How often have you been riding your bike and wishing you had brought a snack?
How many times have you realized that bringing a substantial snack is next to impossible when riding a bike?
Well, we just might have the answer to your problems.
Enter the handlebar bag.
A handlebar bag is exactly what the name suggests. It is a bag that attaches to your handlebar and sits there securely whilst you ride.
In this article, we are going to be introducing you to five of the best handlebar bags on the market, and providing you with a handy Buyers’ Guide and Frequently Asked Questions section to help you figure out what bag is best for you.
OUR TOP PICK
Key Features:
- Inside padding to keep the bag in shape and items protected
- Three velcro straps to fasten it onto the handlebars
- Zips to open and close it securely
- Oxford material to ensure it is thick, water-resistant, and protected against wear and tear
- The shoulder strap is removable via a clasp and adjustable to suit your needs
Pros:
- The Tinton bag is available in five different colors to suit all styles and personalities
- It is water and wear-resistant
- There is a transparent pouch for your cell phone
- Additional shoulder strap so you can use it as a bag
Cons:
- Like the first product on the list, this bag is not entirely waterproof. It is water-resistant to a certain volume, but in a heavy downpour, the bag will get wet.
- The transparent pouch doesn’t hold larger phones
Product Description:
This small, compact handlebar bag is the perfect choice for the casual rider who uses their bike for day-to-day errands and short bike rides. The modest capacity can fit general everyday items such as a phone, wallet, keys, camera, small snacks, and an umbrella.
Think of it as a handbag for your bike. The clear pouch is fantastic for your cell phone when you need to use the map settings, or you can go old school and put an actual map in there.
It doubles up as a shoulder bag thanks to the stylish strap, and it is made from durable, hard-wearing material to protect your items from shocks if you ride over uneven terrain.
EDITORS CHOICE
Key Features:
- Inside padding to keep the bag in shape and items protected
- Three velcro straps to fasten it onto the handlebars
- Zips to open and close it securely
- Oxford material to ensure it is thick, water-resistant, and protected against wear and tear
- The shoulder strap is removable via a clasp and adjustable to suit your needs
Pros:
- The Tinton bag is available in five different colors to suit all styles and personalities
- It is water and wear-resistant
- There is a transparent pouch for your cell phone
- Additional shoulder strap so you can use it as a bag
Cons:
- Like the first product on the list, this bag is not entirely waterproof. It is water-resistant to a certain volume, but in a heavy downpour, the bag will get wet.
- The transparent pouch doesn’t hold larger phones
Product Description:
This small, compact handlebar bag is the perfect choice for the casual rider who uses their bike for day-to-day errands and short bike rides.
The modest capacity can fit general everyday items such as a phone, wallet, keys, camera, small snacks, and an umbrella.
Think of it as a handbag for your bike. The clear pouch is fantastic for your cell phone when you need to use the map settings, or you can go old school and put an actual map in there.
It doubles up as a shoulder bag thanks to the stylish strap, and it is made from durable, hard-wearing material to protect your items from shocks if you ride over uneven terrain.
BEST VALUE
Key Features:
- There are three reflective straps for your safety
- Volume: 3 liters
- Screen capacity: seven inches by five inches making it the ideal size for most smartphones
- Detachable shoulder strap included for your convenience
Pros:
- Transparent pouch compatible with larger phones
- A great size for drinks, snacks, and essentials
- Strong velcro straps to keep it stable
- Side pockets for convenience
- Durable material to ensure it keeps your items safe and lasts a long time
- Easy to install and remove when needed
Cons:
- The zippers are very lightweight and flimsy in design which is a shame when comparing them to the rest of the bag which is very strong and durable
Product Description:
This handlebar bag by Wotow is a great choice for anyone looking for practicality above all else. It is simple and does the job well thanks to the durable mud-proof material. The material is a 300D polyester, padded with HDPE.
This means that it is also water-resistant and protects against wear and tear caused by rocky terrain. There is a transparent area to fit your cell phone that is touchscreen-enabled for your convenience.
Talking of convenience this bag also comes with a removable shoulder strap so you can remove it from your bike and take it with you as you go about your day.
