Great review! I also bought the large Arkel handlebar bag, and you’re right: it’s huge. It’s also very heavy. I think anyone considering that bag should see it in person and try it out for themselves. It might be perfect for them, but they might also conclude it’s just too big and that the smaller size would be better. Also, it’s important to note that the front pocket adds considerably to the size. The front pocket is very handy, but it adds from two to the three inches to the overall size. That doesn’t matter when the bag is on the bike, but when you’re carrying it around, trying to stuff it into overhead compartments or between seats on a bus or train, those extra inches matter. The official dimensions in that graphic in your video shows the bag as being 9 inches by 6 inches. However, when you add on that front pocket, it changes to 9 inches by nearly 9 inches. And it’s an open question whether that front pocket is really that useful. The point of a handlebar bag is to provide easy access to items while you are on the bike. But that pocket is on the front of the bag, and it’s not that easy to reach while the bag is mounted on the bike. Personally, I prefer bags that are smooth on all sides and don’t have bulging outside pockets. The high rounded tops on these bags is also a questionable design choice. At least in the large size, the space in that high rounded lid is usable. There’s a zippered pocket there. However, as you pointed out, if you put items in that pocket, it makes the lid heavy and it crushes down on the lower part of the bag. It doesn’t sit right and it can interfere with the operation of the zipper. On top of that, when you open the bag and flip the lid open, it can be very awkward. It flops down heavily and feels unbalanced. It’s just not elegant. The small size fixes that problem by removing the zippered pocket and allowing the lid to fit over the bottom. However, that means the rounded portion under the lid is just empty space. It’s not used for anything at all. It’s part of the overall volume of the bag, but you can’t put anything into it. So what’s the point of it? In fact, the empty and lost volume under that lid looks to be far larger than the volume of the front pocket itself. You’re also right about the dimensions of the map case. I find most map cases are guilty of this, and I don’t understand it at all. Nearly every map I’ve ever owned folds open in the exact same dimensions, and you’d think that a dedicated map case would match those dimensions. But they never do. Maps don’t fit naturally, and you have to refold them along new lines, which tears the map up and rips it to shreds in a short amount of time. It’s even worse when the map case narrows at one end. And I agree about the flap that is intended to cover the mounting brackets on the bag. It’s a good idea for when you are carrying the bag around with the shoulder strap, but it’s a huge nuisance when the bag is mounted on the bike. It gets in the way all the time. It interferes with my bike computer, and it makes it much more difficult to reach the tabs for when you want to remove the handlebar bag. Like you, I’d just cut the flap off. It’s too much of a nuisance. All this probably makes it sound like I don’t like the Arkel handlebar bags, but the opposite is true. I like them a lot. In the end, you want a handlebar bag to be durable, to mount firmly, and be easy to remove and attach. And the Arkel design is exceptional in these ways. I don’t think there is anything on the market that comes even close. They’re extremely strong and durable. The mounting system is elegant and adaptable yet incredibly strong. Handlebar bags are notorious for slipping on the handlebars, but these will never budge. Yet, they slide on and off the mounts with ease. There is great attention to detail at every level: the shoulder strap, the outside mesh pockets, the bright yellow removable interior, etc. All of these features are beautifully designed and extremely durable. Yes, these handlebar bags are more expensive than the ones you’ll find at your local hardware store or discount bike shop, but they are more than worth the money. You get what you pay for. And, really, when you look at the true competition, they aren’t that expensive. The only handlebar bags that I’m aware of that compete with them are the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Pro and the Ultimate 6 Pro E, and they cost more than these Arkels.
