I’m getting tired of using my backpak to commute on my road bike, because it’s starting to get hot, and I don’t want to bring a sweaty stinky backpak into work, and my back gets sweaty.

I do have a back rack (not installed right now) with with a trek trunk bag. It works, but I find I can tell a difference in the weight of the bike and the way it handles.

I don’t carry much to work, just some tools, tube wallet, cell phone, glasses, shirt socks and underware. Maybe about 5 pounds of stuff max.

So is something wrong with handel bar bags?

They look big enough to carry what I need.

Why don’t I see more people using them?

I've actually seen quite a few people with very nice road bikes ride with a basket on the front, so forget the fashion police and just be comfortable doing waht works for you. :)

Of course, most of what I see of handlebar bags is on ebay and all you can find are the big touring ones. All you really need is one of those small tubular shaped ones, like the vintage style. A little bag would be better than a large one, weightwise. Wouldn't be as wobbly.

I have a rack bag that I use to carry the same stuff you do. The only difference is that I stock up socks, tshirts, and underwear at work. On the way in, I carry my brown bag lunch. In the afternoon, I carry home dirty clothes. The bike does handle differently with a loaded rack bag, but I have adapted to it. I also have a large camelback that I wear once a week to stock up on clothes. I wouldn't want to wear it everyday because it is hot. I will say that the bike handles better without a loaded rack bag. The cool handlebar bags that I have seen have been too small to use them in place of a rack bag.

Lots of small bags out there:

http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/webalog/baggage_racks/20085.html

http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FMBHP

http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FBB <----I have this one in blue

I think you should get the pink kitty one.:D

Why don’t I see more people using them?

Two possible reasons:

1. The bag kills every chance to be mistaken for a pro out on a trainnig ride.

2. Pro team mechanics often forget to put the bag back on after the race.

:D

If you're not trying to be a roadie from the get-go - and you're not with the backpack - you will suffer no further disdain from having a handlebar bag. I use a small one on my touring rig and find the plastic sleeve on top useful for keeping a map front and center.

However, I do find that a handlebar bag does noticeably adversely affect the aerodynamics of the bike. Perhaps if your're looking to store more gear, an oversized seat bag might work better.

Here is a roomy seat bag.

http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/webalog/baggage_racks/20082.html

I think handlebar bags are for dorks. I have one. I love it. I use panniers though for the daily commute. I add the bag for loaded touring.

The Banana Bag is on my wish list.

The Banana Bag is on my wish list.


Wish list?

Cmon Snap, pull the trigger on that bag!!!

Banana bag is great. All of those baggins bags are great. I want one of each :D

Banana bag lust

All my mad money is spent

Banana bag wait

I believe in being practical about commuting, so I built up a commuter out of spare parts- originally as a fixed gear until I moved into the land of vertical hills (a tossed a DT friction shifter so it doesn't care what wheels I use). Also, with commuting, it is an all-weather affair, and I don't want to subject my road bike to the abuses of the climate. Finally- risk of theft is much lower with a beater commuter.

My recommendation is to build up an old steel frame into a commuter and use panniers. You can haul all sorts of gear in them, and your back will thank you. You can add all sorts of dorky accessories, like lights and fenders- which you NEED if you commute in all conditions. Best of all, you won't worry about your bike while at work.

I know this isn't what you asked about....

Me too. Maybe in the Fall.....

Banana bag lust

All my mad money is spent

Banana bag wait

Wish list?

Cmon Snap, pull the trigger on that bag!!!

Right now I'm still concentrating on all the stuff I need to buy to switch out my flat bars for drops....

I believe in being practical about commuting, so I built up a commuter out of spare parts- originally as a fixed gear until I moved into the land of vertical hills (a tossed a DT friction shifter so it doesn't care what wheels I use). Also, with commuting, it is an all-weather affair, and I don't want to subject my road bike to the abuses of the climate. Finally- risk of theft is much lower with a beater commuter.

My recommendation is to build up an old steel frame into a commuter and use panniers. You can haul all sorts of gear in them, and your back will thank you. You can add all sorts of dorky accessories, like lights and fenders- which you NEED if you commute in all conditions. Best of all, you won't worry about your bike while at work.

I know this isn't what you asked about....

Speaking of the devil...

I found a Fuji Sages 80s touring bike next to a dumpster. I've restored the frame, painted it, and cleaned all the parts. It's almost ready.

It will be my geek bike.

I will put every useless item known to man on it.

I still havent figure out where to mount the TV and 12" sub woofers, but I'm sure I'll figure something out... ;)

And dammit - DON'T FORGET THE PINK KITTY BAG!

And dammit - DON'T FORGET THE PINK KITTY BAG!

You may laugh, but I'm just man enought to put that thing on my bike, if I didnt think one of my daughters would snag it from me ;)

You may laugh, but I'm just man enought to put that thing on my bike, if I didnt think one of my daughters would snag it from me ;)
I'd never laugh.......especially since I almost bought it for myself.

I've got a front bag on my bike- it's actually pretty handy. This weekend, my wife and I were out riding and came across a plant sale- she was kinda sad because she thought we wouldn't be able to get anything- I was able to fit 3 pots in my front bag and 15 miles later when we got home they were still upright and none of the plants had been crushed.

So far, I've put between 5 and 10 pounds in the front bag and I've felt no real difference in handling. In the winter, the front bag made a nice sheild for my fingers to get them out of the wind.

Yes, they're dorky.

:) Unless you've got one of those cool old-school leather ones on a really classic style ride.

Otherwise, underseat bags can store quite a lot, and the trunk you've got for anything too big.

I just ordered 2 of these for my classic bikes or 2 for 1 classic.

www.bikerbags.com Look at the windshield bags. Look at the price!!

Get real: we're a fringe group who wear Lycra shorts with padded crotches and hard-soled shoes that make us walk like a duck; we have no business calling ANYONE dorky!