A Popular Accessory: Handlebar Bags
A handlebar bag was once a seldom-seen accessory, primarily used by individuals riding touring bikes or shoppers on hybrid bicycles.
However, the increasing popularity of gravel bikes and bikepacking has turned handlebar bags into a trendy item. Improved designs and materials have also made them more functional and practical.
In this article, we will discuss the usefulness of handlebar bags, explore the available options, and provide helpful tips for selecting the best bar bag to suit your specific needs.
Understanding Bike Handlebar Bags
Essentially, a bike handlebar bag is a bag that can be easily attached to your bicycle’s handlebar. Typically, it is secured using straps that wrap around the top section of the handlebar, closer to the center.
These bags are often equipped with either zippers or roll-top closures to facilitate quick access. Both closure types are designed to prevent moisture from reaching the bag’s contents, ensuring their protection.
With a wide range of sizes and designs available in the market, there is a handlebar bag, also known as a bar bag, suitable for virtually every purpose.
The Growing Popularity of Handlebar Bags
The use of handlebar bags has gained traction, particularly due to the surging popularity of gravel bikes. It wasn’t long ago when handlebar bags were rarely utilized, reserved almost exclusively for dedicated touring cyclists.
However, in recent years, handlebar bags have become a fashion statement, thanks to the rise of gravel bikes.
Bar bags: An Alternative to Saddle Bags
Bar bags are an incredibly convenient option when it comes to cycling gear. They offer easy access to your belongings while providing added protection against wheel spray and dirt.
Practical and Versatile
Not only are bar bags useful for storing your essentials, but they also serve as a great spot to keep a mid-ride snack. This clever solution frees up valuable pocket space or allows you to enjoy a ride without a pocketless cycling jersey.
Ample Storage Capacity
With more room than traditional saddle bags, bar bags provide additional space for essential items. You can easily fit a cycling gilet or a waterproof jacket in case of unexpected rain. Alternatively, use the bar bag to conveniently stash accessories like arm warmers or a cap if the temperature rises during your ride.
The Perfect Complement for Bikepacking
When combined with larger seat packs or other bikepacking bags, a bar bag becomes the central carrying unit for adventurous rides. The added capacity is readily accessible, particularly when using panniers on a touring bike.
Practicality for Commuters
Handlebar bags also prove to be highly practical for commuting cyclists. They offer a reliable solution for transporting extra gear, work materials, or even a laptop. This feature is especially beneficial for those riding hybrid or folding bikes.
The variety of handlebar bags available
Handlebar bags come in various designs, each serving a specific purpose based on their size and shape.
Smaller handlebar bags have a cylindrical form and usually feature a single zip on the top or front. These bags are ideal for storing tools and snacks, although they may have limitations when it comes to carrying additional items. However, some smaller bags may have webbing straps on the outside for extra storage.
As we move towards larger sizes, there is a range of options to choose from. Certain bags are offered in multiple sizes, maintaining the same design but varying in capacity.
For extensive journeys or even for carrying a delightful cauliflower soft toy, some handlebar bags are large enough to hold all your belongings. These bags often have a top opening for easy access to the contents, supplemented by a sleeve on the lid and possibly side pockets. They tend to be sturdy and rigid in construction.
An alternative popular design for bigger bags is the waterproof dry bag, which is placed inside a sleeve attached to the bike. This setup is particularly advantageous for bikepacking since the sleeve can stay on the bike while the dry bag can be easily taken elsewhere. It provides a convenient way to carry items like a sleeping bag or a down jacket, keeping them dry and accessible during breaks.
Furthermore, some handlebar bags function primarily as dry bags, ensuring that your clothing or camping gear remains perfectly dry throughout your adventure. However, it’s important to note that the elongated shape of these bags may interfere with a bike’s drop handlebar or brakes.
**Large Handlebar Bags: Versatile Storage for Your Bike Adventures**
**Introduction**
In this article, we will explore the world of large handlebar bags and the multitude of ways they can enhance your biking experiences. These spacious and functional bags are essential for any avid cyclist looking to carry their gear with ease and organization. Among the different types available, the largest Restrap bag truly stands out with its ingenious design. Let’s delve into the features that make it a top choice for adventurers seeking reliable and convenient storage solutions.
