Handlebar Bags | A Few Options to Consider: Swift Industries, Gilles Berthoud, Ruthworks, or Acorn?
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- On occasion I receive a comment asking about my handlebar bag, so today I want to take this opportunity to walk through a few bag options. A handlebar bag is probably the single most important item you can add to your bike in transforming it into a multi purpose machine. A good sized handlebar bag can open up so many new and exciting riding opportunities, dare I say adventures? Being able to carry extra layers, tools, and food means you can explore further and into new places you may never had imagined. It's worth considering.
Here is a link to the bag makers discussed in this video.
builtbyswift.c...
www.ruthworkss...
www.acornbags....
www.gillesberth...
Racks:
velo-orange.co...
store.somafab....
Very instructive Vlog. I used the same nylon handlebar bag for 50 years. I think it is English. In that time, I had to reconfigure how it attached to my bikes over the years. A year ago, I moved into the 21 century and found a camera bag with interior zippered pockets about the same dimensions 25cm x 25cm x 20cm only padded with improved features. I have a rack for front panniers and have the bag sitting on top of the front rack. I designed a quick release system that allows me to have the opening facing forward or toward the cockpit and it pops off with one hand in seconds. I set it forward on the rack so that I have the handlebars free for more hand positions. The distance gave me the opportunity to suspend two water cages from the handlebars. The bag has a top handle and clip on shoulder strap, making it useful to carry into a grocery store or market to pick up the day's food. I mount my wireless speedometer/ odometer to the top of the bag for ease of reading and it is out of the cockpit.
With handlebar rando bags I highly recommend the use of a decaleur and small front racks. It will allow the bag to sit lower which will help the way on how the bike will ride. And like you mentioned it will allow your hands to still have the entire handlebar to use for different positions. Velo Orange is the only company that sells Randonneur Front Racks with Integrated Decaleurs. They sell 3 different models. I have one and it really solved my stem/decaleur issue because I am using a unique threaded headset that is designed to be remove without tools except for loosening three really small allen screws for my S&S coupled frame. So I can remove my fork before placing the whole bike into a small case. I highly recommend these VO racks with the integrated decaleurs, they are sturdy and looks really nice.
Thank you, Bob! It's great to hear your feedback. A handlebar bag, rack, and decaleur is a big investment, so it's important to know what systems work together. I contemplated the integrated rack and decaleur when I first set up my touring bike. I looked around for feedback on your arrangement and couldn't find anyone with a review. I'm glad to hear it's working out well for you!
I updated Instagram with photos taken of my set up. Check it out when you have a chance.
You have me sold on the Acorn bag. Been looking for a while. Also convinced that my suley needs to go the Rando route.
Acorn is a solid choice!
Great video! Not enough people are talking about this style of bags.
Back in the day, there was no choice - Karrimor Bardale or nothing. My Bardale has been used for parts storage since the late 1980s. This Summer, I may mount it up and take it for a spin for old times' sake.
Great in depth video - and the First time I hear someone actually say "decaleur". ;-)
Living in Germany there arent so many options but I found the "restrap randonneur bag". It uses a magnet strap at the bottom and a safety strap, so you can quickly remove it. So far it worked great on roads and its really big. Im thinking of doing a video about it on my channel if there anyone is interested.
Greetings, enjoy your content!
Excellent! Yes, post a video of it! It's great to see what's out there and how your bag is supported.
I wonder if you have considered the "more modern" Ortlieb Ultimate handlebar bags. They claim to be fully waterproof, easier to open and close while riding and lighter. But for some reason, they seem to be like a sinful addition to a randonneur bike.
They are much less stylish ... :)
Wonderful introduction to front bags. Your getting so good on your videos that maybe you should look into a Bicycle magazine in the near future on your style and of Ms. Cools. Thanks for this video. Paul
Thanks for the nice compliment, Paul!
Which one can I fit a 12 pack of beer in
take a look at the dillpickelgear handlebar bag. I bought one but have not received it yet.
Excellent! Let us know what you think, Davex5424. It looks like a rack-less bag, which, is great if you don't have rack mounts.
