Rando bag or basket?

[Netdewt]

I have been going back and forth about what sort of carrying-vessel I'd like on my Space Horse. Ideally, I'd love a custom Swift bag, but my pockets are not very deep. I'd be using it for commuting and longer rides. I think a map pocket and dedicated bag would be greatly useful, but a basket is more flexible. My front rack is a Nitto M12.

Has anyone tried bag vs basket and can weigh in?

I just found the Ostrich F106 rando bag. Inexpensive from Japan. I want olive green anyways. Thoughts/reviews on Alex's or Ostrich?
http://www.alexscycle.com/bags-1/front-bag/ostrich-f-106-front-bag.html?currency=USD

[R3awak3n]

Maybe I am biased cuz I have a swift and I know it's expensive but it's an amazing bag, really well made, custom to your liking and seems like it will last a while. Also made in Seattle.

It's a small investment but one I recommend. Definitely think a bag is more useful than a basket for longer trips, maybe for short city trips the basket might fit more stuff.

The ostrich bags seem nice too but I never used one, there is also acorn but they cost as much as swift ones.

[ptourkin]

Maybe I am biased cuz I have a swift and I know it's expensive but it's an amazing bag, really well made, custom to your liking and seems like it will last a while. Also made in Seattle.

It's a small investment but one I recommend. Definitely think a bag is more useful than a basket for longer trips, maybe for short city trips the basket might fit more stuff.

The ostrich bags seem nice too but I never used one, there is also acorn but they cost as much as swift ones.

+1 Dealing with Martina is a pleasure and you can dial the colors to your heart's content.

[gomango]

Maybe I am biased cuz I have a swift and I know it's expensive but it's an amazing bag, really well made, custom to your liking and seems like it will last a while. Also made in Seattle.

It's a small investment but one I recommend. Definitely think a bag is more useful than a basket for longer trips, maybe for short city trips the basket might fit more stuff.

The ostrich bags seem nice too but I never used one, there is also acorn but they cost as much as swift ones.

I couldn't decide between a Ruth and a Swift.

Both would have been fantastic.

I ended up with an Ostrich F-104 from CL.

It was 1/3rd the price of the others and while it may not be the same quality, it will get me through until I really decide what I want.

The Ostrich has loads of compartments and a great deal of inner space.

I bought a rain cover at a local shop, so I'm pretty much all set.

A basket is nice until it rains. imho

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3922/14840499026_08d7724a14_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oBprjS)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/oBprjS) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/people/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

[Netdewt]

I couldn't decide between a Ruth and a Swift.

Both would have been fantastic.

I ended up with an Ostrich F-104 from CL.



If you like it I'm sure I will.

I'd really love to get a Swift. I've wanted one since I first saw one.

I'd either have to wait until spring to get a Swift, and buy a Wald basket or make a shoddy wooden crate for now - or I could just go with an Ostrich. I did consider trying to make my own, but I'd probably buy all the supplies and never find the time to assemble it.

[gomango]

If you like it I'm sure I will.

I'd really love to get a Swift. I've wanted one since I first saw one.

I'd either have to wait until spring to get a Swift, and buy a Wald basket or make a shoddy wooden crate for now - or I could just go with an Ostrich. I did consider trying to make my own, but I'd probably buy all the supplies and never find the time to assemble it.

If you get a new one, you'll have more color options other than pink.

Let's just say the color has grown on me. :)

[JAGI410]

I've done both. The bag LOOKS way better, but the basket is much more useful. You can fit twice as much, and a Wald basket is $20. Instead of nearly $300 for a nice rando bag and nitto rack.

[p nut]

I use an Acorn bag myself, but I'd have no issues going to a basket. However, I would get a bag similar to this to keep things dry and clean:

http://ilequipment.com/collections/all/products/velo-orange-pass-stow-rackbag

[roydyates]

I also have the Acorn front bag and I like it a lot. However, what's best for you depends on stuff like


What/ how much are you carrying?
How tall is your headtube? The Acorn bag is not tall. If your HT is tall, you may like/want a taller bag.
Are you running older shimano brifters with shift cables? If so, you want to be sure the bag doesn't get in the way.
Are you willing to use a decaleur or want to avoid it?