+Doug Nienhuis - Thanks for the detailed note! I use the front pocket for necessary, but not frequently needed, items such as raincoats or additional gloves. I save the "want it now" or "want it when I'm rolling" stuff for the main cargo area. A raincoat or another pair of gloves will usually result in me needing to stop to access them. So it's no big deal for me to reach up and unzip that front pocket to pull out the coat and put it on since I'm stopped anyway. Regarding your comment about the zippered pocket under the lid, I don't think any of the newer bags include a zippered pocket in the lid... not even the large bag. That's part of the old design. With the new design, it does seems like wasted space, but the new lid seals up very nicely. The round top: I think it's great for riding in the rain. Water is unable to pool on a round top. As you've pointed out, the handlebar clamps NEVER slip... not even when I have 10 lbs of stuff in the bag and hit a good hole or expansion joint. This is an excellent mounting method! I agree with everything else you've shared. The bag is fantastic! And, even though the large bag is HUGE on the handlebar, it's very stable and even gives me a large "draft" area to hide my hands behind on cold days. HAHA! Thanks for Writing! -Scott
I've carried mine over 15K miles. I wish I had a rain cover, I simply refuse to wear Arkel neon-yellow. The red bag has faded significantly. I'd buy a new one if they ever skin it in Dyneema. - photos.app.goo.gl/n7TuYS9PxZTHisYJ9
I've got over 25K miles of riding time with my Arkel bar-bag. I had to replace the stainless steel mounting brackets springs attached to the bag itself once... Arkel both didn't charge me for the parts, and they even sent them on their own dime. It's big, well designed, easy to mount and dismount. The main compartment has been waterproof for 4 seasons in the PNW even without a cover. This is good since the only cover made for them is neon stroke-inducing ambulance yellow/green... my BP just can't take it. I got a woman's XXL shower cap with big red ladybugs on it, but it was too much pressure on my masculinity. I have had a tendency to drastically overload it for extending tours and it has held up amazingly. The mounts that attach to the bars are the best on the market in my opinion, just as the cam-lock system is for their panniers. The red material does bleach out over time with exposure to the sun. Two suggestions I have are... splice a line from each side's shoulder strap mounts through the loop on the front cover. When you get the length right it will hold the top up when opened allowing you to set even heavy items in it as you rummage through the bag. The other suggestion... to not leave peanuts in the bag overnight while camping. If you look close you will see I have had to cover the top in red duct tape to cover the holes eaten through both sides of it by some undoubtedly cute but annoying varmint. The same goes for the mesh pockets on the sides. photos.app.goo.gl/tScvUEKXZFFp39sS7 photos.app.goo.gl/ADgC6oyPM2gyrCq27 Stay safe.
The largest handle bar bag is the Carridice Super C Saddlebag... it's 25 litters...I use rain covers not to keep the rain out...but to keep my bag from fading in the Sun...I live in Sunny Arizona... All panniers fade- from the Sun...in Arizona USA....
Thank you for making such a great video reviewing these bags. As someone who is looking to get into bikepacking / touring, I have been researching handlebar bags and I was almost ready to settle on the Topeak bags but this video has convinced me to go with Arkel. Thanks again.
I have just purchased and mounted the small Arkel handlebar bag, and have two solutions to stowing the flap that covers the mounts. As you note, it will attach to itself with the velcro straps, but this leaves it hanging behind the bag, and in your application obscures your computers. I am not overly fond of having it hanging there either, even without computers. However as an alternative, you can fold the flap forward (either doubled or unfolded) into the bag, and simply close the zippers back to the corners, This leaves the centre back unzipped, but this is not a problem since the bag hinges at the front, and when folded this way the interior of the bag is actually well protected from the elements. A second and fully waterproof solution is to first zip the bag all the way up, then flip the (unfolded) flap all the way forward on top of the cover, underneath the map case. When you fold the map case back again, you will discover that the male velcro tab on the map case lines up with female velcro on the flap, so your map case is as secure as it was originally. It will take an extra second or two to reverse the process to access the bag, but this seems a better solution than cutting off the flap, since it so nicely covers the mounting hardware when the bag is off the bike.
Bruce Bolster Thanks for the note. I hope it serves as a good idea for other visitors. My flap has been gone since January. I don't miss it. It's a nice touch. But I guess I'm too pragmatic to bother with finding a way to use it. ;-) Take Care!