Henrywildeberry the Dill Pickle handlebar bag is really well designed and my favorite rack-less bag. It has an ingenious 6-point mount that works on virtually any drop-bar bike. It’s not quite as large as the boxy bags that stand on a rack. My dedicated rando bike has a large Swift bag, but every now and then I like to ride a different bike on a brevet. The Dill Pickle bag makes it easy to turn my single-speed bike or the racy bike into a temporary rando bike. Full disclosure: I sometimes ride with Emily O’Brien, the maker of Dill Pickle gear and I’m in awe of her abilities on and off the bike.
Thanks for the great video! I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the respective advantages and disadvantages of going with a decaleur vs. a simple strap system such as the one on Ms. Cools' bike. It makes sense that a large handlebar bag can really benefit from the extra top-end stability provided by a decaleur, but what about a smaller bag with solid stiffeners and velcro straps on the bottom, such as the Swift Industries? Does Ms. Cools' bag rattle around a lot more than yours on rougher terrain? Thanks!
The decaleur is a pretty nice feature, if you can work it into your handlebar, or stem. There are downsides like added weight and complexity with getting it set up correctly. Therese's simple strap method works because her bag has the extra rack straps located on the bottom of the bag. Not all bags have these, such as the Gilles Berthoud. Ruthwork, in conjuction with Fitz cycles make a rack and bag system that doesn't need a decaleur, so it's the lightest and simplest set up. Depending on what your priorities are, I would say a decaleur is optional, especially if you don't plan to have the bag on the bike all that often. For me the bag is pretty much a permanent fixture now on my touring bike. The side straps Therese uses to attach the bag to the handlebars can be an annoyance if you mind having to grip the bars and the cord together, but not a big deal if you place more value on simplicity. I can tolerate a lot knowing it's a simple work around. All the best, and let us know what you end up doing and how it works out! Cheers, HWB.
Awesome Hat!
Thank you!
many thanks for a very informative video :)
These bags are more expensive than my bike :o
and what's more they aren't that good. For instance the Berthoud is made of really thin material which will rip easily, which is crazy on such an expensive bag. Far better getting a much harder wearing and cheaper bag from Carradice or Osterich.
Very useful info this Henry, cheers.
Thanks Graham! Happy New Year.
I apologize if you covered this and I missed it, but here's a question: Since that Acorn bag is designed to be used without a decaleur, I am wondering about it's stability; can it handle a decent load? The ability to skip the decaleur's complexity and cost would be nice.
PS: I think that cap is cool.
I've had it for 13 years with no issues. Just get a rack like the m18 or nf21 and you're good to go. You don't even need the side straps.
Very informative. Thank you!
This is great equipment and you've done a very thorough job reviewing them. I'm wondering what you're thoughts are on wind resistance, and whether you would trade one of these handlebar bags with a frame bag.
Thanks Richard, and excellent question. I was just wondering this myself, how much "extra" wind resistance does a handlebar bag create? Wind tunnel testing at different yaw angles would be the only true way to know, because I doubt a power meter is sensitive enough to pick up the difference. I personally don't notice any extra drag, but I have felt more sideways push in a cross wind with a large handlebar bag. Front end geometry plays are part in this as well. A frame bag would probably be more aero if I had to make a bet. Having it tucked into the frame is like a mini fairing and those are actually banned from competition because they are known to work. If you want aero, go for a frame bag. If you want an easy way to access stuff (food and clothes) while riding get a rack mounted handlebar bag.
I've read that they are actually more aerodynamic, and don't increase drag. They shape the flow of the air around the bike so you don't get all the frame eddy's you normally would. Alternatively go for a traditional rear saddlebag like a Carradice where your body is already acting to improve the aerodynamic form.
Very nice "stylish" bags. Perfect for steel vintage (or vintage-looking) bikes. Unfortunately they are all very expensive. In my opinion out-of-the-market especially for non USA located cyclists. Carradice or the less-vintage-looking Ortlieb bags could do the same service, at a fraction of the price.
They are pricey, but they are made to last a very long time, if not a lifetime. I believe in buying quality parts so that they last longer saving you time and money in the long run. Carradice bags are very well made, and I have used them in the past. The saddle bag is nice and versatile and can be mounted to the handlebars too. I haven't used Ortlieb, but I imagine they are good. You can also make your own bags if you have the time and access to a sewing machine.
