handlebar or frame bag?

[fogrider]

So I've never really liked a saddle bag...seems like a few times a year, I ride up to someone to let them know their saddle bag is open...a few weeks ago, it was my buddy that just got a new larger bag and he put his phone in there...a nice person found it and he got it back. Most of the time I just put stuff in the second water bottle and put stuff in my back pockets.

But for longer rides, I'm thinking of handlebar bag or a frame bag would work better. seems like I would be able to get to stuff in either while riding. From those of you who have these, what do you like or don't like about them?

thanks!

[rheosibal]

I prefer handlebar bags, then resort to frame bags when camping.

I have these two, which I'd highly recommend.
1) http://www.outershelladventure.com/shop/handlebar-bag

2) http://goldensaddlecyclery.bigcartel...ke-bag-for-gsc
* Sold out, but available directly from Jandd

Ornot seems like a worthy alternative as well, but they are sold out online: https://www.ornotbike.com/collection...ts/the-bar-bag

[m_sasso]

Originally Posted by rheosibal

Ornot seems like a worthy alternative as well, but they are sold out online: http://www.ornotbike.com/collections...ts/the-bar-bag

The Ornot handle bar bags are actually made by Rickshaw which sells them for less expense and there are plenty to be purchased.

https://www.rickshawbags.com/handlebar-bag

[ajhapps]

How about this one:

http://www.rodeo-labs.com/product/fanniepacker/

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by m_sasso

The Ornot handle bar bags are actually made by Rickshaw which sells them for less expense and there are plenty to be purchased.

https://www.rickshawbags.com/handlebar-bag

these are my favorites. I lean to the handlebar bag simply for access while riding. If that is not too important a frame bag will typically (not always) be better for handling.

[BikeNY]

I guess it depends on how much space you need and what style you like better. Both are much easier to access while riding than a saddlebag. There are lots of different styles and sizes of handlebar bags from an array of manufacturers, so lots of choices. I'm assuming you are talking about partial frame bags that still allow water bottles in the frame. There are a handful of manufacturers that make them, and they usually have a few sizes to choose from. The manufacturers are mostly newish cottage companies specializing in bikepacking bags, but there are also some cheaper options to try out to see if you like them. With these frame bags, your frame size and geometry will determine how big of a bag you can mount and how many water bottles you can still use. If your frame size is bigger than around 56cm and not too compact, you should be able to mount a partial frame bag and still have 2 large bottles in the frame. There are 2 different styles, ones that go the length of the top tube all the way to the seat tube, and then smaller triangular-ish ones that mount only in the front. There are also a number of bag makers that will make a custom bag to perfectly fit your frame and bottle configuration, but that will cost you more!

There was a thread not long ago with some good ideas and options for partial frame bags: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=227454

I'm a big fan of partial frame bags, in case you couldn't tell! I have them on both of my mountain bikes and my road bike. I've got a stock bag from Oveja Negra on my road bike, and custom bags from Rogue Panda on both of my mountain bikes. I can still carry 2 bottles inside the frame on all of them.

Jandd makes a couple of sizes and styles for not too much money: https://www.jandd.com/search_results...vel=2&subcat=5

Banjo Brothers makes some very inexpensive bags, can be found easily on Amazon.

Restrap is a UK brand that makes some front triangle bags: https://restrap.co.uk/collections/frame-bags

Revelate Designs sets the standard for bikepacking bags, and makes their Tangle bag in a few sizes: https://www.revelatedesigns.com/inde...TangleFrameBag

Ovega Negra makes some really nice bags, and they have some funky color options as well: https://www.ovejanegrabikepacking.co...ons/frame-bags

For custom, I like Rogue Panda. You send them a picture of your bike with a ruler on it, and they make a bag to fit. Also known for making state flat bags, especially Arizona: https://www.roguepanda.com/framebags-2/

If you're interested in trying something cheap, pick up a Banjo Brothers from Amazon. Or, I have a small Banjo Brothers bag that I'll send you for basically the price of shipping. I also have a small Restrap bag that I'll sell cheap.

[monkeybanana86]

If you decide on handlebar one thing to consider is clearance for your hands on the bars.

[douglas]

I have the Outershell bag linked in an earlier post. It's well made and easy to access while riding. It holds quite a bit and is easy to put on and remove from the bars.

[Bradford]

I don't want anything on my handle bars but a computer and a light.

I use Revelate Pika and it is great. On long Colorado days when I start in the 30s and end in the 90s, I can strip down as it warms and fit everything in the Pika.

For commuting days when I only need to carry a phone, wallet, vest, and knee warmers, I use an Ortlieb seatpost bag. The small version just fits all of that with some pushing, the larger one would be fit more I imagine. It is a really slick product that I have been very happy with over the summer.

[palincss]

Originally Posted by Bradford

I don't want anything on my handle bars but a computer and a light.

This bag isn't "on the handlebars" at all, and steals no space whatsoever.

[daker13]

I've always ridden with a saddlebag, but I have an old-fashioned set-up with a fist or so of seatpost showing, so when I bought a Fly6 a couple of years ago, I didn't have any room for it and eventually stopped trying to squeeze it in. I got a burrito supreme from Roadrunner a few weeks ago and I really like it, so far. I'm slow as hell and tend to overpack in general, so it's nice to have a little room. Frame bags don't appeal to me.

[fogrider]

Thanks for all the replies! Today I was commuting home and had to over stuff my pockets;( I really like rodeo and rickshaw bags but both are more than I want to spend...I really want something compact as I have to deal with a light mounted on the handlebars next to the Di2 junction box with digital display with a computer and a bell...there's a lot going on up there already.

as in my original post, I'm not going with a saddlebag!

I haven't been a fan of the frame bag, but functionally, a half frame bag seems like it may work best...how about this: https://www.probikekit.com/cycling-a.../11416424.html

[shortwaveradio]

I'm a fan of handlebar bags, and this one is pretty slim with a simple strap setup.

As far as frame bags, I've wanted one for bike packing but have yet to personally use one, but the half bag (Ortleib calls it the frame "pack" as opposed to the full sized frame "bag") design is probably the way to go. I love Ortleib stuff because it's waterproof and well made, but it's not cheap.

For me, the appeal of the frame style is not only the de-cluttering of the handlebar but the weight distribution (when loaded up, at least) is much better for bike handling.

[El Chaba]

A frame bag is a great place to carry weight on a bicycle. The problem is that for medium sized frames or smaller, there is just not much space available, and some of the space is already utilized for water bottle(s). An additional problem is clearance. Only in the past few years have I done any riding that involves carrying any amount of 'stuff'. My whole experience prior to that was racing and training and I was taught to cultivate a "knees to the top tube" pedaling style. Any frame bag with anything significant at all inside would interfere with my knees. So the frame bags have advantages, but they have some pretty serious limitations.

[boomforeal]

Originally Posted by fogrider

I haven't been a fan of the frame bag, but functionally, a half frame bag seems like it may work best

i feel the same way. got a half frame bag and love it, never comes of my bike(s). just the right amount of storage for long day rides, great for stashing gear, lights, tool, food, clothes, etc. while still leaving space for a couple of water bottles