lab@qubix.UUCP (Q-Bick) (04/20/84)
I have a Univega with a Balckburn/Kangaroo bag on the rear which neither
is big enough nor is as accessible as desired, so I'm looking into front
bags at the handlebar level (not low-mount panniers).
Would like recommendations/experience with various frames and bags,
including weight, ease of use, stability, and cost.
--
The Ice Floe of Larry Bickford
{decvax,ihnp4,ucbvax}!{decwrl,sun}!qubix!lab
decwrl!qubix!lab@Berkeley.ARPAharris@uiuccsb.UUCP (04/25/84)
#R:qubix:-102500:uiuccsb:16200026:000:1755
uiuccsb!harris Apr 25 01:18:00 1984
If you are looking to pack a lot of weight into the handlebar bag, then
perhaps you should look into front panniers. Handlebar bags with lots of
stuff in them make the bike less stable. If you do any serious hill climbing,
it will be particularly troublesome, both going up and coming down.
For light stuff, they're great. I have a Frostline front bag, which is a copy
of the Kirtland bag from a few years back. It has a main pocket about the
size of their largest front bag, but only has one pocket in front. I wouldn't
want to get anything smaller, since I like to put my windbreaker, camera,
and munchies in there.
Some goodies to look for:
-map pocket (better if detachable)
-velcro tab to keep the top closed without having to zip it.
-A mounting system that avoids
1) elastic around the head tube - works well, but wears the paint
2) elastic straps that hook onto the axles or something down there-
I was told a plausible, supposedly true, story that someone ended
up in the hospital with serious injuries because the handlebar bag
slipped off the bag support and the elastic straps pulled it onto,
then under the front wheel, with the presumed effect. I've looked
at the newer mounting systems that use this, and I can't see how
that could happen with them, but its something to check out, anyway.
From the bags I've seen, the new Kirtland mount that clamps onto the handlebar
is the best. I have no personal experience with it, though.
P.S. Something else to avoid: velcro that holds the bag to the bag support.
My bag has that, and it has a tendency to work loose during the day. Again,
it seems as though the clips that Kirtland uses would work the best.
Jon Harrispaul@uiucuxc.UUCP (04/30/84)
#R:qubix:-102500:uiucuxc:26700008:000:665
uiucuxc!paul Apr 29 22:21:00 1984
Re: Handlebar bags
Buy the biggest you can find. I use the Kirtland X/T Elite which has
room for windbreaker, sweatpants, spare water bottle, tools (in rear
pocket), and pocket items (keys, wallet, etc) in front pocket. There's
even room for some munchies. The mounting system is totally problem
free. The bag attaches through leather loops with clips to hold it in
position. Bag is easily removed to avoid theft. Map pocket in the top
with velcro fasteners / zipper. REI Co-op usually has good prices (~$40).
Paul Pomes
uucp: {ihnp4,pur-ee}!uiucdcs!uiucuxc!paul
US Mail: University of Illinois
1304 W Springfield, Urbana, IL 61801lizard@nbires.UUCP (LisaLynn Turboff) (05/15/84)
I just read where someone said to get the biggest one you can find. I disagree. Buy a moderately sized one that you won't be tempted to over stuff. When your monster bag becomes full, the bike becomes very difficult to steer; so buy a smaller one. If you need to carry an extra water bottle, attach a second bottle cage. If you really need to carry a lot of clothing and food, use a fanny pack or get a jersey. Whenever buying panniers, buy Kirtland. They are the best. nbires!lizard Lisa ~
schwager@uiucdcs.UUCP (05/18/84)
#R:nbires:-32000:uiucdcs:38200012:000:343 uiucdcs!schwager May 18 15:59:00 1984 >>Whenever buying panniers, buy Kirtland. They are the best. >> >> nbires!lizard >> Lisa > /* ---------- */ What makes Kirtland so good? They're about twice as much as anybody else's, like Cannondale- and some friends of mine who have the Cannondales are very happy with them. Why spend all that cash? -uiucdcs!schwager mike schwager