One of the first bike bags you will probably buy the best Bike Handlebar Bags. After installing front and rear lights and maybe a small tool bag on the seat, the easiest way to take snacks, a jacket, and other small items while riding is in a handlebar bag. Whether you want to bring your burrito from the taqueria to the park or your camping gear on a weekend trip, we can assist you in finding the best handlebar bags.
We looked at handlebar bags for bicycles that could be used for both indoor and outdoor excursions. We put them to the test on rides across the Bay Area, bike camping excursions to the Sierra, and rides along the PCH. Here are the best bike handlebar bags for all kinds of riding, including choices for heavy rain, commuting, bikepacking, bike touring, and running errands around town.
Best Bike Handlebar Bags Comparison Table
Handlebar Bag Model | Waterproof | Capacity (Liters) | Material | Weight (grams) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chrome Helix | Yes | 10 | Nylon | 454 |
Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Classic | Yes | 7 | Polyester | 570 |
Vaude Aqua Box | Yes | 6 | Polyurethane | 425 |
Topeak FrontLoader | Yes | 8 | Polyester | 470 |
Rock Bros Bikepacking | Yes | 7 | Polyester | 265 |
Chrome Helix
Handlebar Bag | Chrome Helix |
---|---|
Material | Nylon |
Volume | 14L |
Waterproof | Yes |
Mounting System | Quick-release bracket |
Weight | 1.25 lbs |
The Chrome Helix Handlebar Bag is stylish enough to take anywhere, but its Velcro harness attachment method didn’t work as well on our bike as the one on our top pick. Some people might be surprised to hear that a $65 bag is a “budget pick,” but we found that $50 to $60 was the least you could spend on a bag and still have it be strong enough to not move around on the wheels. This rectangular bag is 3 liters, which is about the size of two white folding-box takeout cases. The lid opens toward you, making it easy to get things out while you are riding. Overall, this is one of the best bike handlebar bags that you can buy right now.
This isn’t a unique feature, but not all handlebar bags have it. The Helix doesn’t have any pockets on the outside, but it does have two zipper pockets on the inside. It’s made of polyurethane-coated polyester, which is strong and very water-resistant. It’s also stiff enough to keep its shape even when it’s empty. This bag’s sling belt can be put away, so you can carry it even when you are not on a bike.
Pros
- Made of durable, water-resistant material.
- The bag’s capacity is expandable.
- Easy to access the bag while riding.
Cons
- May not fit all bike handlebars.
- Limited color options.
- Higher price compared to some other options.
Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Classic
Handlebar Bag | Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Classic |
---|---|
Material | Nylon, PVC |
Volume | 7L |
Waterproof | Yes |
Mounting System | Quick-release bracket |
Weight | 1.6 lbs |
Since more than 10 years ago, my favorite Bike Touring Handlebar bag has been the Ortlieb Ultimate Classic. It is sturdy, waterproof, and big enough to hold your camera and other things you may need to get to quickly. I like the quick-release mounting method and the handy shoulder strap that can be taken off. Once you get off your bike, you can use the bag’s shoulder strap to turn it into a handy shoulder bag.
It can only hold about 7 liters, which is not very much, but it’s still big enough to hold all your most important things. If you wanted the 5 L version, it would come with a clear plastic pocket that could hold maps, smartphones, etc. Currently, this is one of the best bike handlebar bags that you can buy right now.
It comes with the safe Ortlieb mounting system and has a lid with a magnetic closure to keep it shut. And it’s made of nylon that is 100% waterproof. Once the bag is on the bike, you can lock it with one hand, and there’s a separate zipper pocket inside for important things like your wallet, ID, and keys.
Pros
- Made of waterproof material.
- Comes with a lockable mounting system.
- Multiple color options available.
Cons
- Limited capacity compared to some other bags.
- May not fit all bike handlebars.
- Higher price compared to some other options.
