I am so glad I came across this! Thanks to you I have just repurposed a cheapish pannier with some reclaimed fittings from an old handlebar basket. Saved £££s . Many thanks for upload!!
I do like Ortlieb bags (still using the back rollers I bought in about 1995), but I also very much like the idea of putting just any bag on my handlebar! So thanks a lot for this tip!
I used they same handle bar for 50 years. It worked great. I made a fiberglass insert with looped elastic cord to hold lose items in place and give it a ridged body.. But it was time for a change. Last summer I bought a padded camera bag and retro fitted a quick release to my front rack instead of the handle bars. No rattling, easy remove to use as shoulder bag/w strap. The padding protects my camera and phone and gives me insolation for cold drinks on a hot day.
Great video. Really easy to understand and pro quality. I feel like we as a viewer got really much info from this. Clearly you have tested many of different things and thought about these for a while.
Brilliant! I’ve looked at all the options and like you they came up short for me. I realized the stem bag was all I really needed but knew it would be in the way. Off I go to order some parts!
On the ultimate 6 the wing shaped thingies on the lid are supposed to be folded inside! My favorite though is his adaptation of the soft bag! That's just brilliant!
The process of elimination: "This" is why I have so many "things" in life, bags, pumps, tire levers, etc... You buy something, try it out, experience it's like & dislikes and what you can't modify you pass on to someone else or put it on another bike. But the moral of this video is "nothing's perfect" pretty much! 😂 Thanks for sharing your experiences Simon. It'll help a lot of others that's for sure. Just one note, I tried a front handlebar bag configuration of using a dry bag with an accessory bar from Amazon and a couple of straps as a budget set-up to start out with. The total system was about $40/USD. While it works, I can see why the Topeak Frontloader would be the better option in the end AND ironically enough, I'm going to use the Topeak with the accessory bar which'll extend the mounting points of the Frontloader out more in front of and away from the handlebar. I just don't like that cramped feeling of having anything right up against my hands when riding.
Hi, Simon ! Thanks for the vid and the comments. The R&K KlickFix system is a clever design, but I don't like that much the available bags. Brilliant idea of custom-made bag!
I'm a bit late to your party Simon, but appreciate your reflections here. I'm just sticking my toe in to the endurance/audax world now and the search for a good bar bag is proving much more elusive than the myriad offerings out there would make you think. I bought a (not inexpensive) 10L Rixen-Kaul and I'm disappointed in the lack of 'design' involved - not waterproof, very limited internal organisation, not even a key clip etc. So much for German engineering on this one! It does have that KLICKFix system that you demonstrated though and I DO like that.
I have a separate bag on the bars just like the yellow one in the video. I use it for food and anything else I need easily. I found that going into the bar bag for sweets etc every five minutes was too much hassle. I have straight bars so there's a perfect space between the grips and the headset. Works really well and I leave it on the bike all the time.
Thanks for this review. Before viewing your vlog I was about to buy an Ultimate 6 but I'd already picked up (I know) that there was no carrying handle which could be a pain. I liked the fixing style, easy removal and finger room so thought there were no other options. That is until you suggested the spare holding panel, armed with this info I can now adapt a Samsonite Trekking camera bag which fits perfectly, looks better, can be opened on the move and you can see inside. Thanks again, saved me a lot of money!
Thank you for the great idea! Did it on my DJI Mini 2 Fly More combo bag, fits perfectly on my road bike handlebar and still low to film with my GoPro. Thumbs up!
Ah, thank you, thank you, thank you! I also have a Co-Motion with Rohloff (with Gates belt drive and S&S coupling) which I bought in 2016. When we built it, I was never able to get the cable/housings coming out of the Rohloff shifter (just like the one in your video) positioned to where I could effectively mount my Ortlieb handlebar bag from my old Surly LHT. Watching your video helped me a lot as I now see how I can shorten both of those housings/ cables and mount my bracket for the handlebar bag. And I'd never heard of the Klickfix and am going to order a couple now as I have several bags I'd like to use. Thank you again!
I’m so glad I’ve helped! I did have to carve some of the plastic away so the brake cables would fit under the Klickfix bracket. Just something to bear in mind. Good luck.
The Ortlieb handlebar mounting system works well but is cumbersome if you need to regularly remove your handlebars. For example when boxing the bike for plane travel the mount has to be removed so that the handlebars can be taken off and prepared for boxing. The cables begin to fray after repeated mounting and unmounting requiring a cable cutter to tidy up the end so it can be rethreaded. The mounting procedure is awkward, particularly if having to mount or unmount in challenging circumstances.
