After two days of riding straight into head winds once, I decided most of the things in the handle bar bag could go elsewhere on the bike, so I went in search of a smaller handle bar bag to hold my valuables and other frequently needed things. I was able to get an Ortlieb handle bar bag which is a lot smaller than most standard handlebar bags.
Ortlieb Bar Bag
It’s half the size of the other type of handle bar bag and is bright orange. The color aids in visibility and in the hot summer sun, the contents don’t get as hot as they do in a black bag. It’s also made of the same waterproof material as their range of panniers.
The other thing I noticed, is unlike other handle bar bags that will only fit a certain size handle bar, the Ortlieb’s mounting system uses wire that wraps around the bar. It’s a bit hard to attach the mount to the bar at first, but after doing it once, it’s quite easy. The bag clicks into it to mount it, and pushing the lever removes it quickly.
View of the rear of the Ortlieb bar bag.
The top of the bag seals with velcro, and the inside is supported by strengthening plastic. It has less of a surface facing into the wind and cross winds don’t appear to affect the steering.
The top of the Ortlieb handlebar bag.
The bag unclips easily from the mounting system, and also comes with a shoulder strap which attaches to loops on the side. It doesn’t need a rain jacket as the bag is made from waterproof material. The only disadvantage is that I no longer have a map pocket, but it’s something that I don’t really use.
Inside view, note the reinforcement.
