Front rack or Handlebar bag

[b63215b]

Hello there.

Just got a Surly ECR and looking at bags, should I get the surly 24 pack rack and mount stuff I already have there or get a Handlebar bag.  Wouldn't it make sense to think the lower the better in the front for handling? Open to ideas and thoughts

Josh

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[bakerjw]

I prefer handlebar bags as when properly secured, they are solid and do not wobble. With weight on a front rack, I'd expect to get some wobble.
Just my opinion though.

[Bobonli]

I'm not sure if you made your decision but here's my two cents:

I have a front porteur rack on my road bike for carrying a rando bag or camping stuff. I also have my headlight mounted to it. It is wonderful for what it is and I will keep it, but I would probably not do it again.Here's why:

It adds weight and bulk to the front end all of the time, even when I'm not carrying things. It's not like I can remove it (the way mine is set up) without messing with the fork crown. Bags, however, can be added and removed as needed.

It causes some pretty noticeable wheel flop, even when unloaded. It also, I think, invites overloading the front end with more weight than optimal for handling. There's only so much you can cram into a handlebar bag but a giant platform invites you to bring along the kitchen sink.

Finally, I think it makes the front end less lively, even when unloaded or lightly loaded. My bike handles differently with the rack there than without....not awful, just differently. Again, if it were a handle bar bag, I'd disconnect it and have a lively front end again.