Brilliant idea, I can't be bothered buying a 150$ on a rack or a special "bikepacking bag". Just wondering how much weight this can take. I'd like to fix some sort of lightweight wire basket thingy for touring to stuff a bottle of wine in with a sleeping pad/bag. Hmmm...... Weld basket is a bit finniky and I already have low-rider panniers so i don't need more hardwear. Worth a shot- perhaps attach this to a decathlon waterproof backpack ???
I ended up with a similiar bag. I have it on front part of the frame under the handlebar. It's far enough not to colide with my legs, it's low enough not to mess with the steering and it's still within the reach if I need anything.
Strange... this Ortlieb bag usually comes with a nice padded inner separator that can be bent according to your needs. Prevents rattling and keeps things apart to quickly reach them during the ride. Maybe your store took them out to sell them separately?
Great work Simon! Use the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 - am not too fussed by the dorkiness. Practicality is priority for me, plus I look dorky anyway in cycling kit. But is a shame is a fraction too small to hold a Microsoft Surface (one of smallest current laptops). Otherwise would be close to the ideal size for my everyday carry.
Great vid and just going through a similar headache myself. I pickup a Riese & Muller Superdelite Rohloff GX Next week and have a front rack but struggle to find a bag which secures to just the rack itself. Not sure the Ortlieb bracket will work in this case.
Good afternoon! Tell me please. What kind of device is installed on the handlebar, to the right of the stem? In appearance, it resembles a camera lens, with markings in numbers. 3:26
Estelle Tennent I got mine from Amazon. Rixen & Kaul Spare Fixing Plate For Front Basket To Fit Klickfix www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001CCNCUU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_U0vGFbG32GEY5
'Epic story' ? Well yes it is mate, I seem to be spending way too much of my life trying to compromise the carrying of stuff on bicycles and nothing is ever perfect. cheers for this vid though now I've got some more possible solutions to keep me awake at night.
Mind = BLOWN 🫠 I love my Ultimate 6 on the commuter bike because I don’t mind the rattling. But I need a good solution for bikepacking. Now with a separate adapter, I can convert my strap on handlebar bag to the superior Klikfix system 🤯🤯🤯
Not too big. When I leave my bike I want a front bag big enough for my helmet, gloves and glasses, at least. Then there're my cables, roll-up shopping bags power-bank, allen-key kit and maybe an apple. I think a front bag could be 9-10litres.
Topeak - not a big fan of their design obsolescence and rubbish you need to get thing compatible. Ortleib - expensive and foreign-made. Alpkit - made in the UK. Lovely people. Great company. Customer support and someone to repair at a reasonable cost. This would be my choice.
I am so glad I came across this! Thanks to you I have just repurposed a cheapish pannier with some reclaimed fittings from an old handlebar basket. Saved £££s . Many thanks for upload!!
I do like Ortlieb bags (still using the back rollers I bought in about 1995), but I also very much like the idea of putting just any bag on my handlebar! So thanks a lot for this tip!
I used they same handle bar for 50 years. It worked great. I made a fiberglass insert with looped elastic cord to hold lose items in place and give it a ridged body.. But it was time for a change. Last summer I bought a padded camera bag and retro fitted a quick release to my front rack instead of the handle bars. No rattling, easy remove to use as shoulder bag/w strap. The padding protects my camera and phone and gives me insolation for cold drinks on a hot day.
Great video. Really easy to understand and pro quality. I feel like we as a viewer got really much info from this. Clearly you have tested many of different things and thought about these for a while.
Thanks Simon, for a really great video. Your journey towards an optimum handlebar solution has saved me a great deal of time and money.
Chapeau!
Loved this video, I've shared all the same afflictions. Your end solution was pretty genius too.
Thank you for the tip on the Klikfix adapter. I have a BTR handlebar bag that was annoying me and I can now use my Ortlieb clip for it instead.
Brilliant! I’ve looked at all the options and like you they came up short for me. I realized the stem bag was all I really needed but knew it would be in the way. Off I go to order some parts!
On the ultimate 6 the wing shaped thingies on the lid are supposed to be folded inside!
My favorite though is his adaptation of the soft bag! That's just brilliant!
Great suggestion with the insert. Good communication skills as well.
Nice to see someone thought this thru. :-) Will get the adapter and combine it with a Ortlieb outer bag.
I did the same with small Rockbros handlebar bag, with some thermo lunch box bag, camera bag. Now I do several options :)
Walking round the streets of Milan .... Not.....Manchester etc. Adapt your own bag , trick idea, very cool video Simon . 👍
The process of elimination: "This" is why I have so many "things" in life, bags, pumps, tire levers, etc... You buy something, try it out, experience it's like & dislikes and what you can't modify you pass on to someone else or put it on another bike. But the moral of this video is "nothing's perfect" pretty much! 😂 Thanks for sharing your experiences Simon. It'll help a lot of others that's for sure.