Great video. Seeing a review from someone who's actually had a good deal of personal experience using the bags is very helpful. I'm just getting into bicycle touring, but eventually I'd definitely like to make an investment in the small bag.
***** - Thanks for the comment. My minor gripes still stand with the new design: cloth pull-tabs and the map case. I have to say I also like the way the top closes firmly. The large bag (old design) closes well, too. But it's less-inclined to rest crooked. If you watch the video again and pay attention to the way the large bag top rests, I think you'll see what I mean. It's a little annoying (perfectionist in me), but I won't give it up because I really like the pocket in the top for separating light items such as a balaclava and my Bluetooth devices. It's amazing how hopelessly disorganized a full handlebar bag can get after an hour of road vibration. ;-) The top pocket helps keep the little things easy to find.
Good video, addresses real world concerns and actually gives a critical review, not just a sales pitch. I'll address a few additional things that may make a difference. 1) The Arkel bag top opens to the front, allowing access when riding. The Ortleib opens in the front, making access difficult. 2) Glad you mentioned keeping your hands behind the bag on cold days. Very important and it makes a difference day-to-day. 3) Many bags use the Klickfix system. The Arkel mounting hardware is all metal and doesn't rely bits of plastic and string. This may not seem important in the city, but if you are 200 miles from the next town in the outback, and that stressed string goes, you'll immediately realize why it wasn't a good idea. The only thing you might be able to do would be to adapt a piece of brake cable (assuming you carry spares) in place of the string. The all-metal mounts will hold up when you need them to. The one criticism I have is that they appear to rely on friction between the handlebar and bracket to keep the bag in place. One good rock-strike could dislodge and move the brackets. 4) Lastly, you showed the hose test for waterproofing. Two points: One -I'd read that the Arkel bags aren't made of waterproof materials, just water resistant, which is why they offer a rain cover. Two - The slot behind the front pocket got hosed. I'll assume that it swallowed lots of water that would stay there, or perhaps bleed into other compartments, unless the bag were turned over and drained. Did I miss something here? Was there a rain-resistant flap that went over that slot, or maybe a zipper? In all, a good review, keep it up.
Al - I hadn't considered what happens to water that enters the pocket behind the front compartment. I've never had water soak into the bag, even during a 100-mile ride in downpours. I've also never had an issue with mold growing in that pocket. Water either evaporates or eventually seeps out the bottom. I cannot be certain. As for the rain cover, I've only used it once. I did not use it during the 100 miles of rain. I had no issues with water intrusion. I had probably already determined that the rain cover was not worth the extra effort to access the interior of the bag. I can't even recall if I ever used it on the road. I didn't even bother to buy a rain cover for the small bag. Although it's true that Cordura is not completely watertight, I haven't found anything short of total submersion that allows water to get past it. I'm very happy, even after 6+ years of rugged use. Thanks for visiting! -Scott
BigBlueMeanie - Thanks for writing. I understand that the new design is available. However, I don't feel it's worth $190 just to get the updated features. The old style bag is still a great bag! With that said, I wonder if Arkel would sell me just the Cordura shell. I'm sure it would slip right over my existing frame and cost far less than buying the whole bag. I'll have to ask. :-) Take Care! -Scott
I stand (and sit) corrected! The previous review stated that the Ortleib bag opened in the front. Wrong! It opens from the back, and is on-par with the Arkel in that feature. Beg your pardon, my error...
how wide are your bars? the top center to center and the normally measure center to center on the drop? You could also provide the measurement from inside bar to inside bar, at the top and low point. But i would also like the standard size measurement which is center to center on the drop. Also looks like you do not have much of a flare on the drop. Thanks! I have shifters on the brake levers, whereas you do not, so i would need some room for the shift to the larger cogs. btw i am looking at the smaller bag of course.
