Ortlieb medium size and it fits well between my shifters, cables and handlebars. I have a bracket on my road bike (it isn't very big) and it was well worth the money for the second bracket which is on my touring bike. Sometimes just having a bag for snacks, camera, extra clothes on a long day (for layering, etc) is really nice. It easily moves to my touring or road bike. It is ABSOLUTELY waterproof and I have ridden with it in LOTS of rain. Yes, a little pricey, but my husband is in his 6th year with his (with thousands of miles on it) and all it has done is fade a bit...he got red. I have black and it is great! It comes with a strap so if you leave the bike, you can carry it like a purse, albeit a large one!!! ;) The bag locks to the bracket but that is sort of ridiculous, as the bag unsnaps to open!! I never use the lock.

http://www.thetouringstore.com/ORTLIEB/Ort%20Ultimate%20Bags/ULT%205%20PAGE.htm

[Rebecca19804]

You might like to try this one...I have the Ortlieb medium size and it fits well between my shifters, cables and handlebars. I have a bracket on my road bike (it isn't very big) and it was well worth the money for the second bracket which is on my touring bike. Sometimes just having a bag for snacks, camera, extra clothes on a long day (for layering, etc) is really nice. It easily moves to my touring or road bike. It is ABSOLUTELY waterproof and I have ridden with it in LOTS of rain. Yes, a little pricey, but my husband is in his 6th year with his (with thousands of miles on it) and all it has done is fade a bit...he got red. I have black and it is great! It comes with a strap so if you leave the bike, you can carry it like a purse, albeit a large one!!! ;) The bag locks to the bracket but that is sort of ridiculous, as the bag unsnaps to open!! I never use the lock.

http://www.thetouringstore.com/ORTLIEB/Ort%20Ultimate%20Bags/ULT%205%20PAGE.htm

I have a Carradice handlebar bike that uses the same KlickFix attachments as your Ortlieb. However, the way it works, the bag sits too high and obscures my lights! Anybody else encountered this? Suggestions?

I did try fitting Rixen Kaul's "extension bar" (made for the purpose of providing more space to mount stuff like lights, computer, etc). This places the lights up a bit higher but not high enough - they're still obscured by the bag. :(