RUNNER UP
Key Features:
- Volume: 3 liters in the main pocket but with additional room in the side pockets
- Reflective strips for protection
- Hook and loop straps for easy installation Transparent touch screen section
- Removable shoulder strap
Pros:
- This bag is large enough to hold you water bottle
- Easy to detach and attach
- Allows for touchscreen use thanks to the clear window for a cell phone
Cons:
- The velcro on the steering post is a little on the short side which may cause an issue for some people
Product Description:
This simple but effective bag from Opamoo is a great choice for the casual rider or commuter. It can fit your snacks and drink with ease, as well as other daily essentials such as your cell phone, wallet and keys.
The shoulder carrying strap that is included with it makes it a versatile bag that you can take everywhere.
The material is a high-quality 300D polyester with HDPE and a PVC mesh cloth inside to ensure waterproofing and protection from dust and rough terrain.
We loved the transparent screen where our smartphones could go, allowing us to use the maps feature as we cycled.
RUNNER UP
Key Features:
- Volume: just under 4 liters (3.8 to be exact)
- The material is a very heavy duty 600D polyester to ensure your items are safe and secure
- Features covered zippers to keep items secure
- It has reflective trim for safety and visibility
- Detachable shoulder strap
- Tension mounting system to prevent swaying
Pros:
- Super easy to remove and attach when needed
- Large capacity (it can reportedly fit four beers….)
- Three-point tension mounting to prevent it from swaying as you ride
- Two compartments
Cons:
- It is not waterproof so will only be good for sunny weather or dry climates
Product Description:
This handlebar bag is a great choice for the casual rider who lives in a dry climate. Whilst it is not waterproof it makes up for this in its stability and design.
It is roomy enough for all the daily basics any commuter or casual rider will need. It is easy to attach and detach as needed and can be accessed via sturdy zips.
There is the main compartment and an additional front pocket for extra storage should you need it.
A small rain jacket can fit in there with ease provided it is folded up and it is also fitted with reflective straps for your safety.
Best Handlebar Bag Buying Guide
Several things should be considered when it comes to buying a handlebar bag. After all, you do not want to wind up with a flimsy bag that soaks your snacks at the first hint of rain, right?
You don’t want it to be so big and bulky that your tires keep hitting it, do you? Well, keep on reading for our Buyers’ Guide where we discuss these factors and much more, all to help you find the best handlebar bag possible.
But the 1st question:
What type of bags is best for you?
Beside handlebar bags, you should consider messenger bags which are usually much bigger. Top tubes bags are another small and light alternative. A last one is is to have a saddle bag. There again, you'll for smaller bags. It has the advantage to disturb you less when riding, but you won't have the possibility of viewing your phone while riding (except if you are very flexible 😉 ).
Is it compatible with your handlebars?
The handlebar bag that you choose will depend solely on the handlebars on your bike (unless of course, you are willing to swap out your handlebars for the right bag).
What we mean by this is that you need to choose a handlebar bag that is compatible with your handlebars.
If you have a drop bar, you will be limited when it comes to bag width, and may also find it more difficult to have a side access bag.
If you have a flat bar then you may find that there are issues with the cables which may get in the way of a large bag.
To ensure that the bag you have your eyes on is compatible with your bars you can always refer to your owner’s manual, the online listing of either the bag, the bike, or both, or you can call up the manufacturer directly for advice.
Is it easy to detach and access when needed?
Having a handlebar bag is all fine and dandy until you realize you cannot easily access it… and to make matters worse it is a struggle to detach it, too.
This can be easily avoided if you do some prior research and give some thought about what sort of accessibility would work for you.
Would you rather a side opening, or one that opens from the front? How do you want the whole bag to attach to your bars? Perhaps you hate velcro and find it difficult to detach, or maybe you would prefer to cable tie it on yourself.
These are all questions to ask yourself before looking for a bag and will help you narrow down your choices to find what works for your needs best.
Tire clearance: Is there room for the tires to move?
This is such an important factor! Having a bag that is too bulky can be dangerous because it could affect the way your tires move. You need to make sure that there is ample tire clearance for them to go round with ease.
