Handlebar panniers and bags

There are mainly 2 types of handlebar bags: those more dedicated to bikepacking and those oriented towards travel and cycling on paved roads.

As long as other accessories or cables are not in the way, the 2 types of bags can be fixed on both drop or straight handlebars.

Handlebar bags for bikepacking

Handlebar bags for bikepacking are generally composed of a waterproof bag held in a harness securely attached to the handlebar. The waterproof bag can be easily detached from its harness, which remains attached to the bike during the night for example.

Miss Grape Tendril

Other bags consist only of a double ended dry bag fixed directly to the handlebar by a set of straps and shims, a compression system minimizing its external dimensions.

It is generally used to transport light and bulky items that are rarely needed along the way, but rather at the bivouac (sleeping bag, mattress, clothes…)

The advantage of bikepacking handlebar bags is that they are rather lightweight and hold well on the handlebars without the need for a KLICKfix bracket. With this type of bag you don’t have to be afraid to go on very rough roads.

Their main disadvantage is that it is not easy to access their contents during the ride, so a sleeping bag rather than a camera will be carried there.

Handlebar panniers for cycling and trips

Carradice “Super C”

These bags consist of a large rectangular compartment easily accessible via a cover on top closing with a zipper or by a snap or clip system.

The pannier is not directly attached to the handlebar but on a support from which it can be easily removed. However, it is not recommended to use it on unpaved roads. On mountain bike or Gravel type routes, annoying vertical vibrations will be unavoidable.

Easily accessible, it mainly stores objects that should be easily accessible during the ride (wallet, camera,…). On the top of the cover, it is often possible to fit a transparent pocket for the road map or smartphone.

At Randobikeshop we prefer to distinguish between:

• the so-called “trekking” bags which are waterproof without the need for a rain cover. They are generally made of a tarpaulin-like material with welded seams. Their advantage is therefore their almost perfect waterproofness, on the other hand they often do not have storage pockets.
• the so-called “touring” bags, which are not waterproof without their rain cover. Made in Cordura with sewn seams, they are more practical than trekking ones because they are equipped with storage pockets for a better repartition of the contents.

If you have difficulty choosing between pockets or waterproofing, reading this page may help you : Waterproof vs Pockets