topeak handlebar bags

[AngryScientist]

this weekend was proof positive that i want a small bar bag to hold a few things, as i started my ride perfectly prepared, but with overloaded pockets.

anyway, does anyone have any experience with topeak's handlebar bags, particularly the "compact", and what i'm specifically interested in is the stability of the mount on the handlebars?

considering this would be for a ride on pretty gnarly dirt roads so lots of bouncing around. how do these mounts fare in such conditions?

bear in mind that i ride a very small road bike frame, so i dont have much head tube distance, hence my wanting a bar bag with some structure that will stay out of the way of the front tire. thoughts welcome:

https://www.universalcycles.com/images//products/medium2/50614.jpg

[Hilltopperny]

Never tried a topeak handlebar bag, but do have a brooks isle of wight that I use for my gravel and mixed rides that I really like. I run this bag on my 54 square concours without any real issue. I bought an lg similar to the topeak and didn't like the set up or the weight as it seamed quite heavy. The isle of wight is large, waterproof and has more space than most would need. I can throw my camera, extra tools, tires, food and anything else I'd need or want without issue. The brooks is just a 3 strap set up compared to the clip in style of the topeak, but it's very stable once mounted. I wasn't a fan of the clip in mount.

[ColonelJLloyd]

Have you ever used a half frame bag? Might get in the way of your bottles depending on the size of your triangle.

If you don't have a slammed stem, the Revelate Gas Tank is also nice. You could also add a Feed Bag for easily accessible stuff.

I have no experience with that Topeak bag, but I am generally against handlebar bags that don't use a bottom support. I suspect that Topeak job is heavier than other options.

[Geeheeb]

I have a bag that uses the KlickFix mount, which is similar, but has a braided metal strap that goes around the stem to keep the mount from sliding around. Without the strap it can sag on bumps. My girlfriend has a banjo brothers quick release bag and I don't really like it, and I think it has a similar mount to the one you are interested in. But these days I use a small Jandd handlebar/seat bag like this: http://www.treefortbikes.com/product/333222406726/394/Jandd-Bike-Bag-Black.html

It carries all I need and comes on and off the bike really easily. The Jandd logo was easy to remove. I want to sew a larger one some time this summer.


tl:dr, I like the KlickFix mount.

[AngryScientist]

Thanks guys, that helps.

Half frame bag would never work on a frame of my size, too small.

i'm going to REI tonight and check out these Topeak ones, they carry them there.

[SpeedyChix]

Take a look at Orleib's Ultimate 6 compact bar bag. I've used it on my bikes w/o issue. Uses a coated wire to affix the mounting bracket so it doesn't eat up loads of bar space either.

Good pics of one on bars here:
http://silvercyclist.com/ortlieb-ultimate-6-compact-handlebar-bag-review/

[AngryScientist]

Speedy, i like that! I'm ordering one!

http://silvercyclist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ort8.jpg

[R3awak3n]

those things fugly. Get something from roadrunner. They have a nice big handlebar bag. MIUSA, great guys, great bags

[Robbos]

I've had the topeak pictured for years now and use it on many tours. I like the smaller size. The mounting system works well enough, but is a bit of a pain in the arse of you want to install/remove it with any regularity. The rain cover that comes with is in no way rain resistant. I'd throw it out unless they've managed to improve it. And the fanny pack conversion, though hugely dorkulant, is effective.

[AngryScientist]

those things fugly. Get something from roadrunner. They have a nice big handlebar bag. MIUSA, great guys, great bags

who's roadrunner? linky?

[AngryScientist]

I've had the topeak pictured for years now and use it on many tours. I like the smaller size. The mounting system works well enough, but is a bit of a pain in the arse of you want to install/remove it with any regularity. The rain cover that comes with is in no way rain resistant. I'd throw it out unless they've managed to improve it. And the fanny pack conversion, though hugely dorkulant, is effective.

i was planning on cutting the fanny pack wings off, first thing if i get it!

[marciero]

I have all three sizes of Ortlieb. I use the medium the most. Can fit a ton of stuff in there, more than apparent. Have many tens of thousands of miles on those- hugely useful product. I did have to trim sharp plastic corners off my second version of that bag so they would not wear through the fabric, a design flaw. May have corrected that in later versions.
I really like the compact for road bike. It does not look out of place and does not affect handling at all, even when stuffed. On the other hand, it does not hold much and opens the "wrong" way. I like the way they look.
Get the Klick-Fix mount. They work better than the ones they come with.

Dill Pickle bags is another option. Their handlebar bags are right-sized. They do not require a bracket (attach with straps) which is a plus or a minus depending on your perspective. They look pretty cool too.

[SpeedyChix]

Ortleib bags are functional. Understand why, but wish it opened the other way like their medium bag.