By tire clearance, we simply mean the amount of room (or distance) between the bag and the bike wheel and tire. Typically, most bags are designed universally and so this will not be an issue for many people.
However, if your bike is on a smaller frame, or if you have adjusted it in any way with modifications and aftermarket accessories, then it is well worth checking that it all fits safely and that there is plenty of room before you head off for a long ride.
How stable is the bag?
Having a stable bag simply means having a bag that will not get bumped around and possibly fall off whilst you are in motion. How stable you need your bag will depend on what sort of terrain you frequent.
Of course, uneven and rocky terrain will typically call for more stability, whereas flat road riding may require less.
That being said, having a stable bag will never be a bad thing, and even if you never ride on rocky terrain, we think that bag stability is still important.
After all, who’s to say that road riding won’t have occasionally uneven surfaces? Ensure you are prepared for all types of terrain by getting a bag that can cope with being jolted about and bumped up and down.
Is it water-resistant?
Picture this, you have just ridden up a gorgeous trail in drizzly damp conditions, but the view is so beautiful that not even the gloomy weather can dampen your spirits.
That is until you reach into your handlebar bag for your delicious snack on a break only to find that the gloomy weather and rain have soaked your bag to the bone and ruined your snack! Nightmare, right?
Well, this doesn’t have to happen! If you choose a waterproof or water-resistant handlebar bag then you can rest assured that the contents of the bag will remain safe and dry even in the most torrential downpour!
A water-resistant bag will keep your items protected from drizzle and splashes from puddles. However, if full protection is what you are looking for, a fully waterproof bag will be your best option. Ensure it is water-resistant at the very least!
Of course, if you live in a very hot climate where it rarely ever rains then this is likely to be less of a dealbreaker for you. However, if you even bike in an area that is prone to downpours, then a waterproof bag is essential.
Volume: How much can it hold?
How much your bag holds can vary from model to model. Also, your needs may vary from the next person. To find the right size bag for you, you need to carefully consider what you want to take with you on your bike trips.
What is essential for you may not be essential for someone else, so do remember that this is a personal choice. If you find that the only thing you need is room for a snack and a drink, then a smaller handlebar bag will be fine.
If you find that you want to be a little more prepared and get together a sort of daypack, then you would find a bigger handlebar bag most useful. Smaller bags vary in size from around 3 liters to 7 liters.
Larger bags are 7 liters and above and are usually roomy enough for overnight essential and sometimes even camping gear.
Bear in mind when considering the capacity of the bag that when it is full, it is going to add extra weight to the bike itself. This may make riding more difficult and could affect factors such as your balance.
Carefully consider whether you need lots of capacity or whether you would be fine with a small bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you carry things on a bike?
Usebike bags. It will allow you to keep a balanced bike and still carry enough items.
You know all about the handlebar bag but have a look at other options for carrying items when you are on your bikes such as a saddlebag and a top tube bag.
Top tube bags allow for an easy access and some of them allow you to access your phone while riding. Saddlebags can be quite large without disturbing your ride (aka hitting your knees against the bag) or putting your handlebar out of balance.
Where do you put your cell phone when cycling?
When you are cycling you must have your cell phone with you as a way of contacting assistance should you damage your bike, encounter an emergency, or injure yourself.
However, riding a bike with your cell phone in your hand or a shallow pocket is dangerous and should not be done. Luckily, there are several ways that you can safely take your phone with you.
If you really must keep it on you then you should keep it in a deep pocket that has a zip to close it, preferably in a waterproof garment. However, we think that the very best way to store your phone when you are cycling is to place it in your handlebar bag (or any other bike safe bag you have).
This will ensure it is secure, it will make sure it stays dry, and it will also guarantee that it will not come flying off your person as you descend a steep hill or ride over rocky, uneven terrain.
Final Verdict
All in all, we have to choose the Roswheel Bike Front Handlebar Bag as our top pick simply because it was the most impressive handlebar bag that we came across in terms of size and durability.
However, the others are all worthy runners’ up, and we are sure that whatever of the five you choose you will be overjoyed to finally have some carrying space on your bike!