Handlebar Bags

[icowden]

Hi All,

Now that I've committed to cycle long distances, I have been looking into a small bag to fit to the bike to contain sundries such as repair kit, spare tyre, mini-pump, keys, phone, wallet etc.

So far my favourites have been the ORTLIEB ULTIMATE 6 S CLASSIC HANDLEBAR BAG and the Rixen & Kaul Aventour Compact Handlebar Bag. Both ORTLIEB and KlikFix have an adapter to add mounting points of lights above the bag (which is useful as the Tern Joe lacks handlebar real estate for fripperies like lights).

A crossbar mounted bag doesn't work as the Tern has a massive crossbar which is also very short. Saddle bag doesn't work as my rear light is clamped there. A seatpost mounted bag doesn't work as the seatpost has to go down to fold.

Anyone have any experience of the two bags listed above? Or any other recommendations / ideas?

 

[Racing roadkill]

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/100-bike-handlebar-bag-25l-id_8355750.html

I’ve used one of these for a couple of years now. It’s sturdy, and holds more than you’d think.

I even left it on the drop bar bike I used in the Velo Birmingham, the other year.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

I have the Ortlieb 6 S Classic with a clip on map folder on the lid. It is MASSIVE. It’s really handy for touring especially at border points as everything you need is quickly accessed. The same goes for food as you are riding along.

There is a nice cut down version with a clear lid for smart phones etc. That is very nice. You will eventually do away with the divider as stuff just sneaks under it and you just end up with everything mixed anyway.

I love mine and funnily enough I have just fallen back in love with it.

 

[steveindenmark]

Have a look at a Restrap holster. It goes on the seatpost and you dont know its there

 

[roadrash]

@steveindenmark the op has a light on the seatpost

 

[icowden]

Actually the light is on the saddle, but as the trusty steed is a folding bike, the seatpost is a no-go area (it's up and down like a fiddler's elbow).

 

[flake99please]

I have the Ortlieb bag, which I use on my trike. It will hold 2x650ml water bottles, 3 spare tubes (20inch), pump, multitool, wallet, phone, keys, banana, and a chocolate bar. I would estimate it being 75% full to capacity. Waterproof & lockable, what’s not to like about it?

 

[mjr]

I have the Ortlieb bag, [...] what’s not to like about it?

The £75 price tag and it doesn't sit well on the shoulder strap, according to road.cc's review. Fairly minor IMO, but you asked

I use a pretty small velcro-attached Giant handlebar bag, but I have to shove a rain cover on it in rain, which I wouldn't with an Ortlieb, plus the Ortlieb seems much bigger and most of their stuff is very well made. I think I'd happily fit an Ortlieb if I wanted to spend that much.

 

[icowden]

Thanks all. I have just bought the Ortlieb 6S classic.

Clamp fitted... Looking forward to giving it a go later. yes it was £75 but the clamp is a significant part of that. Looks good though,