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From: harris@uiuccsb.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Front bags - (nf)
Message-ID: <16200026@uiuccsb.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 25-Apr-84 02:18:00 EST
Article-I.D.: uiuccsb.16200026
Posted: Wed Apr 25 02:18:00 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 27-Apr-84 04:06:14 EST
References: <1025@qubix.UUCP>
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Nf-ID: #R:qubix:-102500:uiuccsb:16200026:000:1755
Nf-From: uiuccsb!harris    Apr 25 01:18:00 1984

#R:qubix:-102500:uiuccsb:16200026:000:1755
uiuccsb!harris    Apr 25 01:18:00 1984

If you are looking to pack a lot of weight into the handlebar bag, then
perhaps you should look into front panniers.  Handlebar bags with lots of
stuff in them make the bike less stable.  If you do any serious hill climbing,
it will be particularly troublesome, both going up and coming down.

For light stuff, they're great.  I have a Frostline front bag, which is a copy
of the Kirtland bag from a few years back.  It has a main pocket about the
size of their largest front bag, but only has one pocket in front.  I wouldn't
want to get anything smaller, since I like to put my windbreaker, camera,
and munchies in there.

Some goodies to look for:
 -map pocket (better if detachable)
 -velcro tab to keep the top closed without having to zip it.
 -A mounting system that avoids
     1) elastic around the head tube - works well, but wears the paint
     2) elastic straps that hook onto the axles or something down there-
        I was told a plausible, supposedly true, story that someone ended
        up in the hospital with serious injuries because the handlebar bag
        slipped off the bag support and the elastic straps pulled it onto,
        then under the front wheel, with the presumed effect.  I've looked
        at the newer mounting systems that use this, and I can't see how
        that could happen with them, but its something to check out, anyway.

From the bags I've seen, the new Kirtland mount that clamps onto the handlebar
is the best.  I have no personal experience with it, though.

P.S. Something else to avoid: velcro that holds the bag to the bag support.
My bag has that, and it has a tendency to work loose during the day.  Again,
it seems as though the clips that Kirtland uses would work the best.

				Jon Harris