We’re all for having your essentials front and center on your bike, particularly when touring. The challenge is that putting a bag on your handlebar can be a wobbly affair, causing some serious steering issues if things aren’t balanced and tethered appropriately. The good news is that there are many solutions from extremely practical to the purse-onification of style.
Handlebar Bags – Our Picks
Materials range from latest in technical waterproof cordura to classic cotton duck. The original bags from way back were French and had a clear sleeve on top for a map. The map pocket concept has survived as the need persists for on-bike navigation, but the sleeve now must allow for smartphone touch. Most bags are rectangular or squarish in shape, with top flap and outer pockets that allow for all manner of handiness.
One of the highest tech options comes from Thule and has a unique, aero design, click-in attachment and built-in reflective fabric (with a front mesh pouch that’s a handy place for a light/reflector.
Delightful Dill Pickle is definitely more substantial and has a wedge shape that maximizes stowable space.
Dill Pickle — old school vibe, artisan made
Arkel splits the difference between new and old school, made of ballistic materials, with waterproof main compartment.
Arkel waterproof handlebar bag comes with strong, aluminum mounts
For something a little less tour and a little more purse, we carry the Sunset Handlebar Bag from Timbuk2. One of the easiest to attach (via metallic leather straps), it’s big enough for a bottle of wine (!) and makes a stylish alternative off bike.
Beautifully retro, made in the USA, Acorn makes a variety of bag options for bicycling. The Handlebar Bag is simple to attach (via leather straps) and made of a heavyweight waxed cotton canvas.
Quintessentially British, the Pashley Handlebar Bag is a very chic, hand-stitched leather option with box gusset ends.
Po Campo is another favorite brand, doing it up big for women’s cycling with the Six Corners bag that easily converts to a cross-body option off the bike.
Six Corners convertible bag
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