@@Henrywildeberry I mostly agree, USA made bag are really well made and stylish, but pricey too. I think, that apart from some exceptions none in Europe has such a bag mounted on the bike. Out of the market for us. I take the chance to tell that I appreciate very much your clips and especially the style of your bikes and garments. we have more or less the same taste in term of cycling. The only few options you have made, I don's like very much are the brakes (in your new bike) and the dynamo hub.
Could you please tell me if the Gilles Berthoud pockets are finished on the inside or is it left raw? Thank you! Also, love your shorts! :)
Hello Kaozong, The pockets are constructed of a single layer and unfinished on the inside (no liner). Thanks for the thumbs up on the shorts!
I love the look of the Berthoud and considering getting one my concern is how are they in the rain/snow does it keep items dry on the inside ?
Leather holds up okay in weather, but it's best to keep the saddle stored indoors and use a leather conditioner once in a while to help protect it from cracking. All materials will eventually break down, even the synthetic alternatives. A natural leather saddle like Brooks or GB can last for many decades if they are cared for. All the best!
Henrywildeberry no I meant the bag lol
u didnt talk about the little brown bag that matches your seat man ? ? ?
Could you please write what nitto handlebar model do you have and in what size? Thank you :)
The bars are Nitto B135 and measure 42cm from center of bar end to center of bar end. They have 120mm of bar drop. They also have a slight up swing on the tops with a gentle flare at the drops. Good luck!
@@Henrywildeberry Thank you for your answer. I also decided to buy the B135 model. However I hesitate between 45cm model and 42cm you have. Unfortunately, Nitto does not specify the size between the brake hoods. Could you measure your distance? I will be obliged.
@@podrugiejstronie7006 Brake hood to brake hood is approx 37cm.
@@Henrywildeberry Thank you very much for your help! In a perfect world, I would order two widths and see which one is more comfortable for me. 37cm is quite narrow by modern standards. I wonder if you will ever do an episode about your conclusions regarding handlebars. Your channel is my great inspiration. Take care!
Great Video. Thanks for posting this. Out of curiosity what size and style stem do you use on your bike? I've heard people need to run a smaller stem length to accommodate the weight distribution when using a front Rando Bag.
Hello Ben. On the touring bike I'm using a quill type stem, and I think it's a 90mm length. They make these with 25.4mm (1") or 26mm bar clamp diameter, so keep that in mind when ordering handlebars. It's the Nitto Technomic, so it's a little longer which allows you to raise it up higher (if needed).
Henrywildeberry Thanks!! When comparing your touring bike to some of your other bikes, did you shorten your reach on your touring bike to accommodate the weight of the front bag? To long of a stem will move the bag forward which could throw the steering off. I’m trying to decide how small of a stem to buy to accommodate the weight.
Anytime, Ben! Thank you for your comments! Interestingly, the reach on the touring bike is shorter as a result of two key factors. First, the top tube on this bike is shorter than the effective seat tube. Second, the slack head tube angle brings the bars closer to the saddle as well. However, the fork rake on this particular touring bike has what is called a medium trail so the steering feels slow with a front load. It's certainly not a problem, but it can be for example on steep loose gravel climbs where holding balance takes a lot of quick steering moves. Like all things, however, you can adapt to the various nuances even if they are not ideal. I would prefer a lower trail fork, but that's because I've ridden bikes with low trail and they handle much better with a front load. Also, a low trail fork has more rake and as result less toe overlap. By the way, the stem on this bike can be lengthened or shortened without moving the bag. The bag position is related to the rack and decaleur only.
Henrywildeberry thanks again. That all makes sense. With regards to stem length and weight I was reading Jan’s blog from Compass Cycles and that is why I asked. Front bags are new to me and my style of riding so I wanted some clarity before ordering a quill stem.
janheine.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/stem-length-and-frame-size/#comments
Enjoy the day!
i ride between the lines
Great info. Where do you mount your bike computer?
Monty Richardson there is still room on the bars for a cycling computer or you can use the map case like I do sometimes. On many rides I just log using an iPhone, so I just put that in my jersey pocket.
@@Henrywildeberry thank you
The bags show reinforcement on the sides, are all the rack mounted bags reinforced with a stiffner on the bottom as well?
