Handlebar bag

[Catrin]

I am considering a handlebar bag. Does this weight hanging off of the handlebars have any real effect in steering or balance? My assumption is that it wouldn't have a significant effect unless it were really heavy or had bottles of water (that slosh) inside. Is this a correct assumption?

[tulip]

Why do you think you need a handlebar bag? My suggestion would be to keep things simple. If you don't need it, don't add it.

If you do decide to get one, they come in all different sizes, so you'll have plenty to ponder .

[Catrin]

Why do you think you need a handlebar bag? My suggestion would be to keep things simple. If you don't need it, don't add it.

If you do decide to get one, they come in all different sizes, so you'll have plenty to ponder .

I am looking at different food storage options for really long rides. Hope to have racks and rear panniers relatively soon - and will likely just wait for that.

They do have some nice handlebar bags available - but the prices of some of them This encourages me to ponder my choices longer

[divingbiker]

I have a handlebar bag on my commuter bike to carry my work badge, tire repair kit, light/batteries, sunglasses, buff, rain cover for helmet, chapstick, etc. It can get pretty loaded down. I don't even notice it.

I also used one on my road bike when touring to carry my snacks and camera, and didn't notice it there either.

[withm]

Jandd handlebar bag

small, unobtrusive, yet holds more than I have ever needed to carry. I have them on all my bikes.

<$20
15 colors
zero effect on bike handling

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

Your LBS should have something comparable, or be able to get these in for you.

[ny biker]

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.

[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.

[Desert Tortoise]

For those who use a bar bag on their road bikes, does it get in the way of your hand position? Can you still put your hands on the flat portion of the road bars?

thanks