Rackless Handlebar Bags - Anyone Use Them?

[dirttorpedo]

I like handlebar bags and have been using a rackless one from Arkel over the last year. I'm finding it a bit small for my needs though (5l) because I typically end up carrying stuff for my wife as well as me. I'm thinking of getting a larger rackless rando bag (probably from Choike), wondering if anyone has any experience with these.

 

[hamster]

I use a conventional barbag (Altura dryline) which is about 7l. The big advantage is the Rixen & Kaul fitting which includes a wire looped under the stem to prevent it rotating downwards. The problem I have with the sausage type ones on my road bike is that they then hit the front dyno lamp. On a larger frame this wouldn't be an issue.

 

[non-fixie]

On my bikes that don't have a front rack I often use this bag support. It keeps the tops of my bars free for my hands, and works well with a medium-sized rando bag.

 

[Jamiedyer]

I have an Ostrich bag the same as the one above but I have it siting on a rack.
For Rackless bags I have used an Ortlieb one, about 7 litres maybe for many years on my Long Haul Trucker. It uses the Rixen & Kaul fitting and does gravel and off road as well and is stable and pretty tough.
For my Shand I recently bought a Swift Industries Paloma handlebar bag which again is about 6 litres from memory. A great bag, more pockets and uses the similar Klick Fix fitting. Far far cheaper to buy direct from Swift, even with shipping.
Hope that helps

Jamie

 

[CROB]

On my bikes that don't have a front rack I often use this bag support. It keeps the tops of my bars free for my hands, and works well with a medium-sized rando bag.

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That's a nice piece of kit, where did you get it?
I've got a large 20l dry bag that I use but it's unsupported so could use one of these.

 

[doctor-bond]

Yes, that needs to be readily available from all outlets:

 

[vcballbat]

Off to France tomorrow cycling west from Calais on La Vélomaritime route 4. Not used my Carradice Carradry for some time as I find it bounces putting stress on the back plate on the bumpy off road sections. Maybe I did overload it slightly, gonna give it ago using the shoulder strap for extra support

 

[non-fixie]

That's a nice piece of kit, where did you get it?
I've got a large 20l dry bag that I use but it's unsupported so could use one of these.

Years ago at a swap meet from a friend, so that's no help, I'm afraid. They were popular BITD, and similar supports do show up regularly on Ebay and similar platforms.

This guy makes bag supports that seem to get good reviews, and for a larger bag they might be a better solution: Tim Tas + Rek

Another source I've used that might be of interest, especially if you like vintage stuff and don't mind a little tinkering: Cycles Fun Passion

 

[CROB]

Years ago at a swap meet from a friend, so that's no help, I'm afraid. They were popular BITD, and similar supports do show up regularly on Ebay and similar platforms.

This guy makes bag supports that seem to get good reviews, and for a larger bag they might be a better solution: Tim Tas + Rek

Another source I've used that might be of interest, especially if you like vintage stuff and don't mind a little tinkering: Cycles Fun Passion

Thanks!
That Tim tas+rek stuff looks lovely! But pricey.
I do enjoy a project so maybe that's a good way to go about it, need to learn to weld or braze I think.

 

[dirttorpedo]

On my bikes that don't have a front rack I often use this bag support. It keeps the tops of my bars free for my hands, and works well with a medium-sized rando bag.

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Is this the one Nitto makes that is out of stock everywhere and only works with a quill stem?

I've been toying with the idea of one of these. Apparently works with both quill and threadless stems and can be readily moved from bike to bike.

WholeGrainCycles - Jack the bike rack

WholeGrain Cycles presents JACK The Bike Rack, a front rack that carries your things so you don't have to. It fits most if not all bikes with standard handle bars using just two straps. Jack might just be the worlds most versatile front rack.

wholegraincycles.com

Not cheap though.