SMALL handlebar bag?

[caligurl]

good morning! i have another question!

i'm thinking i would like a SMALL handlebar bag for when i finally do longer rides. i was looking through some ride pics and saw several bikes with small bags and was wondering, if you use one, what brand you have and how big is it?

i saw one at R.E.I. that also has a map holder, which would be nice when i do rides like tour de palm springs! and also has a little bag to hold bars, arm/leg warmers when i take them off.. not too big, but better than one little back pocket on my jersey!

it has to be small cuz my handlebars are so small.

oh.. here's a link to the one i looked at, at r.e.i.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...cat=REI_SEARCH

OH...i do have another question on this particular bag... i thought it went on the bars so that the plastic part was "laying on" your bars and you could read the map/route slip. however, the way they show it in the pic.. you would put it like a normal bag but then i guess unvelcro the plastic and pull it up to read it?

[Bike2Work4Me]

I haven't tried that particular bag but I do have a Bento Box that straps on my top tube. It's big enough to hold my cell phone, inhaler, and a snack. They come in two sizes. The small is really small and the large seems to be just right.

[Adventure Girl]

Originally posted by caligurl
OH...i do have another question on this particular bag... i thought it went on the bars so that the plastic part was "laying on" your bars and you could read the map/route slip. however, the way they show it in the pic..

The REI site doesn't show the bag "in action" on a bike. But I would assume that the idea behind the big plastic window is so you could see your map. I think it mounts to the bar with the clear window "on top", oriented something like this picture (but the bag in this picture doesn't have the map view pocket). Just my guess.

P.S. No, that's not my bike, bag or (ugh) carpet!

[Adventure Girl]

Here's another picture. Maybe it explains the concept better. By the way. What's up with the way this bike has the cables routed?? Rather odd set-up...

[snapdragen]

I have the little REI bag. I actually put it on so the plastic window is facing me. This might not work on drop bars (my road bike is set up with straight mtn bars).

Jandd has some small bags too.

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

I have this one, they sell it as a seat bag, but it works on the bars too.

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

[caligurl]

howdy and thanx for the responses and ideas! i really like the jandd bags! (if i had a pink bike i'd seriously think about that cute pink bag! lol!)

adventure girl.. hubby and i thought that the bag went "map side up" but we were actually thinking a little differently than that pic... we thought that it would lay on the stem (so up but turned around).. ugh.. it's so hard to put into words! which if that was the case.. i wasn't crazy about cuz i have my HRM on my handlebar (which the bag would cover) and my phone case is attached to my stem (but could go away when using the bag)

the more i think about it.. i like the idea of the ones that hang down in front rather than up to read the map.. i don't plan to go on that many rides (not that many in the area ) but i sure would like that little extra space!

if anyone has any other bags/ideas.. keep them coming!

oh! i found a couple yesterday too... topeak makes what looks like a nice one! just would like to see it in person!

http://www.topeak.com/2004/products/bag_017.html

[Adventure Girl]

Cali

When I mountain bike, I always carry a map, but I put it in my pocket or camelbak. I pull off the trail, pull out the map and try to figure where I am. I'm not that good at navigation. (The map never has one of those "you are here" arrows like the maps in the mall!! ).

When road riding (like on centuries), I have NEVER looked at the map. I just follow the crowd and the arrows on the road.

That's just me. I don't need a bag with a map window. But I have seen others using them. It seems to work for them.

[ragbrai40]

I have a handle bar bag that is fairly large, has the plastic in the flap to put maps in and I used it last year on RAGBRAI and did not use it this year and actually have found that I prefer riding without something on the bars.

My question is - I was once told that the handle bar bags can throw off the balance on the front of the bike and can in some cases affect steering. Does anyone have any experience with this?

My under the seat bag is expandable and I can fit alot in it. If I'm not on an epic ride, it does the trick just fine. That, and always wearing a jersey with pockets I've only wished for more storage a couple of times, but then I can always slip on a fanny pack.

I'm looking into getting a bento bag, like the thought of something on the top tube.......

[emily_in_nc]

I just ordered the Small Handlebar Bag from Arkel (www.panniers.com). They make fantastic panniers and are an all-round quality company, so I am sure it's a good bag. It's a bit spendy ($), but I've heard that the attachment brackets are excellent, and I know that the Arkel quality and warranty are exemplary. I'm looking forward to getting it for a loaded tour in late Sept. (I also ordered panniers, rain covers, and a Tailrider rack trunk - ooh boy - Christmas in August!)

Emily

[caligurl]

arkel was one of the first places i looked.. however even their small is larger than what i want!

i know of arkel's quality cuz hubby uses the panniers and tail thingy on his bike for commuting to and from work! definitely first rate!

[fasteryet]

I don't use a handlebar bag, but do use this for a map. It's about 6X6, and just attaches w/velcro on the bars, and rests on the stem. You can flip it up to check out the other side. The only thing about it I don't like is that if I stand to go up a hill (which I don't do that often, being a sitting slug), it will hit my knees. Not a big problem, I just fold it under until I need it.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

[BikeLady]

I have a small bag from Detours (www.detours.us) that measures 8x4x6" and includes a small map holder. I think they have a bag that's even smaller than that, but I needed one big enough to hold my jacket and tights on an organized ride last spring. I got mine from Terry, and I'm pretty sure they sell the smallest one also. I have a WSD bike with extremely narrow bars, and it worked great!

[Pedal Wench]

Have you thought about a bag that attaches under your seat? I like keeping everything tucked away. Of course, I can't get anything out while I'm riding, which is probably just as well, cause I can barely get my water bottle out without swerving!

[caligurl]

i have an under the seat bag.. it's full! it has my tool thingy, a spare tube, tire spoon thingys, a patch kit, a CO2 pump and 2 cartridges, a rag, a house key and $5.00 in it. i can't fit anything else.. no.. i don't want to buy a bigger bag! i bought this one cuz it matches my bike (specialized brand and blue!)

which is why i would like a small bag for the handlebars.. just big enough for a jacket or leg/arm warmers/tights. and i only need to have it one if i think i need it! or.. if it's small enough.. who know's.. i may just leave it on all the time!

so far i still like the topeak.. and the detours one looks nice too!

both sound small enough for what i want! i don't necesarilly need the map holder.. cuz i don't do that many organized rides.. it was just an idea with the r.e.i. one.. which i've decided not to get!

[aka_kim]

REI also carries the Cannondale Toot handlebar bag, which I used on a tour recently. It attaches with 2 straps, and I think holds up to 5 pounds. I used mine to carry small binoculars and a camera, but it would work quite well to stash extra clothing. Best thing about the bag was the price -- only $20.