Finding a handlebar bag can be a nightmare. You can never tell if it’s a good fit until you’ve made your purchase and received the item.
The good news is you’re not alone- I’ve had my fair share of annoyance and regrettable purchases. But because of this, I have come up with a list of the best handlebar bags.
I’ll guide you through what you need to look for and share with you my reviews.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick
The best bicycle handlebar bag is the MATTISAM Handlebar Bag. Check my review below and see why it’s my top pick.
Last update on 2024-04-20 at 02:08 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Consider Before Buying a Handlebar Bag
Bike handlebar bags should be suited for bulky but very light items, like towels, lightweight apparel, as well as tiny essentials including your wallet and phone. With that in mind, you need to consider the following factors.
Tire Clearance
I recommend checking this prior to any purchase to ensure your bike has plenty of tire clearance (the distance from your handlebars in your front tire) for a handlebar bag.
Most handlebar bags are created to match the vast majority of bikes, so for many individuals, this will not be an issue. But in case you have a smaller frame, then it is definitely worth double-checking to ensure a certain bag will fit.
Handlebar Compatibility
Based on what kind of handlebars you are using, several bags will work compared to others.
Drop bars are going to limit the breadth of the bag while flat bars will encounter problems with cable routing, particularly with bigger bags. Check the attachment first, I found it easy to gauge with pictures and my bike near me.
Stability
Exactly how steady do you need it to be?
Soft bags mounted with a lot of straps are safer than those mounted with brackets, although they’ll also take much longer to connect and remove.
Most handlebar bags are flexible, but in case you do need it to sit upright, then bags like the OBOVA handlebar bag will suit your needs.
Waterproofing
Although not vital for everybody, getting a waterproof handlebar bag is very helpful, and also it’s the norm for many brands to integrate water-resistant materials to keep your items safe from water splashes.
Capacity
Handlebar bags differ tremendously in size. Bags of around three liters are fantastic for morning trips and commuting, whilst bigger bags are essential for multi-day or overnight adventures where additional items are needed.
6 Best Bike Handlebar Bags Reviewed
Handlebar bags could be utilized for an extremely wide variety of applications, with choices ranging from compact and sleek bags created for morning trips, to cavernous packs capable of hauling enough camping gear and clothes just for the longest of expeditions. Find your next bag below.
1. OBOVA Bike Handlebar Bags
Key Features
- Attachment: Velcro straps
- Water-resistant with an inner PVC layer
- 135 FL OZ capacity
- Comes with a touch screen phone pocket
Ideal for commuters and cruisers the OBOVA bag comes as a versatile handlebar bag and shoulder bag.
It was created with ease of access in mind. It can store items such as your phone, house keys, a water bottle that still leaves you with enough room.
The body is made from 400D ripstop nylon which means it is dustproof or water splash resistant. Additionally, it comes with an integrated velcro attachment, which you are able to utilize for nighttime cycling with the reflective strip.
Pros
- The straps keep the bag securely in place
- The phone pocket lets you use your phone with ease
Cons
- Zipper has a tendency not to work properly
- Not compatible with certain handlebars
Last update on 2024-04-20 at 02:08 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Oranlife Bike Handlebar Bag
Key Features
- Attachment: Velcro straps
- Made of waterproof polyester
- 3.5L Capacity
Oranlife Bike Handlebar Bag makes my list with its cylindrical shape. It is versatile to convert into a shoulder bag. With a capacity of three and a half liters, it’s enough to keep your important items within reach.
The phone pocket comes with a zipper closure making it easier to place and remove at any time. The straps are well made enough that the bag sits upright.
Pros
- Bag sits upright
- Fits well even on folding bikes
Cons
- The touch screen feature isn’t smooth so you have to remove and put your phone back
- Moisture can get inside the phone area
Last update on 2024-04-20 at 02:08 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. MATTISAM Bike Handlebar Bag
Key Features
- Attachment: Velcro straps
- Made of 600D water-resistant polyester
- 3.5L Capacity
- Compatible with most bikes
Created from a waterproof synthetic material, the MATTISAM Handlebar bag has enough space to hold items without affecting your cycling experience.
This bag has two mesh pockets to store things that you would like to get into immediately. Fastening and mounting are very easily attained through velcro straps. It comes with thermal insulation keeping your drinks cold or any snack warm.
Pros
- Keeps your drinks cool
- Lightweight and easy to install
Cons
- Can be difficult to attach if you have brake or gear cables in front of the handlebar
- Doesn’t stay upright
Last update on 2024-04-20 at 02:08 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. WOTOW Bike Handlebar Bag
Key Features
- Attachment: Velcro straps
- Made of water-resistant 300D polyester
- 3L capacity
- Provides a 12-month warranty
For a sturdy and stable bag, the WOTOW Handlebar bag uses three velcro straps that secure the bag firmly. It connects to the handlebars with an extra strap to keep any brake or gear cable out of the way.
It is created with water and mud resistant material keeping your items safe from any water splashes. Despite the compact design, the bag still has a top pocket that can accommodate your phone.
Pros
- The extra velcro strap makes it easy to install even with cables near the handlebar
- Touch screen works well
Cons
- Phone pocket is not breathable and has a tendency to fog up or get hot
- The straps can be short on thick handlebars
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 19:07 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Lixada Bike Handlebar Bag
Key Features
- Attachment: Velcro straps
- Made of waterproof polyester
- Comes with shoulder straps
- Compatible with most bikes
You can find a lot of storage space with the Lixada Bike Bag and they are best to take lightweight items along with a tumbler for commuting or a short beach trip.
Mounting is quickly achieved through quick release velcro straps. This bag has a transparent pouch for your phone. My wife loves using this bag for short trips as it’s easy to remove from the handlebar and convert it to a shoulder bag without taking too much of her time.
Pros
- Well built and fits well
Cons
- Smaller than the actual photo
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 19:07 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Roswheel 11494 Bike Front Handlebar Bag
Key Features
- Attachment: three velcro straps
- Made of 600D polyester
- 5L capacity
- With PVC lining and padded PE board
Best for gravel and rough trails, the Roswheel 11494 handlebar bag performs well on those longer cycling trips. The bag comes with inner surface padding and two side pockets for smaller items. It works with velcro straps, making it so easy to connect and also remove from the handlebar when you have to.
The bag holds when and I find the size perfect when I’m cycling longer since I can pack a small towel inside, a tumbler, and still have room for my wallet. If you’re used to using a phone mount on your handlebar then this bag will serve well to store your stuff.
Pros
- Lots of room for items you need to take with you
- Straps on top of the bag can hold towels
Cons
- The bag sags down and doesn’t stay upright
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 19:07 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is Best?
When it comes down to picking one bag, I would say the best bike handlebar bag is the MATTISAM Bike Handlebar Bag. The side mesh pocket can hold my water so it’s easier for me to reach it when I need to. The thermal insulation was a feature I never knew I needed until I tried this bag. It can keep my drinks cool making my cycling experience better. It doesn’t keep the drink ice cold but cool enough to refresh you on a good workout. You can say goodbye to drinking warm water after this.
Last update on 2024-04-20 at 02:08 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