OTOH for commuting, I don't use a front bag. Instead I use a rear rack, and a small bookbag (holding my Mac Air and my ipad) that I toss into a cheap grocery bag pannier.

[Netdewt]

I also have the Acorn front bag and I like it a lot. However, what's best for you depends on stuff like


What/ how much are you carrying?
How tall is your headtube? The Acorn bag is not tall. If your HT is tall, you may like/want a taller bag.
Are you running older shimano brifters with shift cables? If so, you want to be sure the bag doesn't get in the way.
Are you willing to use a decaleur or want to avoid it?


OTOH for commuting, I don't use a front bag. Instead I use a rear rack, and a small bookbag (holding my Mac Air and my ipad) that I toss into a cheap grocery bag pannier.

For commuting: change of clothes, lunch, keys, snack, computer, etc. Biggest downside to a bag here, I guess, is that I have to switch stuff back and forth from my daily work bag.

For touring: snacks, warmer riding gear, rain gear, pump, spares, extra water.

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/924574_628009370628391_166880025_n.jpg

Not a tall HT really, but I'm using lots of spacers. I do like that the Acorn is offered in a tall - I haven't measured the rack to bar height though. I hate that they stopped making olive green bags though, that's the color I want.

I already have a VO decaleur, doesn't bother me at all. I'd rather have the stability.

[Ken Robb]

I hate that they stopped making olive green bags though, that's the color I want.

I already have a VO decaleur, doesn't bother me at all. I'd rather have the stability.

I think a brown/tan bag would look better with your saddle/bar tape than olive green and that might be easier to find. OTOH a site catering to iBOB, Rivendell fans, etc. might have someone selling used green bags.

[Netdewt]

I think a brown/tan bag would look better with your saddle/bar tape than olive green and that might be easier to find. OTOH a site catering to iBOB, Rivendell fans, etc. might have someone selling used green bags.

I want the contrast. I think olive, honey, and aqua will look awesome together!

[p nut]

Expensive option, but a big front rack that can accommodate a bag and panniers would negate the need to switch things up between commute and touring.

http://www.rivbike.com/v/vspfiles/photos/r5-2.jpg

But again, expensive. At the given price of a wald basket (~$20, maybe cheaper at your local co-op), I'd give that a go first to see if it would work. Just put all your stuff into a backpack to help keep it out of the elements and bungee it down.

[JAGI410]

Can you sew? The DIY rando bag isn't terribly difficult. If that were my Space Horsey, I'd make a white bag, with black trim, and aqua thread.

[roydyates]

For commuting: change of clothes, lunch, keys, snack, computer, etc. Biggest downside to a bag here, I guess, is that I have to switch stuff back and forth from my daily work bag.

For touring: snacks, warmer riding gear, rain gear, pump, spares, extra water.

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/924574_628009370628391_166880025_n.jpg

Not a tall HT really, but I'm using lots of spacers. I do like that the Acorn is offered in a tall - I haven't measured the rack to bar height though. I hate that they stopped making olive green bags though, that's the color I want.

I already have a VO decaleur, doesn't bother me at all. I'd rather have the stability.

For commuting, a regular Acorn is definitely not big enough. I would hazard a guess that a tall acorn is also not big enough ... unless your computer is really small. For commuting, I think you want a rack with an easily removable bag that you carry in directly without moving stuff to another bag.

OTOH your bike looks too nice for commuting. :) If you use this bike just for touring/rando rides, any nice front bag ought to work great.

[Netdewt]

Can you sew? The DIY rando bag isn't terribly difficult. If that were my Space Horsey, I'd make a white bag, with black trim, and aqua thread.

I had considered this. I'm no expert, but I could attempt to sew something. I would probably buy all the supplies and never find the time to build it, however.