Al - I ride on 440mm Bontrager IsoZone VR-CF handlebars with a 125mm drop and 93mm reach. Their VR-SF has a shorter reach of 85mm. The "SF" is intended for smaller riders, but may work for someone who needs to reduce overall reach by 10mm. Google the bars for more details. My brake levers have integrated shifters (Shimano Ultegra or 105). They work fine with the large bag in place, but the shifters do bump the bag when I do the long-throw for large downshifts. Read more about my bikes at captainoverpacker.com/my-domane/. Thanks for visiting.
Do you use a light? It looks like the bag will get in the way? Excellent review btw. I am getting the big bag today thanks to your great review. Thank you
Love My Beard - I use a pair of Topeak Bar Xtenders to position my lights below my bag. See a video at ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mPudHGT86ec.html. Thanks for visiting!
Captain Overpacker Thank you for your reply. I don't know much about how to do this. If I show the video and the part to my local bike shop do you think they can easily figure it out?
Love My Beard Yes, they should be able to figure it out. The Xtender is designed to clamp to the handlebar bag and comes with directions. I just chose to clamp it to an aluminum headset spacer instead. Whether your shop has the product and/or recommends it or an alternative is another question. Good Luck!
what gloves did you use for your 100 mile rain ride? We have nasty rain here on the west coast in winter. My great gloves last about an hour of my 90 minute commute, then i have to do it again at the end of the day. When it's cold, my wet hands have real problems. So when i hear someone doing alot of rain, i am very curious how you figured your gloves solution. TYVM!
I had to look back at my blog. That ride is documented at captainoverpacker.com/2014/04/29/acp-suffolk-lake-gaston-300-km-run-2-191-miles/. I usually list my attire to give folks an idea of what works for me. That day, I was wearing my Gore Windstopper gloves. They do not appear to be available any longer. But I wouldn't hesitate to buy whatever Gore has as a replacement, perhaps these: amzn.to/3hntuE0. My handlebars have IsoZone padding and are double-wrapped. So, I don't wear padded gloves. I wear either the Gore gloves when it's cold or unpadded full-finger mountain bike gloves in the summer. I've never had a problem with wet or cold hands.
I have one question for you regarding the Handle Bar Bag. Which size bag is better for an SLR Camera plus one large lens 55-250 plus a regular lens 18-55. Thanks
Definitely the larger bag. I carried a Canon 80D and a zoom lens in a padded bag that was then placed in the handlebar bag. You might be able to do it without the padding in the smaller bag. But there's too much vibration up there for me to risk carrying a camera without extra padding. Thanks for visiting.
Thanks for the well-made review, Captain. I just bought the old-style big bag and am wondering on how to work with the map pouch. Fortunately, my map format works (it is a little tough to get it in). But there is this additional flap, which I can't fix to anything, if I use the velcrostrip that usually hold it for the map pouch. Any suggestions? Do you let it flutter in the wind, or don't affix the pouch? Hope this is somewhat clear.
+sunnygaruda - Sorry to have missed this post! I'm trying to visualize what you describe. On my old style large bag, there's a single flap that's connected in front and secures in back with velcro. It is not watertight... it's just a flap. I think the bag came with an additional pouch that closes with a ziploc fastener. I used to put that ziploc bag under the velcro'd flap. Nothing flutters on my setup.
The mounting for those bags onto the handlebars looks very nice but I wonder if the bags are detachable as easily as the KLICKfix mounted Carradice bar bag I use?
Moulton Rider - Thanks for your comments. The bag is actually very easy to install and remove. I can adjust the mounting tabs to allow frictionless removal. I simply choose to keep them tight. The Klickfix mounts look slick, especially the single button action. However, I've read the Klickfix mounts can slip if not tight enough. The aluminum tabs from Arkel are tightened with bolts. I could probably haul a bag of concrete without the mounts slipping. ;-) Take Care.