**Multiple Compartments for Effortless Organization**
When it comes to large handlebar bags, one of the key factors that set them apart is their ability to provide ample storage space. The Restrap bag takes this concept to the next level with its ingenious design. It boasts not just one, but multiple compartments that allow you to neatly organize your belongings. Whether you’re packing camping gear, extra layers of clothing, or essential supplies, this bag has got you covered.
**A Rigid Compartment for Added Durability**
What makes the Restrap bag truly unique is its incorporation of a rigid compartment. This feature ensures that your delicate items remain protected even on rugged terrains. Whether you’re tackling bumpy trails or crossing challenging landscapes, you can trust that your gear is secure inside the durable confines of this handlebar bag. Say goodbye to worries about potential damage and hello to worry-free bike adventures!
**Loops for a Dry Bag: Stay Prepared for the Unexpected**
Another noteworthy attribute of the Restrap bag is the loops located below the rigid compartment. These loops serve an important purpose: they allow you to attach and secure a dry bag. This means that in case of unexpected downpours or splashes, your valuables and belongings will remain dry and undamaged. Stay prepared for any weather condition and let the Restrap bag provide you with a reliable shield against the elements.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, large handlebar bags are essential accessories for cycling enthusiasts who value both convenience and organization. The Restrap bag, with its clever design and array of features, is a game-changer in this category. From multiple compartments to a rigid compartment and loops for a dry bag, this bag has it all. Enhance your biking adventures with this reliable and versatile storage solution. Don’t let gear organization hold you back – invest in the Restrap bag and enjoy the freedom and peace of mind it provides.
Finally, there are bags that are specifically designed for urban cyclists. These bags typically have a satchel-like shape and come with a shoulder strap or handle for easy carrying when you’re not on your bike.
Brompton, a renowned bicycle brand, offers handlebar bags that are specially made for their folding bikes. These bags are designed to attach to the front end of most Bromptons and are sold as accessories. While handlebar bags are commonly marketed as universal designs that fit any bike, some are actually intended for a specific bicycle model.
Take Brompton’s handlebar bags, for example. They are specifically tailored for their folding bikes and come in sizes that are surprisingly spacious, offering a generous capacity of up to 23 liters.
What to Consider When Choosing a Bike Handlebar Bag
Size
When selecting a bar bag, it’s important to consider how much gear you need to carry. The size of the bag is a crucial factor to keep in mind. On one hand, you want a bag that provides ample storage for all your essentials. On the other hand, you don’t want to ride around with a bag that’s only half full. Not only will it sag and bounce around, but the contents inside may also rattle.
Luckily, many bar bags offer the flexibility to adjust their volume to match your load. This is often achieved through compression straps. Additionally, many bags come with adjustable bungee cords, allowing you to easily secure items like a jacket to the outside of the bag. This proves to be convenient when you need quick access to your jacket during your ride.
If your main focus is day rides with the occasional bikepacking adventure, it might be beneficial to have two bags that cater to your different capacity requirements.
Compatibility with Your Bike
When it comes to bar bags, the width of the bag in relation to your handlebar is the primary concern. If you have a road handlebar, a wider bag may not fit between the drops or may interfere with your grips if riding a flat mountain bike handlebar. This can also create awkwardness in using your controls effectively.
Fortunately, gravel bikes offer an easier solution. Gravel bike handlebars are generally wider than road bike bars and have a flared design, allowing more space for a wider bag. This design also enables easier use of the drops, even with a spacious bag.
Another concern, particularly with smaller frame sizes, is the potential rubbing of a deeper bag against the front wheel. It is crucial to ensure proper clearance, especially since bags have a tendency to droop once loaded.
Mounting System
Many smaller bags utilize straps and clips for attachment. These bags typically fasten to the handlebar with two straps, with an additional strap that secures around the head tube to enhance stability.
Bag Mounting Systems
It is a well-functioning system, although it can cause friction on either the handlebar or the frame. To prevent this, it is advisable to add protective tape around the head tube and handlebar.
