Small front handlebar bag with a map
Looking for a small front handlebar bag with a mapcase. I have no issues with gps but I still like to use real maps.
Any recommendations? I like the Carradice Keswick and with the drop in the value of the pound, the cost is not too bad ($110 shipped with the attachment bracket). The Ortlieb Ultimate six runs around $130 with the attachment. The Arkel small bag runs $170 and comes with an attachment. Swift paloma runs around $200 with attachment. Any experience with these bags? Alternatives? |
Is there a particular aesthetic you're going for? I was satisfied with the Banjo Brothers medium handlebar bag. Doesn't need a decaleur and sits flush with the handlbars so you can still use a light mounted on the bars.
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Originally Posted by ksryder
(Post 21063022)
Is there a particular aesthetic you're going for? I was satisfied with the Banjo Brothers medium handlebar bag. Doesn't need a decaleur and sits flush with the handlbars so you can still use a light mounted on the bars.
I like the Banjo Brothers bag (esp. the price). The problem with a bag with straps is that it gets in the way of riding the tops of the bars though. |
Originally Posted by bikemig
(Post 21063015)
Looking for a small front handlebar bag with a mapcase. I have no issues with gps but I still like to use real maps.
Any recommendations? I like the Carradice Keswick and with the drop in the value of the pound, the cost is not too bad ($110 shipped with the attachment bracket). The Ortlieb Ultimate six runs around $130 with the attachment. Any experience on either of these bags? Alternatives? The only annoying thing is that there are little leather D hook thingies on the sides that get in the way. They are meant for attaching a carrying strap but are badly designed. They bend outward and get in the way of the brake levers. I solved it by cutting them off. This obviously would only be an issue with dropped bars. |
When I was configuring rental bikes for loaded touring, I always used Ortlieb. Never once had a problem with them.
The Ortlieb Ultimate Six Classic 5L is small and map friendly — seems to meet your requirements. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0fbf22aae4.jpg |
I have a brand new Carradice Keswick with the Klickfix system that is going unused.
It was going on a friend's touring bike, but he decided to pass on the trip. PM if interested. |
Originally Posted by bikemig
(Post 21063051)
I'm more concerned with functionality than an aesthetic. My light is mounted to the front brake so a handlebar bag won't be an issue.
I like the Banjo Brothers bag (esp. the price). The problem with a bag with straps is that it gets in the way of riding the tops of the bars though. |
Originally Posted by revcp
(Post 21063103)
I just finished up a 2k mile tour with the BB bag. The bar straps are close enough together that they didn't intergint with riding the tops.
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Originally Posted by bikemig
(Post 21063015)
I like the Carradice Keswick and with the drop in the value of the pound, the cost is not too bad ($110 shipped with the attachment bracket).
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/luggage/...litre/?geoc=US I've bought a couple of Carradice bags from them - best price (even with shipping from GB) I've found. (Or wait a few weeks for the Pound to crash, then it will be even cheaper.) |
Originally Posted by tyrion
(Post 21063181)
I bet SJS Cycles could beat that price.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/luggage/...litre/?geoc=US I've bought a couple of Carradice bags from them - best price (even with shipping from GB) I've found. (Or wait a few weeks for the Pound to crash, then it will be even cheaper.) $103 shipped with the mount. Yeah if you wait until Brexit, the price will drop some more, :) |
If there are any Canadian prospective buyers, I use the MEC World Tour handlebar bag. It served me well and was priced very well.
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5053-6...Handle-Bar-Bag https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6d42c3c982.jpg |
I have a small Cannondale clip-on type, identical to this.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F264415876782 It came included with a bike and really like it. Further modified it with industrial Velcro stitched on for a Bluetooth speaker and solar battery charger. |
Being lost is sort of fun.
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Originally Posted by RobbieTunes
(Post 21063257)
Being lost is sort of fun.
Right, I like to think of those as secret bonus training miles . . . . |
Check out AGU bags from the Netherlands. Weatherproof, several have built in or detachable map pouches. I've had one for a couplafew years and it's good. Protects my camera gear, rain or shine.