Vaude Aqua Box
Handlebar Bag | Vaude Aqua Box |
---|---|
Material | Polyester |
Volume | 6L |
Waterproof | Yes |
Mounting System | Quick-release bracket |
Weight | 0.88 lbs |
The Vaude Aqua Box Handlebar Bag is another high-quality handlebar bag for road bikes, commuting, and bike travel. If the Ortlieb model wasn’t a little bit better, it would have been higher on the list. First of all, it’s very impressive that the material used to make this bag is carbon-neutral. This means that making the bag didn’t hurt the earth in any way.
It doesn’t have any PVC, but Vaude didn’t make any changes to the bag’s water protection, so all of your things will stay dry. It only holds 6 liters, but that’s enough for a front bike bag to keep smaller items safe and secure. For now, this is one of the best bike handlebar bags that you can buy right now.
It has its own KlickFix connector system built in. Although it creates a very strong connection, it can be quickly removed if necessary. It has a shoulder strap, which is useful if you need to carry your bag after parking your car. Just take the clip off, and you are all set.
Pros
- Comes with a removable shoulder strap.
- Has an integrated rain cover.
- Made of durable, waterproof material.
Cons
- Limited color options.
- May not fit all bike handlebars.
- Higher price compared to some other options.
Topeak FrontLoader Black
Handlebar Bag | Topeak FrontLoader Black |
---|---|
Material | Nylon |
Volume | 8L |
Waterproof | No |
Mounting System | Quick-release bracket |
Weight | 0.84 lbs |
The Topeak Frontloader is a good choice for those on a budget who want a good front handlebar bag for bikepacking. It has a button that lets air out and can hold up to 8 liters of items, allowing you to pack as much as you can. For storing clothing, a sleeping bag, or a sleeping pad, it is the ideal size.
Your gear will stay dry no matter how hard it rains because it comes with a removable waterproof dry bag. The bag is easy to attach to the handlebar and stays in place because the straps can be adjusted to fit most bikes. Overall, this is a good handlebar bag for road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, Bikepacking, and traveling. Still, this is one of the best bike handlebar bags that you can buy right now.
Pros
- Made of water-resistant material.
- Easy to access the bag while riding.
- Compatible with a variety of bike handlebars.
Cons
- Limited capacity compared to some other bags.
- May not fit all bike handlebars.
- Higher price compared to some other options.
Rock Bros Bikepacking
Handlebar Bag | Rock Bros Bikepacking |
---|---|
Material | Nylon |
Volume | 14L |
Waterproof | Yes |
Mounting System | Quick-release bracket |
Weight | 1.46 lbs |
The Rock Bros Bikepacking bag is another good choice for those on a budget. It’s not only a good price, but it’s also a good quality bag, though not as good as the Revelate Designs or Ortlieb bags.
It can hold as little as 7 liters for your belongings or as much as 14 liters, which is enough for a sleeping bag, a change of clothes, and a change of clothes, if you stretch it out. Or even a 3-person tent. Thus, this is one of the best bike handlebar bags that you can buy right now.
You can also attach extra gear with the straps or stretchy cords on the outside. There are also 5 set points that make sure your gear stays safe. It is made of high-strength, tear-resistant 600 denier fabric and has a TPU film that is 100% waterproof.
Pros
- Made of durable, water-resistant material.
- Comes with a shoulder strap for easy transport off the bike.
- Multiple color options available.
Cons
- Limited capacity compared to some other bags.
- May not fit all bike handlebars.
- Some reviewers report difficulty accessing the bag while riding.
FAQs
A bike handlebar bag is a small bag that attaches to the handlebars of a bicycle. It is designed to be easily accessible and can hold small items such as a phone, keys, wallet, or snacks.
A handlebar bag allows you to carry essential items in an easily accessible location while you ride your bike. This can be particularly useful for short rides or when you don’t want to carry a larger backpack or pannier.
When looking for a handlebar bag, consider the size and capacity of the bag, the materials used to construct it, the attachment mechanism, and any additional features such as pockets or waterproofing.