Just one note, I tried a front handlebar bag configuration of using a dry bag with an accessory bar from Amazon and a couple of straps as a budget set-up to start out with. The total system was about $40/USD.
While it works, I can see why the Topeak Frontloader would be the better option in the end AND ironically enough, I'm going to use the Topeak with the accessory bar which'll extend the mounting points of the Frontloader out more in front of and away from the handlebar. I just don't like that cramped feeling of having anything right up against my hands when riding.
We're always searching for that one perfect bag, or anything else really, in life
Just what I was looking for! The klickfix bracket
Hi, Simon ! Thanks for the vid and the comments. The R&K KlickFix system is a clever design, but I don't like that much the available bags. Brilliant idea of custom-made bag!
Thanks!
I'm a bit late to your party Simon, but appreciate your reflections here. I'm just sticking my toe in to the endurance/audax world now and the search for a good bar bag is proving much more elusive than the myriad offerings out there would make you think. I bought a (not inexpensive) 10L Rixen-Kaul and I'm disappointed in the lack of 'design' involved - not waterproof, very limited internal organisation, not even a key clip etc. So much for German engineering on this one! It does have that KLICKFix system that you demonstrated though and I DO like that.
I have a separate bag on the bars just like the yellow one in the video. I use it for food and anything else I need easily. I found that going into the bar bag for sweets etc every five minutes was too much hassle. I have straight bars so there's a perfect space between the grips and the headset. Works really well and I leave it on the bike all the time.
Thanks for this review. Before viewing your vlog I was about to buy an Ultimate 6 but I'd already picked up (I know) that there was no carrying handle which could be a pain. I liked the fixing style, easy removal and finger room so thought there were no other options. That is until you suggested the spare holding panel, armed with this info I can now adapt a Samsonite Trekking camera bag which fits perfectly, looks better, can be opened on the move and you can see inside. Thanks again, saved me a lot of money!
A very good idea it was, Simon. Thank you very much for sharing.
You’re a genius!!! Thnx! Perfect solution to take my camera bag.
Thank you for the great idea! Did it on my DJI Mini 2 Fly More combo bag, fits perfectly on my road bike handlebar and still low to film with my GoPro. Thumbs up!
Very fine. This may solve a few issues for me. I can buy both the replacement clip and the HB clamp and retro fit my bike bags!
Ah, thank you, thank you, thank you! I also have a Co-Motion with Rohloff (with Gates belt drive and S&S coupling) which I bought in 2016. When we
built it, I was never able to get the cable/housings coming out of the Rohloff shifter (just like the one in your video) positioned to where I could
effectively mount my Ortlieb handlebar bag from my old Surly LHT. Watching your video helped me a lot as I now see how I can shorten both
of those housings/ cables and mount my bracket for the handlebar bag. And I'd never heard of the Klickfix and am going to order a couple now
as I have several bags I'd like to use. Thank you again!
I’m so glad I’ve helped! I did have to carve some of the plastic away so the brake cables would fit under the Klickfix bracket. Just something to bear in mind. Good luck.
Nice suggestion re: spare mounting plate Simon. Thanks for sharing!
Cood comparisons and helpful solution. Thank you.
The Ortlieb handlebar mounting system works well but is cumbersome if you need to regularly remove your handlebars. For example when boxing the bike for plane travel the mount has to be removed so that the handlebars can be taken off and prepared for boxing. The cables begin to fray after repeated mounting and unmounting requiring a cable cutter to tidy up the end so it can be rethreaded. The mounting procedure is awkward, particularly if having to mount or unmount in challenging circumstances.
Just a great video! Very pertinent real world comments!
Thanks!
Thank you for the very helpful advises
The adapter plate top tip is ace thanks
Clever plan! Might try this with an old Fjallraven satchel that I have!
Lovely, finally someone with common sense!
Brilliant idea, I can't be bothered buying a 150$ on a rack or a special "bikepacking bag". Just wondering how much weight this can take. I'd like to fix some sort of lightweight wire basket thingy for touring to stuff a bottle of wine in with a sleeping pad/bag. Hmmm...... Weld basket is a bit finniky and I already have low-rider panniers so i don't need more hardwear. Worth a shot- perhaps attach this to a decathlon waterproof backpack ???
Thanks for good review as I’m going to buy same but 8.5L and rattle noises won’t be issue for me since I’m deaf myself cheers👍🏻
Very good idea; helps me a lot.
I ended up with a similiar bag. I have it on front part of the frame under the handlebar. It's far enough not to colide with my legs, it's low enough not to mess with the steering and it's still within the reach if I need anything.
