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.

View attachment 868965

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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.

https://wholegraincycles.com/en-international
Not cheap though.