Expensive option, but a big front rack that can accommodate a bag and panniers would negate the need to switch things up between commute and touring.

But again, expensive. At the given price of a wald basket (~$20, maybe cheaper at your local co-op), I'd give that a go first to see if it would work. Just put all your stuff into a backpack to help keep it out of the elements and bungee it down.

I would probably do a rear Nitto Campee. I already have the M12 on there, and first order of business is getting that squared away and usable.

Exactly, and it'd get the backpack off my back, which I dislike while riding.

For commuting, a regular Acorn is definitely not big enough. I would hazard a guess that a tall acorn is also not big enough ... unless your computer is really small. For commuting, I think you want a rack with an easily removable bag that you carry in directly without moving stuff to another bag.

OTOH your bike looks too nice for commuting. :) If you use this bike just for touring/rando rides, any nice front bag ought to work great.

I don't bring a computer often, so that's not a necessity. Right now I have no on-bike storage, so anything is a benefit. I'll still have to coordinate when I drive if I need to haul lots of stuff.

I work at a studio, so I just bring my bikes inside... actually I don't own a lock!

[R3awak3n]

now that you posted a pic, that all city deserves a rando bag!

Forgot about ruth works which also look amazing, a little more expensive than swift but in some cases look even better.

I am not a big fan of the big racks because you do not need em 80% of the time. I have a marks rack which is similar to yours.


http://oi61.tinypic.com/mcgm8n.jpg

Went a bit boring on the bag but its gonna go on a couple of bikes and you cannot go wrong with black. White bag might look nice but its going to get really dirty, you are going to ride that thing in the dirt right?!?!??!?!?

[p nut]

Here is a picture of a guy with a basket set up from plattyjo.com blog (http://www.plattyjo.com/randonneur-ride-report-2014-san-francisco-randonneurs-dart/#more-12949).

[Netdewt]

now that you posted a pic, that all city deserves a rando bag!

Forgot about ruth works which also look amazing, a little more expensive than swift but in some cases look even better.

I am not a big fan of the big racks because you do not need em 80% of the time. I have a marks rack which is similar to yours.

Went a bit boring on the bag but its gonna go on a couple of bikes and you cannot go wrong with black. White bag might look nice but its going to get really dirty, you are going to ride that thing in the dirt right?!?!??!?!?

I know... either will work, but a bag is more "legit".

Rack size: yep, that's why I went for the M12. It was inexpensive, looks great, keeps my midfork bosses open for lowriders or headlights.

Dirt: yes, I have already ridden some dirt roads. More this weekend, but the trouble is finding well maintained dirt roads where I've been riding so far. Maybe I'm a whiner, but some of the stuff was really bad - chatter, rocks, ruts, and soft spots, max 10mph. I need to do some more scouting ahead of time.

Here is a picture of a guy with a basket set up from plattyjo.com blog.

I don't think they look bad on the right bike.

[gomango]

I know... either will work, but a bag is more "legit".

Rack size: yep, that's why I went for the M12. It was inexpensive, looks great, keeps my midfork bosses open for lowriders or headlights.

Dirt: yes, I have already ridden some dirt roads. More this weekend, but the trouble is finding well maintained dirt roads where I've been riding so far. Maybe I'm a whiner, but some of the stuff was really bad - chatter, rocks, ruts, and soft spots, max 10mph. I need to do some more scouting ahead of time.



I don't think they look bad on the right bike.

Let's do the Miesville Grinder route. We can do the 50 miler and get that nice bike dirty.

Just an hour south of the metro. :)

[modernfuturist]

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! A friend of mine who makes racks in his spare time has had to fix a bunch of Nitto M-12's (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimg/12060356153/) from users who zip tied baskets onto it and carried too much weight.

With that said, basket is much more useful but makes a bike that doesn't have low trail geometry handle funnier. You'll get used to it over time, but my Specialized Expedition with a huge basket up front handles way differently than my Rawland Stag with a small boxy rando bag.