Detachable shoulder strap, so it's not in the way while riding. The KlickFix mount system is very handy. However it makes the bag sit up a bit higher, so it may block some handlebar mounted lights and accessories. When I use one of my video cameras mounted on the stem I can add an extension so it sits higher than the bag. I don't think there are any AGU dealers in the US but it's easy to order from Europe and the exchange rate is still pretty good. |
Originally Posted by canklecat
(Post 21063626)
Check out AGU bags from the Netherlands. Weatherproof, several have built in or detachable map pouches. I've had one for a couplafew years and it's good. Protects my camera gear, rain or shine.
Detachable shoulder strap, so it's not in the way while riding. The KlickFix mount system is very handy. However it makes the bag sit up a bit higher, so it may block some handlebar mounted lights and accessories. When I use one of my video cameras mounted on the stem I can add an extension so it sits higher than the bag. I don't think there are any AGU dealers in the US but it's easy to order from Europe and the exchange rate is still pretty good. |
I have the cheapest, smallest Banjo Brothers bag (no map case). Not sure what model it is, but I don't see it on their site now. (It cost about $25 as I recall.) It's nice that no extra mounting hardware is needed, but I can't ride on the tops of the handlebars, so it gets much less use than it might otherwise.
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My wife and I each have the Topeak TourGuide bag with its integral handlebar quick click mount (Fixer #8 ). It's easily removable. I bought an extra mount for my commuter, as this bag is so good for sundry items. Two smaller inner pockets and one outer pocket. There's also a rain fly, and a shoulder strap. The top plastic window is actually a plastic pouch with a center fold, held on by Velcro. It works well. Highly recommend.
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Originally Posted by bikemig
(Post 21063051)
I'm more concerned with functionality than an aesthetic.
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Originally Posted by bikemig
(Post 21063051)
I'm more concerned with functionality than an aesthetic. My light is mounted to the front brake so a handlebar bag won't be an issue.
I like the Banjo Brothers bag (esp. the price). The problem with a bag with straps is that it gets in the way of riding the tops of the bars though.
Originally Posted by revcp
(Post 21063103)
I just finished up a 2k mile tour with the BB bag. The bar straps are close enough together that they didn't intergint with riding the tops.
I don't know how wide these particular bars are, but if they're 42 cm (which is what I had when I used this bag) as you can see you have a little bit -- but not a lot -- of room on the tops. Plenty of room on the hoods obviously. Didn't bother me when I had it but I rarely ride on the tops. BB does make a slightly more expensive version with a quick release, and it holds the bag away from the bars so you would have more room on the tops. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2430be979f.jpg ETA: according to BB the bag is 10" wide. |
I don’t (yet) have one, but this Dill Pickle handlebar bag is on my wish list. Seems well-designed, and I like that it does not require a frame or mounting bracket. Lots of interesting options for pockets as well as colors, and they typically have a few ready to go.
Design Your Own Handlebar Bag |
Originally Posted by ksryder
(Post 21064766)
Just to make sure we're all talking about the same thing-- this isn't my setup, it's just a random internet picture, but it's a good picture of how much room you have on the bars.
I don't know how wide these particular bars are, but if they're 42 cm (which is what I had when I used this bag) as you can see you have a little bit -- but not a lot -- of room on the tops. Plenty of room on the hoods obviously. Didn't bother me when I had it but I rarely ride on the tops. BB does make a slightly more expensive version with a quick release, and it holds the bag away from the bars so you would have more room on the tops. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2430be979f.jpg ETA: according to BB the bag is 10" wide. |
Originally Posted by Dfrost
(Post 21064767)
I don’t (yet) have one, but this Dill Pickle handlebar bag is on my wish list. Seems well-designed, and I like that it does not require a frame or mounting bracket. Lots of interesting options for pockets as well as colors, and they typically have a few ready to go.
Design Your Own Handlebar Bag |
I have had good luck with the cheap handlebar bags on amazon or eBay. Usually $10-15
they attach with a Velcro strap, so can be spaced for hands gripping the top of the bar. I tie a shoelace or web strap between the drops, just below the brake handles to act as a support to keep it from swinging down only issue I had is the zippers are delicate, but not a lot of risk spending $10 or so to try it out. |
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