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I'm looking for a handlebar bag for the gravel bike (flared drops) and for use on the HT.
What can you recommend, say <10L in size?
Ideally I'd like it to be waterproof or highly water resistant, robust, non-bouncy, less than £60 and easy to move across bikes
A couple of options that I've used:
Alpkit Gnaro - see my comment about the straps in the Alpkit thread. Obviously only 3L.
DrJon Strapdeck https://wildcat.cc/collections/accessories/products/dewidget-strap-deck-large , a couple of Voile straps and dry bag of your choice.
thanks @whitestone
I'll assume you meant velcro straps or you've been binge watching the interior design thing on BBC 😉
No, Voile straps - https://wildcat.cc/collections/accessories/products/voile-nyl-strap slightly stretchy polyurethane straps (ooerr!)
👍
I've reviewed a few, beerbabe, miss-grape, cordell.cc. got some Chrome industries & the route werks ones arriving soon. Lots of choices, all depends on what you need it to do. Day rides or tours etc but the attachment & internals are key. Slightly padded inside saves you being driven mad with rattles etc
Voile straps are great.
Currently got a tartan camel-chops bag on the bike which I really like
I'm using the small Restrap bag which is perfect for phone, wallet, nibbles, repair equipment, dog treats, lead and pooh bags. I've not used it in the wet yet so waterproofing is un-tested.
For day rides/general use the Restrap Cannister bag is great. It’s only 1.5l though so may not be what you have in mind.
10L waterproof or highly water resistant, robust, non-bouncy, less than £60 and easy to move across bikes
Ortileb Handlebar Bag. (touring style not bike packing).
Check Cyclestore for the best prices.
Handlebar bags are a diverse thing as qwerty said
A role looks cool and is a great way of adding load to a bike. But really useless for snacks or anything you need quickly
An old fashioned handle bar bag is really practical
A frame bag is IMHO the way forward for a modern bag with good access. But not so much for transfering between bikes
Not this one then? @qwerty ?
https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/ortlieb_bikepacking_handlebar_pack_small_9_litre-ID_74620
@rOcKeTdOg – we needs photos
I could link to my website but I don't thinks its fair to navigate you away from STW as they have their own grav thing going on with adverts etc ( not that I have adverts but it might affect the revenue stream & I want STW to keep going!)
You could PM me and I'll point you in the right direction
Topeak Barloader works well for me - Just over 6l, easy to attach/move and seems pretty weatherproof...
Can also be strapped round a larger front roll for longer trips
I bought a couple of Altura bar bags, touring stylee on proper bar clamp mounts.
They don't look as cool as a roll, but so quick to access what you need, nicely padded and with 'pockets' to sort things, really well mounted and do not bounce as much.
I too think frame bags (not full frame) are also ideal for this.
I’ve been looking for a bar bag for the missuses e-bike, problem is due to the short stem, it won’t fit a bar bag that hangs from the handlebar.
Had a look at the Ortlieb bags, looked great but the e-bike display is too wide to accept the bar mount.
I agree about frame bags, I've got a Restrap large one on my XL Camino and it's great but doesn't fit my Cove HJ. The option of a bar bag that I could use, or my wife is why I'm looking for one.
That Topeak one looks good. Enough room for an OS map & snacks & tools
I have a wizard works lil presto that's pretty spacious. Easy to fit/remove with Voilè straps and comes in snazzy colours. Prefer it to a frame bag as I'm short and fitting two bottles plus a frame bag is a squeeze. Anything I need to access on the move (food mainly!) is in a top tube bag.
Thanks @sboardman I was trying to remember what mine was called 🙂
Sounds as though we have a pretty similar setup.
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It’s a fair bit smaller than the OP was looking for though (around 2.5l from memory) and despite the YKK zip mine isn’t totally waterproof. It’s been fine for me. Easy to fit, about as stable as such a thing can be and I like the snazzy colours. When I carry my small quilted jacket I put it in a sea2summmit waterproof bag though.
There are a lot out there nowadays.
I'm now thinking 4-7L would be best for OS maps, tools, tubes (yes I'm a luddite) and snacks and extra layers.
I’ve got something around that size in the shed I think. It’s a cube shaped thing made by Altura. I don’t have the bracket for it anymore but last time I looked you could still buy them. Let me know if you are interested and I’ll see if I can dig it out.
High five @roverpig! They do look good in the camo. Though I will admit to splashing out on a custom one to match my bike...
Yeah they aren't massive. I wanted it for a better place to stash extra layers, gravel tube that doesn't fit in a tool caddy plus maybe a camera in the summer. I have a restrap harness for multiday rides. But it's very sensitive to overpacking as I'm riding a 51cm bike so there's not tonnes of space between the bars and tyre.
@ElShalimo it looks like Alpkit still have the Tivaro in stock and on sale? Or a Joey harness plus appropriately sized drybag might be a particularly cost effective option.
I have two Molle bags off ebay, not as trendy but a million sizes and styles for a fraction of the cost.