[Netdewt]

Let's do the Miesville Grinder route. We can do the 50 miler and get that nice bike dirty.

Just an hour south of the metro. :)

Sounds great.

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! A friend of mine who makes racks in his spare time has had to fix a bunch of Nitto M-12's (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimg/12060356153/) from users who zip tied baskets onto it and carried too much weight.

With that said, basket is much more useful but makes a bike that doesn't have low trail geometry handle funnier. You'll get used to it over time, but my Specialized Expedition with a huge basket up front handles way differently than my Rawland Stag with a small boxy rando bag.

The M12 is only rated to carry 5lb, which is a silly low IMO.

The Space Horse is designed for 20lb front, 30lb rear loads.

[modernfuturist]

Also my friend hated his Ostrich bag. It opens from the front, which makes grabbing snacks while riding very difficult. His bag also seemed to lack velcro straps at the bottom to secure it to the rails, but I'm not sure if that's common on all models. It's well made but some of the design elements seem to be lacking.

[cat6]

This is the way to go IMO:

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0159/4790/products/5.28_Docena_WP-1_large.jpg?v=1403994607

I've checked it out in person and it is the most functional box/rando bag I've ever seen.

http://store.oceanaircycles.com/products/docena-demi-porteur-bag

[Ken Robb]

You might look at motorcycle tail packs. Some of them can work well on bicycle racks too.

[carlineng]

I've ridden with both a rando bag (Loyal Designs) and a basket (Wald 137), both atop a Nitto M-12 rack, and in between Nitto Randonneur handlebars on my Surly Cross Check.

For commuting I like the basket. More carrying capacity (groceries, clothing, etc), and less anxiety about theft.

For longer rides and tours, I like the box bag. Closeable flap, map case, side pockets are all better for long days in the saddle.

[carlineng]

A few more things to add -- if you go for the basket, a cargo net will greatly increase the value of the basket.

Also, you may not be able to fit a basket, depending on your handlebar width and the basket model you want. My Nitto Randonneurs are fairly narrow, but they flare out towards the bottom. The fit with a Wald 137 is pretty tight, but the flared drops allow me to use the drops while descending.

[palincss]

This is the way to go IMO:

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0159/4790/products/5.28_Docena_WP-1_large.jpg?v=1403994607

I've checked it out in person and it is the most functional box/rando bag I've ever seen.



What makes that bag more functional than one like this Loyal bag?
http://loyalbags.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/0923_bag32.jpg

[ptourkin]

This is the way to go IMO:

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0159/4790/products/5.28_Docena_WP-1_large.jpg?v=1403994607

I've checked it out in person and it is the most functional box/rando bag I've ever seen.

http://store.oceanaircycles.com/products/docena-demi-porteur-bag

That's the Swift we've been talking about, made for Ocean Air Cycles with some modifications. If Rob sees this, he can comment on the changes, but I believe he changed the dimensions to make it look like a rando but used like a porteur.

Edit: here's his explanation: http://oceanaircycles.com/2014/05/28/docena-demi-porteur-bag/

[Netdewt]

Also my friend hated his Ostrich bag. It opens from the front, which makes grabbing snacks while riding very difficult. His bag also seemed to lack velcro straps at the bottom to secure it to the rails, but I'm not sure if that's common on all models. It's well made but some of the design elements seem to be lacking.

Hmm, yeah I don't want a piece of junk. I also would rather it be waterproof.

This is the way to go IMO:

I've checked it out in person and it is the most functional box/rando bag I've ever seen.

http://store.oceanaircycles.com/products/docena-demi-porteur-bag

I think I'd need a porteur rack for that setup. I considered it, but my frame isn't meant for porteur loads, and most porteur bags are kinda pizza-delivery-man ugly. The Swift/Oceanair is great, or course.

Also, you may not be able to fit a basket, depending on your handlebar width and the basket model you want. My Nitto Randonneurs are fairly narrow, but they flare out towards the bottom. The fit with a Wald 137 is pretty tight, but the flared drops allow me to use the drops while descending.

