I need help again. What a surprise.

[Pedal Wench]

Does it have to be a handlebar bag? The tour that I did specifically recommended AGAINST handlebar bags in favor of seatpost bags. Apparently, handlebar bags make the bike a little less stable than a seatpost bag. For long rides, I've got a Jandd (sp?) seatpost bag that has an expandable bottom. I've fit a pump, patch kit, cellphone, levers, spare tube, inhaler, gels and bars, a bagel AND a rain jacket in mine!

[pooks]

I really like my Carradice zip bar bag which is similar to Nanci's Baggins Candy Bar Bag, I think. I've posted pictures -- I'm trying to remember where, though. I'll put the link here as soon as I remember where they are!

Oh heck, I'm sorry -- it's easier to do post them again here than to track down the thread they're in. I hope nobody minds seeing them twice.

This is how it looks on the wallbike site as a saddlebag:



And this is how it looks on my handlebar, without much stuff in it, and open:



It will hold quite a bit if you need it to.

Oh yeah, one of the things I love about it is that it buckles on with leather straps -- no metal or plastic stuff to figure out. (I'm not good at figuring.)

[velogirl]

I used the Topeak bag that Kano recommended on my self-supported tour last summer. The mount is great so you can quickly pop it off the bar when you want to go into a shop or restaurant or at the end of the day. And I used the handle to hold my map. Oh, and it has a rain cover which is great if it rains. Loved it! It's just big enough for essentials you want east access to, but not so big that you're tempted to overload it (which will affect your steering ability).

[KnottedYet]

The Topeak bag was $20 at Nashbar, but I can't find it now.

[Pedal Wench]

You can see the Jandd bags on our photos in this thread

I've got mine expanded on the bike in front, and un-expanded on my BF's bike behind it.

[Bad JuJu]

I used this bag on my supported tour in Maryland in May:
Detours Shuttle
Scroll down and it gives you the dimensions--I think it's 7 or 8 inches wide. A nice thing about this bag is that the front flap flips backward to reveal a clear pocket for your map or cue sheet. There's a loop on the flap so you can secure it in that flipped-back position if you want to. Even on an organized, supported tour, you'll need a map or cue sheet for each day's ride.

The bag, though it's water-resistant and has waterproof zippers, comes with a rain cover, and strap to turn it into a shoulder bag when you're off the bike. The mounting bracket stays on your bike.

A little smaller item that I use for short rides close to home is the Adventure Cycling Piggy Pack by Madden. It holds cell phone, keys, snack, some cash, lip gloss, and could probably accomodate a small camera as well. It also comes with a clear pocket for a map, and attaches simply with velcro straps. I just checked the Adventure Cycling site and it looks like they're out of them but you might be able to Google around and find one.

I find that it's true that you want to limit what you carry in a handlebar bag because it can adversely affect steering. But if you're judicious about it, you'll be OK. Definitely get your back asap so you have a little time to get used to it.

[Gray Gato]

Thanks to all of you for your advice. We may go with the expandable seat bags.

Nanci, how incredible that you offered to loan me your bag! You are so generous.

I hope all of you have a great weekend. We have another metric century tomorrow and an easy, fun 40 miler on Sunday.

Enjoy the rides!