Captain Overpacker - I'm sure those mounts for the Arkel handlebar bag are very good as you say. I do feel I should mention that the KlickFix mounts have never slipped for me and I think that is very unlikely. I have used them for some years, I have them on my commuting bicycle and my touring bike. I have different bags for them including a very large shopping basket which on occasion I've filled to way over a sensible weight and the KlickFix mounts have been fine. If you get a chance to study those mounts I think you'll agree that for them to slip is unlikely. It is true you have to have a couple of screws screwed in properly, but that is true of all mounts I think. Your review of the bags is excellent and I'm hoping you do many more like it. It is very informative.
Michael - Thanks for your comments and welcome to bicycling. Your local bike shop is always a great place to start. If their selection is slim, you might be able to shop at Performance Bicycle Shop or Nashbar (both online retailers). Once I got to the point where I really know what I want, I tend to buy most of my supplies and parts through Amazon. Good luck! -Scott
Hi, I just got a used old model large arkel hbb. do you know if there is any way to lock it to the handlebars or permanently affix it? I want to leave it on my bars when I park my bike, but I don't want someone walking off with it.
Hello - The only thing I can think of is perhaps a bolt with locking nut behind each of the release tabs to prevent them from being pressed-in to release the bag. Anything can be stolen with enough time, tools, and privacy. But the bolts will at least make it more difficult, especially for a casual thief. Good Luck! Thanks for visiting! -Scott
I have a Bike Friday (folding bike) and take it on the road in its Samsonite case. I am hoping for a handle bar bag that folds flat or squishes. Is this one rigid? Also I have put interrupters on my brakes, will they work with this bag installed? Thanks,
+Anne Silver - Thanks for writing. The bag is rigid and has a hard plastic shell. It does not collapse. Also, with the interrupters, it's POSSIBLE for them to coexist with the bag mounts. But I couldn't get them in a position that worked for me with the mounts in place. I opted to do without the interrupters since I hardly used them anyway. Good Luck!
A great video...I am going on my first cross trans america ride next summer and trying to decide between the Arkel and Ortlieb bags and this helps....I could not help notice your computer setup (Planet something) can you please tell me what you use?....Thanks
Tom - Thanks for the comments! I use a pair of computers for randoneuring. One is wireless and the other is wired. The wired unit is a Planet Bike Protege 9.0. I like it a lot because it displays four lines of info so I'm not constantly having to switch between windows. I usually look at the wireless computer when I want a quick speed check because the speed display is larger. But the Protege is what I rely on for accuracy and reliability since there are no external sensor batteries to die and fewer missed pulses from the sensor. Thanks for visiting! -Scott
Thanks Scott...one last question (i promise)...On my ride across America I want to post my daily route since I am riding for a few charities on my iPhone dies after 3 hours of using GPS....any suggestions??? Thanks
Tom - Sorry to have missed this.The battery I use is no longer available, but I'd buy this one in a heartbeat: amzn.to/2E40CO7 ... Thanks for visiting! -Scott
Would you happen to know whether or not the mounting hardware is the same width for the small and the large bags? In other words, if you have a small bag on one bike and a large bag on another bike, can you swap out the bags without moving the mount hardware in or out?
Thomas - The mounting brackets are fully adjustable. I have both of my bags set to identical widths. I switch between my large bag and small bag, as well as from bike to bike without any hiccups or further adjustments. Thanks for visiting! -Scott
@@CaptainOverpackerRides Thank-you, perfect! Exactly what I want to do... now I'll purchase the small version in black and I'll be all set. Thanks again and Merry Christmas and happy holidays.
The lid on the newer bag looks like it has its rounded shape from a curved piece of plastic on the inside? Is this correct and if so is it removable in order to have a relatively flat top?
Yes, curved plastic. I looked; it CAN be removed. I'm not sure why you'd want to remove it, though. The fabric is cut to feature a curve, so removing the plastic probably wouldn't create a flat top but a place for water to pool instead.
Bungle - Not sure how to address that except to say that the curved top helps prevent water pooling when riding in the rain. You're right, though, a thicker map or book would fit awkwardly unless it's flexible. Thanks for writing! -Scott
