Handlebar Bags
A lot of people ride with handlebar bags. They are useful for holding those things that are used frequently and it saves digging through panniers looking for things. I find them handy for holding snacks, money, sunglasses, and sun screen lotion. They also unclip easily and come with a shoulder strap, so they are good for putting valuables in and taking with you when you have to leave the bike and visit a shop.
Some handlebar bags also come with extra external pockets and a top map sleeve for putting maps in. I find this quite useful when off road as I am able to follow the track and keep an eye on the map and compass. Most handle bar bags also come with a rain jacket to cover them in the rain.
A view of a typical handlebar bag on the bike, with map pocket on top.
I have found that if you put too much weight in the handle bar bag, your steering will become awkward. This is made even worse in a head or cross wind. The larger the bag, the more effect the wind has on it and ultimately your steering. Over time some bags also start to droop and hang at a 45 degree angle as the mounting area starts to weaken. On some bikes this results in the bag sitting on brake and gear cables.
Typical handlebar bag with pull out rain jacket.
View of a typical handlebar bag's attachment system.
The photographs above show a typical handlebar bag. This one has a map pocket on top that seals with velcro, side mesh pockets, and an external pocket on the front. The bag is accessible from the top by a zip. It comes with a rain cover that is kept inside the bag. It also comes with a clip on shoulder strap. The bag removes very easily by pushing a lever down. You are then able to unclip the bag and using the shoulder strap carry the bag with you when you leave the bike.
There are many sorts of handlebar bags available. The bag shown is typical of most bags. There are a few specialist type bags that are smaller and will fit any sized handlebar. We review one, which is an Ortlieb handlebar bag.
