Handlebar bag

[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.