Busy busy handlebars

[Cathryn]

I just tried to attach my ortlieb handlebar bag mount (wow, that’s a big job). Just about made it work but then realised there’s no space for my wahoo mount! The current angle is horrible.

Any bright ideas?

 

[chriswoody]

You could try one of these from Topeak:

There really useful and can attach in multiple ways, it would look a little cumbersome, but it may well work.

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/product/209-BARXTENDER

 

[roubaixtuesday]

I just tried to attach my ortlieb handlebar bag mount (wow, that’s a big job). Just about made it work but then realised there’s no space for my wahoo mount! The current angle is horrible.

Any bright ideas?

I've done this two ways on different bikes.

One is to get an extender bar for the ortlieb mount

https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/ortlieb_ultimate_six_adapter_support-ID_76762

The other is too get a headset top cap mount

https://jrc-components.com/en-gb/products/jrc-components-enkei-top-cap-mount-wahoo

Both work well

[Edit: for the ortlieb bars option I used the stem mount on them, I think the forward mount would wobble too much]

 

[rualexander]

Stem mount.
Top cap mount.
Accessory mount.

 

[figbat]

The Wahoo comes with a stem mount you could use (either on the stem or on the bars). I also use a stem cap mount which is good but if you tend to upend the bike for maintenance it can get damaged.

 

[Cathryn]

Thanks everyone!

 

[dimrub]

Yes, it's a constant struggle. There are other handlebar bags (there's one on kickstarter) that have a place to mount a computer on top of a bag, but lacking those, I go for the stem mount (with rubber bands).

 

[PaulSB]

The other is too get a headset top cap mount

https://jrc-components.com/en-gb/products/jrc-components-enkei-top-cap-mount-wahoo

I don't think I would get on with one of those but very interesting to know about. Thanks. 👍

 

[PaulSB]

I just tried to attach my ortlieb handlebar bag mount (wow, that’s a big job). Just about made it work but then realised there’s no space for my wahoo mount! The current angle is horrible.

Any bright ideas?

An alternative view. Do you really need a bag of this size? I think I've read you're off on a family cycling holiday so I appreciate it may well be necessary.

My approach has evolved over the last two years. This is for both our usual short rides, 50-60 miles, and "big" days out, 100+ often gravel. For shorter rides I use this Restrap bag for tools, snacks, glasses and rain jacket.

Canister Bag (1.5 Litres) – Restrap https://share.google/y4s2KasoQnmuBuTbp

This can be a squeeze and sometimes I still have to use jersey pockets which I don't like. A few months ago I invested in Lusso Terra Cargo bib shorts. The leg pockets are ideal for a phone and/or items one wants easily accessible - snacks in my case. The big win with these bibs is the full width pocket across the back. It's ideal for rain jacket, gilet etc and I'm completely unaware I'm using it. The best rear pocket I've known.

Terra Cargo Bib Shorts https://share.google/1o6asKMogkOpzjXtN

If all else fails I still have my tool pouch available to go under the saddle. I rarely use this in summer. It's a winter thing to create more room in the bar bag for winter clothing.

Tool Pouch (0.6 Litres) – Restrap https://share.google/bxkVvXHEUTSCoNCGQ

I don't pretend this is a cheap option but it's one alternative to a large bar bag, something I would find very uncomfortable and limiting to use. I couldn't ride with such a large bag. While these companies are top of the price range I find their product quality, service and ethos more than justifies the prices.

 

[Cathryn]

An alternative view. Do you really need a bag of this size? I think I've read you're off on a family cycling holiday so I appreciate it may well be necessary.

My approach has evolved over the last two years. This is for both our usual short rides, 50-60 miles, and "big" days out, 100+ often gravel. For shorter rides I use this Restrap bag for tools, snacks, glasses and rain jacket.

Canister Bag (1.5 Litres) – Restrap https://share.google/y4s2KasoQnmuBuTbp

This can be a squeeze and sometimes I still have to use jersey pockets which I don't like. A few months ago I invested in Lusso Terra Cargo bib shorts. The leg pockets are ideal for a phone and/or items one wants easily accessible - snacks in my case. The big win with these bibs is the full width pocket across the back. It's ideal for rain jacket, gilet etc and I'm completely unaware I'm using it. The best rear pocket I've known.

Terra Cargo Bib Shorts https://share.google/1o6asKMogkOpzjXtN

If all else fails I still have my tool pouch available to go under the saddle. I rarely use this in summer. It's a winter thing to create more room in the bar bag for winter clothing.

Tool Pouch (0.6 Litres) – Restrap https://share.google/bxkVvXHEUTSCoNCGQ

I don't pretend this is a cheap option but it's one alternative to a large bar bag, something I would find very uncomfortable and limiting to use. I couldn't ride with such a large bag. While these companies are top of the price range I find their product quality, service and ethos more than justifies the prices.

You’re right and that was my solution. I have a smaller handlebar bag so I just used that. I like the big one in that’s it’s solid and totally waterproof but it also feels like I’m pushing a suitcase in front of me so the smaller one does just as well. Thanks for the options too!