Straps are commonly made of nylon and come with standard pull-through buckles, clip-together clips, or Velcro fasteners to keep them in place. Alternatively, some bags use stretchy and grippy rubber, which ensures that the bag stays in place while riding.
This particular Ortlieb bag includes a handlebar mount and two cords for added security. It is important to note that any strap system can potentially interfere with brake and gear cables. To address this, brands often provide spacers made of closed-cell foam to create a slight distance between the straps and the handlebar, allowing the cables to function properly.
Some brands offer a separate mount that attaches to the handlebar, to which the bag can be connected. This mount may raise the bag above the handlebar level, providing additional rigidity and preventing contact with the front wheel. It also offers increased capacity.
Enhanced Durability
This specific bar bag features a reinforced lid, giving it a semi-rigid design. Larger bags, in particular, are typically constructed from heavier-weight fabric, resulting in increased durability. Additionally, the underside of the bag is often made from heavy-duty materials to provide enhanced resistance against weather conditions. Smaller bags, on the other hand, can utilize lighter-weight fabric due to their reduced weight requirement.
Bag Reinforcement
Some bags are designed with internal reinforcement, using sturdier materials in specific areas, especially those that are likely to come into contact with the head tube. This reinforcement helps to maintain the bag’s rigidity and durability. Additionally, certain bags may have further reinforced sections or possess a semi-rigid structure.
When the bag rubs against the bike, it can cause wear and tear. To address this, some bags feature patches of highly abrasion-resistant fabric in areas that come into contact with the frame. If the bag’s straps begin to fray, they can usually be easily replaced without much trouble.
However, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of wear and replace any damaged components before they deteriorate further. Dealing with a broken strap during a long-planned excursion is something you definitely want to avoid.
Waterproofing
Ensuring that your bag offers adequate waterproofing is of utmost importance, even if you spend most of your time riding in dry conditions. Water from wheel spray can seep into the bag’s contents if the road is damp, and mud or unavoidable puddles can create a mess inside your handlebar bag. If your tools are left in a damp bag, they can quickly corrode, rendering them unusable when you need them the most.
Thankfully, the majority of bar bags are constructed with waterproof fabrics. Bags with zippers typically have waterproof zippers to prevent water ingress. Some bags even come with a separate dry bag that utilizes a wrap-end closure to ensure water cannot enter through the opening.
For added assurance that your belongings will stay dry, you can use separate dry bags inside your handlebar bag. Not only will this keep your items protected from water, but it will also make organizing your belongings much easier.
Pockets and Accessibility
Extra pockets on your handlebar bag can be incredibly convenient, as they provide easy access to essential items while you’re on the move. These side pockets allow you to reach for your belongings without having to disrupt your journey.
Choosing the Right Bar Bag for Quick and Easy Access
A dry-bag style bar bag can pose challenges when it comes to quickly accessing its contents. Unwrapping the end and the lack of internal compartments can slow you down. However, there are solutions available to make your life easier.
You can utilize an extra strap to conveniently store additional items, like sandals and caps. Some bags even come with bungee straps on the outside, allowing you to securely attach larger gear such as jackets and camping equipment. These straps improve accessibility and convenience.
Certain bar bags offer modular designs that enable you to add extra bags or pockets, significantly increasing your carrying capacity. Additionally, these versatile bags may have ladders on the outside, providing you with more options for attaching straps as needed.
Many bar bags also feature transparent sleeves on the top. These sleeves are perfect for stashing essential items like a bike computer, map, or route plan, keeping them easily accessible throughout your ride.
Enhancing Visibility for a Safer Ride
One feature to consider when choosing a handlebar bag is its visibility. For instance, the Rapha handlebar bag is equipped with reflective fabric along the front, ensuring that you can be easily seen by others. This reflective element adds an extra layer of safety to your cycling experience, especially during low light conditions.
Furthermore, if you’re an avid audax rider, it might be beneficial to find a handlebar bag that has fixing points for lights. By having the option to attach lights to your bag, you can maintain maximum visibility without compromising valuable handlebar space or obstructing the light’s ability to illuminate the road ahead.
Remember, reflective elements on a handlebar bag are not only useful during nighttime cycling but also in inclement weather conditions. They enhance your visibility and ensure that you stay safe while enjoying your ride.
