Life In The Saddle

Over the years I have tested countless handlebar bags, both for multi-day bikepacking expeditions and for everyday adventures; in that time, I have created a mental five-point checklist of all the things a compact handlebar bag must deliver on and feature: 100% waterproof – it needs to keep its contents safe and dry; otherwise, tools will go rusty, and you will need to take it off the bike every time you wash it or ride in the rain.  Secure Velcro mounting – straps are better than buckles in my experience, causing less damage to handlebars and allowing for maximum versatility.  Below computer mounting – it needs to hang below the horizontal level of the handlebar, so it does not conflict with the computer mount, but not so low that it hits the front wheel.  Durability – it needs to stand the test of time and constant use. This means the materials need to cope with prolonged periods of dampness and the buckles or zips need to last.    Compact size – large eno...

Last year I wrote a post 'What's in Your Gravel Adventure Handlebar Bag?' – it proved to be popular, perhaps because it provided a glimpse into my personal choices for my ride support kit. In this post, I turn to my road riding set-up, which is distinctly different from my gravel bike bag—with a lighter weight and more streamlined kit.  An obvious difference with my road handlebar bag is that to keep weight down, I also use a saddlebag on my road bike to house my tool kit, spare tube and repair kit. I also store my pump on the frame of my road bike rather than in the handlebar bag—to further distribute weight. I do not do these two things on a gravel bike because these two areas tend to receive too much in the way of wheel spray and muck. Omitting the tool kit from the line-up, you will see that my adventure road cycling handlebar bag is also subtly different in design and contents… Apidura Racing Handlebar Bag Mini Pack I have long admired Apidura kit, and their new ...

A handlebar bag is an undeniably useful addition to any adventure bike; allowing you to carry valuables and long ride essentials safe and close to hand. The new Chrome Industries Doubletrack Handlebar Sling Bag takes the concept of a handlebar bag and makes it even more useful and versatile; by allowing it to also be adapted into a sling shoulder bag or hip pack. The Doubletrack Handlebar Sling Bag has a vintage look and feel to it. The hard-wearing water-resistant canvas construction, with the leather logo patch and roll-top closure, instantly appeals for its retro heritage style. Chrome's signature styling is the start of the Doubletrack handlebar, but the real merit in this design lies in the practical details… Storage comes in the form of the main compartment with its roll-top closure and magnetic fid-lock clasp—though the brand does not claim this compartment to be waterproof, it has proven to be very weatherproof. There are then two mesh pockets on the side of the bag fo...

Waterproof handlebar bags are a great way to carry valuables and accessories on your ride when you have filled your jersey pockets, or you are wearing a casual tee. The Craft Cadence Waterproof Handlebar Bag is a superbly made example and has performed admirably throughout my testing; much as the Craft Cadence Waterproof Backpack did a few years ago. Made from a durable and fully waterproof coated tarpaulin material, with welded seams, the Craft Cadence Waterproof Handlebar Bag uses a simple clam shell closure design to keep its contents safe and dry. The bag boasts 3 litres of storage capacity in its waterproof interior, with an internal mesh pocket for small item organisation. This bag's capacity is enough for ride accessories, spares, a waterproof jacket, lunch, and even a camera; all essentials to take with you on a ride. The bag attaches to the handlebars using two robust belt straps, and a further optional third strap is supplied that can loop round the headtube of th...

Vaude make superb apparel and equipment; they have been my choice for clothing, tents, and bags on many past bikepacking adventures . The new range of bikepacking bags from the eco-conscious German brand caught my eye because of their simple and smart designs. The Aqua Box Light is the new ultralightweight handlebar bag in the range, offering four litres of storage in a tiny 170-gram package. Here is my review… Handlebar bags have evolved a lot since the traditional 'box' design that sat prominently in front of the handlebars of a touring bike. With the growth of bikepacking , riders have demanded lighter handlebar bags that will house their valuables safely within their gaze but will not obscure the bike's front wheel for those technical off-road sections. The Vaude Aqua Box Light Handlebar Bag is a further evolution of the minimalist tendency seen in handlebar bag design. It is in essence a shaped roll-top waterproof bag that attaches to your handlebars with two robust ...