I have two, an Apidura 9L, which is a roll type tube, which you can easily load - I use this for commuting as can easily take a roll of clothes to change into and can squash down to whatever size you need - it also has a clip for an extra level of storage (I use a dry bag inside it so when I get to work I can leave it on the bars and slide the contents out). I also have a smaller Lugit square bar bag, which I use more day to day as it has a top zip closure and they are all custom made so you can choose the colours - its much smaller so is better for gloves, lights, coffee, tools etc, rather than a bike packing style
@boardmanfs18 You need these to get the controller into a place that will allow a bar bag to fit.
The e-bike controls get fixed to the latter part allowing a bar bag to fix to the quickfix clip.
I got a Karrimor wash bag from Sports Direct and used a couple of velcros straps to attach it. Worked well for sunglasses, wallet, snacks, maps, etc.
Nice!
I like Restrap and I like to buy UK made stuff when I can but oooff £105!
https://road.cc/content/tech-news/restrap-releases-new-10-litre-bar-pack-281867
Unless you've already maxed out your top tube, frame and seattube storage I'd be tempted to avoid a handlebar bag. Shit for aero, ruins the steering.
Shit for aero
You've not seen my relaxed geometry
😉
ruins the steering
😂
If you've got 12 pork pies in there it could do
🤔
Yea but that'd just improve as the ride went on and the load got transferred to your belly making the centre of gravity lower & the handling exponentially better
avoid a handlebar bag. Shit for aero,
Compared to a rear bag, apparently not (and be careful about what your wearing):
Perhaps more surprising to many, front bags were more aerodynamic than rear ones. A handlebar bag was more aerodynamic than a Carradice saddlebag that extended just slightly beyond the hips of the rider (see photo at the top of this post). Front panniers (on low-rider racks) were more aerodynamic than rear panniers.
https://www.renehersecycles.com/aerodynamics-of-real-world-bicycles/
Yea but that’d just improve as the ride went on and the load got transferred to your belly making the centre of gravity lower & the handling exponentially better
100000000% true. This is how I got my relaxed geometry
😎
Another vote for the wizard works lil presto.
I use the big ortlieb roll for actual bikepacking.
Thanks for the help
I ordered the Topeak Barloader (from Tweeks) as it was 6.5L and has some good real world reviews. It should be big enough for lunch, tools, tube, mini pump and a warm layer when we stop (maybe a mini bottle of wine too 😎).
Acepac?
https://terraventure.co.uk/products/acepac-bar-bag?variant=34796857032861
I've got their bike packing bag and harness which is really good. This can be mounted on top of that or on its own. Not tried one, but they look good and the build quality of my other acepac stuff is excellent.
I thought I'd come back to this thread with an update:
The Topeak Barloader is very good. It's held up well in some foul weather. It took a bit of trial and error to get it right but it works really well. It usually has a Canon G16, snacks, tubes, extra layers and wallet in there.
The only negative thing I can say is that the long straps, that are to mount it on the front roll bag, can be a little annoying at times. I just double them back on themselves and they create two extra compression straps. Ideal for crushing sandwiches 😉
I’ve reviewed a few, beerbabe, miss-grape, cordell.cc. got some Chrome industries & the route werks ones arriving soon
also just reviewed the wizard works wiz viz range, bar, saddle and top tube bag. giving the GoGo top tube bag away too. you'll need to watch my youtube channel for that. review on the website.
Liking the look of the Restrap one anyone got a real review of it in daily use.
I really like my bar bag from Macks
https://www.mackworkshop.com/products/bar-bag
Made in the UK and not outrageously expensive.
For value the Rapha one looks very good but it does make you look a bit like a 'try hard w@@@er'
There's some decent ones from small companies on the Etsy website. I bought a Camel chops for my daughter and she likes it. Perfect for a jacket, multi-tool and some snacks.
I'm using this:
Was sceptical of the cam operation on the fixing mechanism but it is rock solid and holds alot of stuff, or it cinches down when you only have a part load.
I'm still happy with our OnOne bargainciois Altura KlikFast bags. They are rock solid and easy to access.
I tried a tie on bag and just found it flopped and flapped everywhere.
The fluoro Carradice looks very similar to the zipped roll. Might try mine on the bars.
singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/handlebar-bags-what-do-you-recommend/page/2/#post-12141589
I have the Restrap Canister Bag and it is perfect for everyday riding. Just the right size to hold a light jacket, multitool, CO2 cartridge and adapter, an energy bar and a folded up musette for emergency use.
For long day rides and when bikepacking I also have the 10l Bar Pack. Great for holding a change of clothes, sarnies, snacks, etc and the front pocket is quick and easy to access for smaller items.
They are quite expensive but worth the money in my opinion.
Certain colours of the Rapha handlebar bags are currently £38 on their website.
My wife has claimed the Topeak barloader I bought so now I'm looking for a slightly smaller bag that doesn't interfere with GPS, light and bells on the drop bars
Has anyone got one of the Carradice Bikepacking Handlebar Bag (link above)?? It looks pretty good but can't find many reviews of it.