Strange... this Ortlieb bag usually comes with a nice padded inner separator that can be bent according to your needs. Prevents rattling and keeps things apart to quickly reach them during the ride. Maybe your store took them out to sell them separately?
Swift industries in my opinion make the best saddle or handlebar bags . I have used a few but I prefer the Swift bags
Great work Simon! Use the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 - am not too fussed by the dorkiness. Practicality is priority for me, plus I look dorky anyway in cycling kit. But is a shame is a fraction too small to hold a Microsoft Surface (one of smallest current laptops). Otherwise would be close to the ideal size for my everyday carry.
great video! what bell is that?
Hi Simon, thanks for the vid, v useful! Btw, I think I've decided on the Ortlieb so if you'd consider letting it go, do let me know! I'm in Brissy.
Hi Simon, your handlebar bell looks pretty cool. Could you tell us the model & manufacturer? Thanks from Munich!
It's a Spurcycle. Beautiful and well made, but pricey.
Great vid and just going through a similar headache myself. I pickup a Riese & Muller Superdelite Rohloff GX Next week and have a front rack but struggle to find a bag which secures to just the rack itself. Not sure the Ortlieb bracket will work in this case.
I had the same bike - I recently heard that R&M is coming out with a dedicated bag for the front carrier
Always. Even a fan of the ultimate 6
Do you have links to purchase the bracket that's fixed to the bike & also the adapter plate baggy attachment please, or their model numbers? Thanks!
Brilliant! Thanks for sharing!!
Brillant! Very good idea!
Good afternoon! Tell me please.
What kind of device is installed on the handlebar, to the right of the stem?
In appearance, it resembles a camera lens, with markings in numbers.
3:26
Hello. That is my gear shifter. I have a Rohloff gear hub and the thing you see is a CoMotion shifter for it.
What a great idea about getting a plate to fit any bag. Where did you get it from and what it's called.
Estelle Tennent I got mine from Amazon. Rixen & Kaul Spare Fixing Plate For Front Basket To Fit Klickfix www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001CCNCUU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_U0vGFbG32GEY5
So helpful. Thanks for sharing. May I asked which KLICKFIX mount did you get? I notice a few on the market.
Very useful ! Thanks
Good reviews.
Great hack...very interesting...
Could you please post a link for Klickfix products you used? Thank you,great advice!!!!
Following!
Brilliant! Great video
Thanks!
Where'd you get you nice silver button klickflix bracket from?....all the one I've seen have a garish Red button.
Ortlieb bracket clearly states it is not for carbon handlebars?
Yes. That’s right. You can’t put them on carbon bars - the wire clamp would crush it.
What is the bracket called?
I searched for ultimate 6 replacement bracket but had no luck.
I thought this was a great idea.
Hi. Those brackets seem to have disappeared from Amazon. The Basil KF Adaptor Plate does the same thing and it’s cheaper too.
'Epic story' ? Well yes it is mate, I seem to be spending way too much of my life trying to compromise the carrying of stuff on bicycles and nothing is ever perfect. cheers for this vid though now I've got some more possible solutions to keep me awake at night.
It is a great tip!
What is the brass/gold item on your handlebars?
My bell. 😀
Orrlieb bag the wings fold in when you close to keep waterproof
Someone knows which brand the bell is?
that was brilliant
Mind = BLOWN 🫠 I love my Ultimate 6 on the commuter bike because I don’t mind the rattling. But I need a good solution for bikepacking. Now with a separate adapter, I can convert my strap on handlebar bag to the superior Klikfix system 🤯🤯🤯
Route Werks is by far the best
Funny video, Thank you!
Goldilocks of handlebar bags. 🙂
🤣
Did it ever cross your mind to fit the Topeak bag up against your seatpost instead? That way your "Gentleman's bits" won't intefere with the bag...
No it didn’t. What a good idea. I’ll try it. 😀
Sorry. Didn’t like it. It rubs my thighs when I pedal. Good idea though.
Not too big. When I leave my bike I want a front bag big enough for my helmet, gloves and glasses, at least. Then there're my cables, roll-up shopping bags power-bank, allen-key kit and maybe an apple. I think a front bag could be 9-10litres.
Thanks god bless
very smart
No such thing. Different bags for different purposes. Best watch your video now. 😂❤
Topeak - not a big fan of their design obsolescence and rubbish you need to get thing compatible.
Ortleib - expensive and foreign-made.
Alpkit - made in the UK. Lovely people. Great company. Customer support and someone to repair at a reasonable cost. This would be my choice.
walk around the streets of atlanta!!lollll
What a fuzzy man
You talk to much. Just show the goods
.
You throw out the Topeak name and yet IGNORE the Topeak handlebar bags.