rear rack trunk bags

[KathiCville]

Just to toss in a couple more (small-scale) ideas....I just bought two Ortlieb bags for my road bike for a week-long tour I'm doing in a couple of weeks. I only need space for stuff during the day, so don't need a trunk bag or panniers. (Yet, LOL!)....I decided to get TWO bags, one for the handlebar, one for the seat---that way I have plenty of room if I use both. But, if I don't need loads of space, I can grab one and leave the other behind.

After reading various threads here on TE, my solution was to get Ortlieb's Compact handlebar bag, plus their largest under seat bag, both of which pop on and off with ease, neither of which takes up a lot of space.

Ortlieb handlebar bag (compact)
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/...p?pid=90&cid=2 ($61-66)

Ortlieb saddlebag (3 sizes)
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/...p?pid=39&cid=2 ($35-$44)

I bought both at thetouringcompany.com from owner Wayne. Nice fellow, quick service. He was the only source I could find for a plain black Compact handlebar bag---I didn't want gray or the bright colors. The handlebar bag, by the way, comes in two larger sizes, too.

The Compact is big enough for a wallet, small lunch, tools, spare tube, small camera. Not quite big enough to include a jacket, too. It locks onto the handlebar with a key; or, if not locked, pops off completely with just a push of a button. Looks just like a purse. (Shoulder strap included.)

The other bag---the large saddlebag---will easily hold a light jacket, tools, lunch, wallet, spare tube, camera. Because it has a roll-up closure, it can expand or contract somewhat to fit the contents. Unlike the handlebar bag, the saddlebag doesn't lock onto the bike.

Both were very easy to install. And both got a rain-worthiness test a couple of nights ago---passed with flying colors.....