Not sure these are any smaller, but just seen the thread pop up and wanted to give a vote for victory chimp https://www.victorychimp.cc/collections/bags/products/norfee-industries-ror-handlebar-bag-olive
The straps are a bit fiddly if you're swopping it between bikes a lot, but other than that it's been a great bag. Perfect size for a day out.
I have a WizardWorks one based on @rocketdog review. It's a whole lot stiffer than the cheap Alpkit one I had before. Need another and will prob get a second one although the victory chimp one looks pretty good for a bit less money,
Camelchops Blimp.
have a restrap canister myself but have bought Camelchops bags for my partner (you can customise colours to go with your bike).
They are a husband and wife team making the bags in the U.K.
I've got a wizard works/restrap/Rapha bar bag test ongoing. So far there's a clear leader
I did ask camelchops to join in but they didn't in the end
I have a WizardWorks one based on @rocketdog review. It’s a whole lot stiffer than the cheap Alpkit one I had before. Need another and will prob get a second one although the victory chimp one looks pretty good for a bit less money,
Great! The voile strap fixing is a highlight too
I have the Restrap Canister Bag and it is perfect for everyday riding.
Same here. Doesn't carry much, but ideal size if you want something without fitting any hardware. Good for swapping between bikes super quick.
Ortileb Handlebar Bag. (touring style not bike packing).
👆
I tried a couple of on-trend 'bikepacking' handlebar bags. They were not great, took longer to fit, and wore out bits of frame, flopped around, cost lots.
Mrs_OAB and I now sport 'granny bags' - Altura versions of the Ortileb bags linked below. Klikfast is great - stable, vey quick to mount/unmount, no rubbing, no problems offroad. The bags were £8 from OnOne sale!
I would like some on-trend companies to make a klikfast mount bar bag - I do like the Camelchops colours and patterns of gear, maybe I should ask nicely...
https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=79394&categoryID=91
I have the Restrap Canister Bag and it is perfect for everyday riding.
Ditto
I also have the Restrap bar bag, it's ok, and definitely waterproof but quite deep if you've got a low stack height- I've had it rub on the front wheel before...
It actually works better as a saddle bag!
Love my altura box that is rixen and kaul quick release, has a carry stray for cafea/shopping, and has an old school map holder on the lid for err, a map.
I’ve got a wizard works/restrap/Rapha bar bag test ongoing. So far there’s a clear leader
@rOcKeTdOg - When will the reviews be posted on your website?
When will the reviews be posted on your website?
just got to finish writing it, hopefully beginning of next week
👍
Missed your reply ages ago, but:
https://www.tailfin.cc/blog/how-aerodynamic-is-your-bikepacking-setup/?v=79cba1185463
https://www.cyclingabout.com/fascinating-aerodynamics-bikepacking-bicycle-touring/
These silly round hipster bar bags are about as bad for aero a choice you can make.
See them strapped to 5 grand road bikes everywhere these days. They carry less than jersey pockets do. If you need more, a frame or seatpack is by far a better idea.
Unless like, fitting in at your local gravel ride is your jam.
Aero? Have you seen the shape of me?
If you're bigger and slower, you spend more time in the wind and you're more impacted by wind at a wider angle of attack.
Which means you actually have, objectively, more to gain from not making aero mistakes.
I'm not saying get in a skinsuit, just - why spend money that's only gonna make you slower all the time.
I think most of us are leisure cyclists, aero is just something to eat (preferably not the mint one, it's an abomination)
They carry less than jersey pockets d
You must have very big pockets. Who wants three loaded down pockets anyway? I can't stand hip or back packs so everything I need can go in the bar bag plus my cheese sandwiches don't get sweaty, crushed or covered in crap from the rear wheel as they would if they were sat in my back pocket 🤷♂️
I'd add one these if you don't like the paint on your bike been rubbed off or your cable outer rubbed away.
I'd keep the bar bag to a sensible size and keep it as close to your bars as possible. Or the weight can affect handling.
Brooks, Rapha, Caradice and Ortlieb have some nice bar bags too.
I like minimalist type bags as I hate the dreaded rattle.
Bar bags are good about 3 litres. Used for food, warm layer, pump, spares, tools, gels, glasses
Bum bags are good about 1 litre, used for keys, phone, snack, windproof gilet/jacket, essential spares, money
Saddle bags are best less than 0.5 litre, used for tools or spares
Small top tube bags are good for food
A bottle feed bag is also good to add extra food or water bottle
Bargain bags can be bought from Decathlon, Halfords, Planet X, eBay and Amazon.
Or a tool bottle is awesome on the cross/gravel/MTB marathon bikes.
The fluoro Carradice looks very similar to the zipped roll. Might try mine on the bars.
Update, it went on the bars with longer straps and foam spacers bought from Carradice. It worked well, and there was just enough room for a spare pair of shorts, jersey and travel towel, which I used on the Bryan Chapman audax.
I’d add one these if you don’t like the paint on your bike been rubbed off or your cable outer rubbed away.
Or helmet tubes https://tightbike.co.uk/products/helmet-tubes-handlebar-bag-support