How many bags do you carry on your bike?

[tbessie]

I tend to like things tidy, and for some reason I just HATE handlebar bags (the way they look, having something sitting right in front of me like that, etc).

On my last tour, I just used Ortlieb front/back rollers, and bungied my tent and sleepbag, etc. to the top of my rack.  I ran into a couple that were on a long-distance tour (more than a year around the States), and they had the same setup, except they put their tent, sleeping bag, etc. into an Ortlieb Rack-Pack and had THAT on the top of the rack.  I've since gotten one of those, and will use that in my next tour.

I don't understand why people don't mind having more than 5 bags on their bike; the handlebar bags, piles and piles of extra stuff on top of the wrack, triangle frame bags, etc. seem somehow like overkill to me (and I'm far from a minimalist).

If you're someone who puts on more than those 5 basic bags - why do you do it?

- Tim

[indyfabz]

I am a four-bagger who now puts his tent in one pannier;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/105349603@N05/21974111708/in/album-72157659421384310/

rather than on the front rack platform like I used to:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/davez2007/8693744863/in/album-72157633368316419/

I still have the front platform for the bag if I need extra capacity for food. Plus, it makes a great firewood carrier.

Some people carry more than others and need more capacity. Some people like a bar bag because it offers easy access to oft used items like sun block and cameras, and you can easily remove it and take it and your valuables with you when you leave the bike. Some bar bags have clear map cases on the their tops. It's all good as long as your having a good time.

[planeguy5]

What front rack are you using? I'm looking for a rack just like the one in your photo for my new Mazama.

[Pat Lamb]

I tend to like things tidy, and for some reason I just HATE handlebar bags (the way they look, having something sitting right in front of me like that, etc).

There's no accounting for taste, but I use a bar bag and the only time I don't have one on my bike is when I've got a pannier or two loaded up for commuting.  It's too versatile to do without!  Spare tube, wallet, sunscreen, camera, cell phone keys, all right there; and going into a store or restaurant, push the button forward, lift the bag out, and it goes with me.

There's also the matter of how do you carry a map or cue cards?  I get a tiny bit smug when I watch people using binder clips, or reaching back to grab it out of their jersey pocket, or even rolling shorts legs up to pull out a cue sheet.  Me?  I look down at the map carrier sitting on top of my bar bag.  My maps are safe in the wind and dry in the rain.  I'm normally pretty humble on a bike (I have a lot to be humble about!), but while you're sneering at my bar bag and fumbling with your maps, I'll be watching and smirking right back at'cha. 

[RussSeaton]

On loaded tours, a handlebar bag provides the ideal place to put a camera (phone today I guess) and map.  When you come to an intersection and need to look at a map, do you stop, dismount, undo the pannier, and pull out the map to look at it?  Then repeat in reverse after looking at the map.  And when you stop to take a picture, do you stop, dismount, undo the pannier, pull out the camera, take picture.  Then repeat in reverse after the picture.  I just stop, flip the handlebar bag open, take out the camera and take the picture.

[indyfabz]

What front rack are you using? I'm looking for a rack just like the one in your photo for my new Mazama.

It's the Nitto Big Front Rack from Rivendell. It's not cheap (understatement of the day), but it's incredibly strong and good looking, with a nickel plated finish. The panniers will ride a little higher than with low riders, which provides more ground clearance. I don't have any handling problems with the weight a little higher, but I cannot compare the ride to low riders since I have always used a front rack that puts the panniers higher than they would be with a low rider rack. One time I was able to duct tape a freshly baked pie from a roadside stand to the front rack on way home from a long weekend tour. I like the versatility it offers.

If you want something with a front platform that is more affordable, I think Jandd still makes its Extreme front rack.

[BikePacker]

I tend to like things tidy.....

I don't understand why people don't mind having more than 5 bags on their bike; the handlebar bags, piles and piles of extra stuff on top of the wrack, triangle frame bags, etc. seem somehow like overkill to me (and I'm far from a minimalist).

If you're someone who puts on more than those 5 basic bags - why do you do it?

- Tim

Have thought thru your Q(s) 4 or 5 times .....
.... your Q(s) are of value to me because I always have to ask myself the same in preparation of every tour.
How much I find myself packing (& on some tours I do have more than 5 bags) for each tour is a balancing out of mainly 3 dimensions:
risk factors, creature comforts and weight/bulk ....
while I, also, have an interest in "appearance/tidy-ness," it gets pushed lower on my list of priorities by the above .... I am just endeavoring to enjoy and survive the tour conditions, whatever may be thrown at me; thus, sometimes 5+ bags have happened! 

[RussSeaton]

One time I was able to duct tape a freshly baked pie from a roadside stand to the front rack on way home from a long weekend tour.

  You carried a roll of duct tape on a weekend tour?  Wondering which way the pendulum swings.  Do you carry two rolls of duct tape and a roll of wire for a one day ride?  Or two rolls of duct tape and the wire for a week long tour?  What length of ride do you throw caution to the wind and say "NO DUCT TAPE for this ride!!!!".

[John Nelson]

I like a tidy appearance too. I have four panniers, a handlebar bag and my tent on the rear rack. I occasionally have stuff on the outside of my panniers, but only if I have wet stuff to dry or need to keep my raincoat handy when rain is threatening. I never use bungee cords. The handlebar bag is essential for me, because that's where I keep food that I can access on the move.

A tide appearance improves safety too, as there's less chance of stuff getting caught in your wheels.

[wishard]

I was no the original poster about the duct tape but I will admit I always carry duct tape with me, goes back to my days backpacking I guess.  It was something I learned from someone else, not my original idea but not sure why no one has ever marketed smaller rolls.  Take an ink pen (like the good old fashioned Bic cheapos), unroll about 10' from a big roll of duct tape and roll it up on the pen.  I've used it for a lot of different uses from lashing loose stuff down to fixing a big rip on a strangers pants.