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Vtg Top Dog Knog Bike Messenger Carrier Bag Laptop Backpack Pannier Handlebar
(Pre-owned - 700 USD)

A bicycle handlebar bag is simply a bag to store your goods. Bicycle handle bags come in different sizes and are attached to your handlebars, so you can access things quickly and easily while you are out on the road. They come in various sizes. Some of them have one main pocket; some of them have two, three, or even four pockets. There are various other features that each different handlebar bag has.

• Map pocket - Some bicycle handlebar bags have an extra pocket at the top of them, to store your cycling map.
• GPS mount - Some have a GPS mount at the top of the bag, so you can attaché your GPS device to the handlebar bag, instead of attaching it to the handlebar itself.
• Quick dismount - Some have a quick mount to allow you to quickly remove your handlebar bag from the bike. The smaller ones are attached with a Velcro, and the heavy ones have brackets.
• Shoulder strap - Many handlebar bags come with a shoulder strap. This is extremely convenient if you need to take the bag with you when you are out of your bike.
• Rain protection - Some bicycle handlebar bags are waterproof. Once it saves your video or still camera from the rain, you will understand how valuable it is.

Who Needs a Bicycle Handlebar Bag?

If your riding style is freeride biking or downhill biking then probably your storage needs are quite limited, but if your hobby is bicycle touring or you are commuting by bicycle you may need to fine storage solution for your cycling equipment and your accessories.

For my pure storage purposes, I prefer to use my good old cycling backpack, or even a bicycle saddle bags. The chance that you will see mountain bikes with a handlebar bag attached in front of them is slim. Most mountain or road racing bikers like to keep their bicycle handlebars free of any foreign objects, including bicycle baskets and bicycle bells.

It is all different if you are up to one of your bicycling tours, where storage is the name of the game (visit my page about bicycle touring preparation). In that case, every storage space counts, and using a good, comfortable handlebar bag is almost essential. The best thing about handlebar bags is that you do not have to pull things from your panniers to get your stuff out. If you are carrying a trailer you even have to completely get off your bike to get things out of your bag.

During long bicycle touring trips you will probably like to have your most used stuff handy. If you are planning to be on the road for more than two, or three days, the need to stop and to get your stuff off your bicycle panniers can become a burden over time.

My 2nd hobby is taking video movies while riding, so I have to have my video camera handy for me at all times. In addition, when I leave my touring bikes, lock them, and go somewhere, I can use the quick dismount feature and carry with me my handlebar bag, including all of my valuable items, such as my video camera, my documents, and money. If you would like to watch my cycling movies you can visit this link.

What Can I Store in My Handlebar Bag?

The typical items you can store in your bicycle handlebar bag are those that need quick access. For me three main things fall under this category:

The first and most important item is my video camera. I like to take video shots while riding, and I need my video camera to be handy. If I have to twist around, dig in my pannier trying to get my video camera, the moment to take the shot is gone!

The second item is similar to the first item, and it is my still camera. When I am on the bike I often tend to stop to see something that I want to take a photo of. Without storing my still camera in my bicycle handlebar bag I may miss a lot of great photo opportunities, and it is unfortunate.

The third main thing that I need quick access to while riding is my cycling map. If the map is stuffed in my bicycle panniers, or my bicycle trailer and not in front of me, then during every single time I need to check the map I will have to stop, get the map out, look at it and scrunch it back in. There are two disadvantages to this: one is just the physical act of stopping and pulling the map from the back. The second disadvantage is that the map will probably fall apart very quickly! So, if you are looking for a bicycle handlebar bag you should consider one that is big enough to hold your cameras and that has a map case built into it. Here are some additional cycling equipment and accessories that you can store in your handlebar bag:

• Bicycle lock
• Bicycle tire pump
• Bicycle GPS
• Bicycle water bottle
• First aid kit
• Bicycle inner tube
• Bicycle repair kit

Handlebar Bags Downsides

Nothing is perfect! Just like anything else, bicycle handlebar bags have downsides.

1. Handlebar bag, if not mounted correctly, might restrict your handlebar movement. You need that freedom to rotate your handlebars to the gimbals.
2. Weight and balance: Too much weight on your front wheel may impact the way the bike handles. It is especially important in rough trails or when biking on wet surfaces.

What to Consider while Shopping for a Handlebar Bag?

Not all handlebar bags are the same. And it is important to remember that getting the right one for your needs requires taking time to ponder on some vital considerations.

Fit

It is important to consider how well the chosen handlebar bag will fit your bike. Here it is necessary to mention that different bicycles come with different handlebar styles/designs. Choosing a handlebar bag that does not suit your bike’s design means that you will have problems mounting it on the bike.

Dismounting

Most handlebar bags act as portable bags for cyclists who use them to store things they need quick access to. This calls for easy detachability especially knowing that your hands will be cold and tired after cycling. However, the bag should also hold on to the handlebar steadily during riding.

Accessibility

The only reason people buy handlebar bags is to get a storage space that is easy to access. This means the bag should be easy to open and close with one hand as you continue cycling, and should have pockets facing the rider as well.

Where to Buy a Bicycle Handlebars Bag?

If you are interested in buying a bicycle handlebars bag you can buy it at one of these trusted online stores:

Find a Bicycle Handlebar Bag on eBay.com

	Vtg Top Dog Knog Bike Messenger Carrier Bag Laptop Backpack Pannier Handlebar (Pre-owned - 700 USD)
	*NEW* GILLES BERTHOUD HANDLEBAR BAG GB805 BLACK MADE IN FRANCE RENE HERSE SINGER (New with tags - 375 USD)
	NEW Ortlieb Bike Packing Accessory Pack Handlebar Bag - 3.5L Black (New without tags - 370 USD)
	*NEW* GILLES BERTHOUD HANDLEBAR BAG GB2286 BLACK MADE IN FRANCE HERSE SINGER (New with tags - 345 USD)
	*NEW* GILLES BERTHOUD HANDLEBAR BAG GB25 BLACK MADE IN FRANCE HERSE SINGER (New with tags - 325 USD)
	Route Werks Handlebar Bag 31.8mm Barfly Garmin Wahoo Attachment Gravel Road Bike (Pre-owned - 299 USD)
	Giles Berthoud GB25 Handlebar Bag (Pre-owned - 275 USD)
	Road Runner Bags Jammer Handlebar Bag (New with tags - 170 USD)

Summary

To summarize my view on bicycle handlebar bags, I can say two things:

1. There is no real need for it on casual, day-to-day bicycle riding.
2. On a touring trip, having a bicycle handlebar bag is a quick and simple way to increase the storage capacity. If you need quick access to something like a cell phone, camera or a map then a bicycle handlebar bag would make a great choice.

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