I have 46cm VO Rando bars. They are 40cm at the hoods, 46cm at the ends. I think the Wald should fit that.

What makes that bag more functional than one like this Loyal bag?
http://loyalbags.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/0923_bag32.jpg

Gorgeous! Price?

Berthoud - $260
Ruth - $250
Loyal - ?
Swift bag - $210
Acorn bag - $210
Roadrunner - TBD?
Ostrich bag - $92
Wald basket - $23

[carlineng]

I don't think the guy from Loyal (Phil Woolsey I think is his name) is making that many bags anymore. Retail on his bags was about $225. I have a well-used Loyal box bag that I'm not using anymore that I'd be willing to sell you for pretty cheap. PM me if you want more details.

[kevinvc]

Does anyone have experience with the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Classic (http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=446&cid=2) handlebar bag? It's quite a bit cheaper than the other nicer looking bags that people are listing here and is waterproof.

While I would prefer something rack supported, I have a carbon fork on my bike that I want to use for touring and so I can't mount a rack to it. Have any of you used a bar bag with the Klick-Fix mounting system? If it's only 5 lbs. worth of gear, does the higher center of gravity really make that much of a difference? My other option would be to spend considerably more for a steel fork, front rack and nicer bag.

[plattyjo]

My husband and I use Acorn, Swift and ILE Bags (he's got the aforementioned porteur) and love them! Totally worth the price as they're sturdy and well-designed. You can see all of the other bags I use on my blog (http://www.plattyjo.com/blog/).

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3871/14531235859_ec58c5a610.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o95oai)

[plattyjo]

Does anyone have experience with the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Classic (http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=446&cid=2) handlebar bag? It's quite a bit cheaper than the other nicer looking bags that people are listing here and is waterproof.

While I would prefer something rack supported, I have a carbon fork on my bike that I want to use for touring and so I can't mount a rack to it. Have any of you used a bar bag with the Klick-Fix mounting system? If it's only 5 lbs. worth of gear, does the higher center of gravity really make that much of a difference? My other option would be to spend considerably more for a steel fork, front rack and nicer bag.

I use the Klick-Fix system on my CX bike with a carbon fork (using the Swift Paloma bag.) Works great and I prefer front-loads as opposed to using something like Revelate, Arkel, etc. with a large expandable saddle bag.

There's also Dill Pickle Gear (http://www.dillpicklegear.com/store/) (I believe Emily is on here), which a rando friend uses on her Moots.

[Netdewt]

I don't think the guy from Loyal (Phil Woolsey I think is his name) is making that many bags anymore. Retail on his bags was about $225. I have a well-used Loyal box bag that I'm not using anymore that I'd be willing to sell you for pretty cheap. PM me if you want more details.

Sent you a PM.

Does anyone have experience with the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Classic (http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=446&cid=2) handlebar bag? It's quite a bit cheaper than the other nicer looking bags that people are listing here and is waterproof.

While I would prefer something rack supported, I have a carbon fork on my bike that I want to use for touring and so I can't mount a rack to it. Have any of you used a bar bag with the Klick-Fix mounting system? If it's only 5 lbs. worth of gear, does the higher center of gravity really make that much of a difference? My other option would be to spend considerably more for a steel fork, front rack and nicer bag.

If you have steerer tube space, you could lower the bag a bit with this:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/thorn-accessory-bar-mk1-t-shaped-105-mm-extension-222-mm-0-deg-prod11040/?geoc=us

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/products/medium/11040.jpg

[Netdewt]

I have a "pre-sale" Roadrunner Frontrunner on the way! I'll post pics when I get it.

[Frankwurst]

Buy a basket. Try it. If it doesn't work for you, what are you out? Chump change in the big scheme of things. I have a basket, Swift bag and Paul flat rack on different bikes. Like I said baskets are cheap and if it doesn't get your ya ya's out you can resell it and be out what? $15 .:beer: