handlebar bags for carbon handlebars

[wallybeagle]

Any suggestions for a fairly good size handlebar bag (touring, not bikepacking) with a map pocket on top that can be attached to Carbon Handlebars??

[John Nettles]

I am not an expert on carbon bars but I have heard that any type of clamping can potentially fatally crack a bar.  Since most handlebar bags have a clamping system of some sort, I would personally not use a handlebar bag on a carbon fiber bar.

Hopefully, my info is out of date.

Tailwinds, John

[wallybeagle]

I'll likely look for a system that does not clamp; possibly velcro. The Bicycle Transportation Alliance reports:

"How do you set up handlebar bags on carbon fiber handlebars?

Many cyclists think of carbon fiber handlebars as a more fragile version of aluminum or steel handlebars. However, that can’t be further from the truth.

Carbon fiber handlebars are actually relatively stronger and more durable, so there’s no need to worry about attaching handlebar bags to your carbon fiber components. They should be fine even after attaching bike touring bags."

i agree- my carbon bars are less prone to damage that aluminum.

[John Nettles]

Learn something new every day!  Thanks, John

[HikeBikeCook]

Given that information Ortlieb has a fine selection.

[staehpj1]

Ones that velcro on are an option as has been mentioned.

Using a little rack also works very well.  I used a tiny rack that was mounted to canti brake bosses.  I found I much preferred it to a bracket mounted to the bar.  I just set the bag on the rack and wrapped the shoulder strap to hold it in place.  I liked the lower position.  It came on and off easily.  It worked out well all around.  The little racks were dirt cheap and available for about $10 at the time.  i have looked for them lately, but at the time I think one brand was sunlite or something like that.  I mounted one with p-clamps once with some success.  I wound up using doubled up p-clamps with a little plate to connect them when a single one tended to slip.

If you have front pannier racks that have a platform you could also use that.

Edit: I checked and it looks like the sunlite racks are still available if you google them.  Nashbar or Performance may have them rebadged with a house brand,  They used to, but I didn't check now.

Oh and by the way, I have also fitted them on the back to hold a tent, sleeping bag or stuff sack of misc. stuff.

[Pat Lamb]

It's been a few year since I put my latest Ortlieb HB bag mount on, but it came with dire warnings NOT to use it with carbon bars.  I don't know whether that's the lawyers talking, or if the relatively high loading from a 1/8" cable supporting 10-15 pounds can really damage the bars.

However, if you're using a threadless stem with about 1-1.25" of spacers, you could put on an accessory bar (like https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/accessories/thorn-accessory-bar-mk1-t-shaped-105-mm-extension-222-mm-0-deg-satin-silver/?geoc=US) and mount the bag to that.

[ray b]

Any suggestions for a fairly good size handlebar bag (touring, not bikepacking) with a map pocket on top that can be attached to Carbon Handlebars??

I like John Nettles' philosophy - one has to treat carbon fiber with respect.

But, all are correct.

I like the Arkel bags for touring smooth roads - the clamps sit on the thicker clamping area of the the bars. I've only had to buy one - after my 1970s Eclipse pro bag finally took enough UV light, sand, and abuse to give out. The mounting system for the Eclipse hooked under the stem and over the bars - and served as a reminder to never overload the bar bag.

That said, if you bought into the carbon bars for gravel and washboard and a lot of bumping or shaking, a strap system can work with some brake and shifting cables, but in my case, I've moved to a Surly 8-pack, porteur style rack with a small Lone Peak Shorty bag (that only holds a 6-pack), figuring that any weight bouncing around should have at least two axes of attachment. 

[MesaBeer]

I totally get your search for the perfect handlebar bag! I've been on the hunt for one myself, and it's all about finding that right fit for carbon handlebars, right?
From my experience, Roswheel and Topeak have some solid options with map pockets. They usually come with adjustable straps, making it easier to fit on different handlebars. However, If you're looking for a fancy option, check out this site https://vonbaer.com/blogs/blog/what-is-vegetable-tanned-leather-how-is-it-made. I hope you like it!

[wallybeagle]

Well, I rode across coast to coast, solo in 2021 using the Ortlieb handlebar bags on my Whiskey carbon handlebars. I set strips of tire tube underneath the wiring on the bars as a precaution for cracking. I don't think I had more than the map on top and a few light items in the bag so may have weighed all of .5 pound. The carbon bars are thick and bombproof, and the set up was effective. I would (will) do it again.