from Rookie’s keyboard,
Hello, friends
Today, I had to work as a cashier at the bike shop rather than a mechanic. And as you probably know, I prefer the latter.
Anyway, a man who appeared to be around 45 years old asked me for advice on bicycle bags. His dilemma was between a frame bag (not the largest models because his frame has a sloping top tube) and a handlebar model.
Well, there is no dilemma for me. IMO handlebar bags are the GOAT of bicycle bags and certainly beat frame bags…
Here’s why:
- More Volume
A handlebar bag (HB) can be filled with fairly large items (e.g., a jacket…etc.)
Meanwhile, the shape and position of a frame bag (FB) restrict its volume considerably.
If you load a frame bag with voluminous cargo, it may tear or come in contact with your legs while pedaling – an annoying outcome, especially on a long trip.
- Protected From Dirt
HBs sit high above the ground and pick less dirt and road spray.
In different, the bottom part of full-size FBs often gets really dirty due to its proximity to the road and the rider’s shoes.
Obviously, the contamination is a lot worse when the bike doesn’t have full fenders. But even with full fenders on, some dirt will reach the lower part of the bag.
- Quick Installation and Removal
Most handlebar bags are fairly simple to install and remove. Most attach to the handlebars either via Velcro loops or a quick-release mechanism.
You can easily get rid of the bag when it prevents repairs (e.g., replacement of a gear or brake cable…etc.) or when it’s simply not needed.
On the other hand, frame bags, especially the larger models, are trickier to fit and attach. Hence why most cyclists rarely remove them from the bike.
- Easy Access
Some handlebar bags have a “basket mode” (a.k.a. an option not to close the bag) which gives you super quick and easy access to the contents.
Also, some models have side pockets that can be used for storing small items that you need frequently during a ride.
- Maps
Some HBs have a special compartment for a map. This option is very convenient for touring cyclists who don’t rely on electronics and GPS systems or simply want to have a backup navigation option.
Of course, nothing is perfect and HBs don’t make an exception. They have their downside that may be somewhat annoying to many of you (I don’t mind).
The main issues are:
- Different/Poor/Heavy Steering
If a handlebar bag is loaded to the maximum, it harms the steering of the bike.
If the transported cargo is light, however, this negative effect is not observed.
- Cluttered Handlebar Area
A HBs and its mounts add a lot of clutter to the handlebar area. The bag makes repairs and adjustments involving the zone more difficult and may have to be removed for some procedures.
The bag could interfere with handlebar accessories (e.g., computers, lights, water bottle mounts…etc.)
- Vulnerability
During a head-on collision, the bag and its contents can be damaged if the bike hits a tall object.
- You Can’t See The Front Wheel
A bulky bar bag makes it impossible to see the front wheel from a seated position.
This is a problem when you have to maneuver around in tight spots. But to be honest, you get used to it.
The front rack of my road bike prefevents me from seeing the front wheel too, but after a while, you stop carring.
- Drag
HBs are in front of the rider and create additional drag. The bigger the bag, the more noticeable the effect.
Thus, if you’re going strictly for speed, a saddlebag or a frame bag would be a better solution since they are far more aerodynamic.
Now Let’s Talk About Frame Bags
The fact that I don’t like frame bags does not mean they are worthless. They have their good side too. Those would be:
- Unaffected Steering
A frame bag is part of the frame (lol) and subsequently does not affect the bike’s steering, unlike handlebar bags.
- Discreteness
HBs are “in your face” and change the bike’s aesthetics from all sides. Conversely, FBs are more discrete and more difficult to notice, especially from the front and rear.
Thus, if you want a more blended cargo option, a frame bag is a logical choice.
- No Dead Space
A FB is a very neat way to fill up the frame and add additional cargo space to a bike.
- Lighter
Frame bags are potentially lighter because they don’t require additional support structures (e.g., wooden dowels, racks…etc.) which are needed by larger HBs.
The purpose of the wooden dowel is to preserve the shape of the bag whereas the rack prevents the bag from hitting the front tire or fender.
Nonetheless, the pros of FBs are not enough to outweigh the cons, at least that’s how I see things.
Here are their downsides listed in a neat fashion:
- Super Narrow
As mentioned, FBs are narrow and cannot store bulky items such as large jackets, tents…etc.
- “Water Bottle Thieves“
A large frame bag occupies the entire triangle of the frame and prevents the rider from using the water bottle mounts. (this is very annoying tbh).
The options to circumvent this problem are:
- Install water bottle cages on the downtube (very few frames offer this option)
- Install water bottle cages on the handlebars, the seat or the seat post.
- Use an alternative hydration system (e.g., hydration bladder)
- Use a smaller frame bag allowing you to install a water bottle cage on the downtube’s upper side.
- The Bike Becomes More Difficult To Carry
With a FB on, you won’t be able to carry the bike by putting the underside of the top tube on your shoulder. This could be problematic if you have to climb stairs or hills.
One way out is to put the underside of the seat on your shoulder instead and carry the bike this way. The downside is that many people find this method unstable and uncomfortable.
- Slower Installation and Removal (this is a minor con)
A large FB is a bit finicky to install hence why most people are reluctant to remove it once it’s on the bike.
- Custom Frame Bags Are Expensive (the same applies to custom HBs)
The only way to ensure that a frame bag fits nicely is to get a custom one made for your specific frame. However, this route is expensive and will cost you hundreds of dollars.
My experience:
I ran the bag in the picture below for years as my default daily cargo space.
(Currently, I am not riding that bike. I switched to a steel road bike as it’s faster and I simply like the looks of those machines.)
But that hardtail was my commuter for 5 long and difficult years of my life. In fact, it was one of few friends I had throughout that time frame. I have plans to rebuild it (it’s currently disassembled in my closet.) and re-paint the frame some screeming color (e.g., purple).
Until next time, friends
– Rookie
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