All the bags here each have a reinforced bottom. It's some sort of plastic liner placed between the layers of fabric.
@@Henrywildeberry Do all the bags have full internal reinforcement and are they all fully lined? The Berthoud looks as though its structure is just canvas and leather. That is one of the problems of these niche products, it is almost impossible to examine them before you pay a large sum of money for them.
those brakelveres are CLB, right ?
Can you tell me the make of the steel water bottles ?
These are Klean Kanteen brand.
Hey! Where did you get that cycling cap? it looks gnarl!
Hi Space Cowboy. I got this hat at the Grinduro at a vendor. I'm pretty sure it was a one off. No one else wanted it, so I bought it. The threads are all coming undone, but I still like it. Cheers!
Howdy. I have an ancient (1970s) TA handlebar bag by LaFuma that came with a decaleur which goes under and rests over the handlebar and stem ( can be seen here: www.flickr.com/photos/specialmonkey/sets/72157680533830994 ). It's old and kind of fragile and has holes that I've patched with sticky fabric patches. I think I might be more of a saddlebag kind of guy, perhaps one of those exceptionally long horn of plenty type ones ... though I see the utility of having stuff right up front. I think the Swift appeals to me most because it's huge and because maybe it can be delivered relatively fast. Can you tell us about your headlight? It seems like a good idea and possibly less costly than a bike light. Is it a see-by as well as a be-seen light? What kind is it? Do you recommend? I've read Lux is more important than Lumens, since it has to do with the area illuminated. Does Therese ever get in a classic mood and want a Specialized Expedition (or Sequoia)? Do you ever want a brand new Polyvalent with disc brakes? How do you like the Suntour Symmetric self trimming shifters (do they work)?
The Old TA handle bar bags and racks are very cool! I picked up a TA front rack at the L'Eroica this past year. I was hoping to install it on my old Bianchi, but it's a little small, so I may forgo that as an option. My headlight is just a $10.00 LED flashlight I purchased at the outdoor store. While it's cheap, the push button switch on the back is junk. It is made out of aluminum, so I thought it might be a good light. In general, it's not as reliable as I had hoped, so in good conscience I cannot recommend it. It's not as bright as a regular bike headlight, so it's more of a be-seen light. I'll be posting a video soon of my new bike headlight set-up.
Therese would love to have a custom built bike to her specs. The new polyvalent is a sweet bike and fulfills her needs for a go anywhere, do it all bike. However, she's also a very serious randonneur, and would one day like to have a purpose built bike suited to long distance, self-supported riding. Something a little lighter, and built for comfort and speed. The best way to think of it would be a classic inspired constructrice (constructer). More on that later...
As for disk brakes, I'm still a big fan of rim brakes. Disc brakes are great for mountain biking (no question there), or when you plan to ride on limits, but for everything else rim brakes are fine. Rim brakes provide maintenance free braking for thousands of miles with very little adjustment, and replacement pads are cheap. Rim brakes allow the frame and fork to be built with thinner tubing and without the risk of fracture or breakage at the caliper welded joints. Rim brakes are easy to repair out in the middle of nowhere (where I typically ride). Rim brakes use narrower hubs, so you can use a narrow crankset without heel striking the chain stay. Rim brakes are much lighter when you factor in the extra material to strengthen the frame. There is more I could say, but I will leave it on this note, rim brake bikes look better.
The Suntour components are very well made. The self trimming shifters seem to work okay, as fas as trimming goes, but I like that the levers are close together. I can shift both front and rear shifters simultaneously with one hand. That's pretty cool! Thank you!
You should do a video about what on earth it is you're wearing on yer head.
That's a handmade cycling hat I picked up at the 2016 Grinduro. I believe the young lady selling the hats only made one, sorry😢
@@Henrywildeberry Well some fellas is lucky and some fellas ain't.
@@Henrywildeberry Looks inside out HW.
Henrywildeberry btw cycling caps rule
For the love of Zeus, can we please send you some new shorts??
What’s going on with your cap? 🙄
the level of your exquisite taste is off the rioter🛕🛕🛕🛕🛕🛕🛕 scale tectonic🛕🛕🛕🛕🛕🛕🛕🛕