I use RoadRunner's THE FRED BAG most of the time. However their Burrito bar bag just doesn't work nearly as well as the Ortlieb bar bag. The Ortlieb stays put rather than swaying and it's out away from the bars. It goes on the bike a couple times a year.
https://roadrunnerbags.us/shop/fred/

Another great larger option (not as big as the FRED) for the saddle is the Jandd Tire Bag II
http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FTBII

[R3awak3n]

who's roadrunner? linky?

https://roadrunnerbags.us/shop/burrito-supreme/

I have the smaller model, the burrito, it is actually my wifes but I use it more than she does. I am going to pick up a burrito supreme myself.

if you want something with support and a bit bigger you could do swift industries as well

http://builtbyswift.com/shop/carbon-glacier-paloma/

they also have a non support bag, called the bandito

Don't get me wrong, the ortliebs are great bags but they are just ugly to me and I like to support US companies when I can (and both road runner and swift are excellent, been great companies to deal with)



Burrito bag on my weigle this weekend

https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/13531866_1740073892935705_42948444_n.jpg?ig_cache_ key=MTI4MTQwNzA3MTE2NjU0MDQyMg%3D%3D.2

[weisan]

Angry pal, I have the same exact Topeak handlebar bag that I used on a 2-day bikepacking trip last year. It was mounted on my Long Haul Trucker 26".

I would say it's pretty stable and secure but I have only ridden it on paved roads. I put mostly stuff inside that I want for easy reach and quick access - wallet, keys, granola bars, maps, things like that. It's pretty roomy and can hold a lot more. I can feel it in the handling but it's less of a problem because I am using a flat bar. I think you will feel it more with a drop bar.

I have the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 too, very similar.

Bottom line: I don't recommend it for your intended use. Get something smaller and more compact.

[weisan]

try this:
https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Frame-Bags

[dbnm]

I bought this bag about 10 days ago for a 71 mile ride I did that included 8 miles of dirt.

It worked great
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1155150_-1_400103__400103

[Geeheeb]

If you like olive, this is on sale: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/brooks-england-ltd-isle-of-skye-handlebar-bag-small~p~127gk/

[Exonerv]

If you like olive, this is on sale: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/brooks-england-ltd-isle-of-skye-handlebar-bag-small~p~127gk/
Does anyone know if that bag comes with a mount for oversize/modern bars?

Will it work with dropbars and 7800 style cable runs?

[Geeheeb]

I don't know the answer to the first question, but I know you can get 31.8 adapters for klickfix mounts: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/rixen-kaul-replacement-klickfix-handlebar-clamps/rp-prod47432

And I have no problem with cables routed under bar tape, the mount is really narrow.

[AngryScientist]

well, i was at REI last night and they had the bag i linked to originally in stock and on sale. i bought it. promptly cut the silly "wings" off, and i think it's going to work perfectly for what i want it for, for occasional use. i'll update once i have some miles with it.

[Sierra]

You might check out these wares:

www.jandd.com

[benb]

You might check out larger seat bags too if you are considering a large handlebar bag, as opposed to the really tiny ones in some of the attached pictures.

I have a Revelate Viscacha, it can hold a huge amount of stuff including jackets, tights, etc.. and I can barely tell it is there, 0 effect even mountain biking. It can't hold as much as my panniers but it's probably bigger than one pannier with way less effect on handling.

I have a small handlebar bag, I don't like it when I get out of the saddle. It is not a real well designed bag though. The Topeak looks like it mounts better but still handlebar bags seem like a road thing to me unless you've already run out of space. If I was carrying anything substantial on the front I'd want to get it lower.

[AngryScientist]

You might check out larger seat bags too if you are considering a large handlebar bag, as opposed to the really tiny ones in some of the attached pictures.

I have a Revelate Viscacha, it can hold a huge amount of stuff including jackets, tights, etc.. and I can barely tell it is there, 0 effect even mountain biking. It can't hold as much as my panniers but it's probably bigger than one pannier with way less effect on handling.

I have a small handlebar bag, I don't like it when I get out of the saddle. It is not a real well designed bag though. The Topeak looks like it mounts better but still handlebar bags seem like a road thing to me unless you've already run out of space. If I was carrying anything substantial on the front I'd want to get it lower.


Hi Ben,

Yes, i've got a good set-up with a Swift bag for the rear when i need to carry substantial stuff. I want this small handlebar bag to get some of the stuff out of my rear pockets for longer road rides, mainly bananas! those are my go-to long ride fuel, potassium rich deliciousness! maybe a second spare tube or some gels, nothing heavy is going in this thing.

[benb]

Ah.. my only use for this kind of thing tends to be more than I want to put in the handlebar bag. My handlebar bag can't easily take a pair of tights and a jacket. That's my #1 annoyance, particularly in the spring here long rides can start requiring a winter jacket and heavy tights and end almost needing to be wearing shorts and a short sleeve jersey. (Starting in the 30s and ending in the 50s)