map cases

[gatorprof]

I want to get a map case. Since I am within about 10 miles of the Southern Tier route and plan to do short trips on it I was thinking of getting the Adventure Cycling Map Case that fits the ACA maps. But from the picture it looks like it covers the entire top of the handlebars, which is where my bike computer is. Anyone have experience with this map case? Any other suggestions?

[FredHiltz]

As Nlsteve wrote in your other thread, "Get a handlebar bag with a mapholder on top." Most of them have one.

Fred

[dkoloko]

I do not use a handlebar bag. Had one, sold it. I use Bycue cue sheet holder. Insert your own plastic pouch. Available at very low prices if bought in quantity. Recommended to organization's store; no reply.

[Old Guy New Hobby]

The ACA maps have a lot of great features, but I couldn't read one while I'm riding, especially through plastic. The details are too small. If you really plan to use the ACA maps while you ride, you'll probably have to stop to give the map a careful look, which means storing the map in a jersey pocket would work as well as anything.

There are dozens of ways to protect maps or route sheets. If you're not riding in the rain, just clip the map to your brake cables. If you want the map on the side, put a couple of zip ties around your handle bars and clip to those. Or put the map in a zip-lock freezer bag, then clip the bag. I once met a person that used to be in the high school marching band. they used the plastic pouch that protected the music in the rain. Also, there's no biking rule that the computer has to be in the center of the handle bars. They're pretty easy to move.

[awbikes]

My wife an I each have the Ortlieb Ultimate 5 handlebar bag with the accessory map case. For easy access to read maps or written Q sheets (directions) you can't do much better than the Ortlieb set-up. It is a bit pricey @ about 130.00 plus for bag and map case.

[bogiesan]

Banjo Bros is having a clearance sale in August, 2012. This post won't be valid in a few weeks. Their simple handlebar map case is only US$7.00.

[nlsteve]

Old Guy says:

"The ACA maps have a lot of great features, but I couldn't read one while I'm riding, especially through plastic. The details are too small. If you really plan to use the ACA maps while you ride, you'll probably have to stop to give the map a careful look, which means storing the map in a jersey pocket would work as well as anything."

I find a map case convenient not when riding, but when stopped. Having a map case makes it easy to just stop the bike and study the map without dismounting.  I'm not trying to change Old Guy's habits; I'm just mentioning this for those who maybe haven't used a handlebar map case of some kind (either a standalone map holder or handlebar bag with holder) before. 

Steve

[indyfabz]

The ACA maps have a lot of great features, but I couldn't read one while I'm riding, especially through plastic. The details are too small. If you really plan to use the ACA maps while you ride, you'll probably have to stop to give the map a careful look, which means storing the map in a jersey pocket would work as well as anything.

+1. And you don't have to dismount to read it when stopped if you carry it in your jersey  pocket any more than you need to dismount to reach a Cliff Bar in your back pocket.

The maps are extremely hardy. I have front rack with a platform and have always secured the day's map under the bungee cords that secure my sleeping back to the platform. Never found the need to protect them with a map case, even in all day rain.

BTW...The maps also make handy insulators. If you get sweaty climbing a pass, stick one inside the front of your jersey for the descent.

[bogiesan]

I want to get a map case. Since I am within about 10 miles of the Southern Tier route and plan to do short trips on it I was thinking of getting the Adventure Cycling Map Case that fits the ACA maps. But from the picture it looks like it covers the entire top of the handlebars, which is where my bike computer is. Anyone have experience with this map case? Any other suggestions?

For on-bike use while riding? All you need is a couple of alligator or binder clips and a ziplock bag.