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Imported.
Item 733832
Specification | Description |
| Dimensions | 9.5 x 8.5 x 5 inches |
| Volume | 350 cubic inches |
| Average weight | 21 ounces |
| Material | Ballistic nylon |
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Reviewed by 8 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-8
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Comments about Novara Deluxe Handlebar Bag:
Doesn't fit larger diameter handlebars without the very expensive ([$]/pair) adapters making it one of the more expensive packs. I returned it instead of spending the extra money. They need to list the sizes it fits.
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Comments about Novara Deluxe Handlebar Bag:
doesnt come with clips that you need to mount - need to buy two clips that are very expensive (about 25% of the cost of the non-sale amount)
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Comments about Novara Deluxe Handlebar Bag:
I used this for a bike trip across Europe and was disappointed. This bag is definitely not waterproof, especially the front compartment. The map window is also not waterproof, as water will soak in from the other parts of the bag. Spend the extra money and get a better bag.
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Comments about Novara Deluxe Handlebar Bag:
This is a prime example of how a newer product is wildly inferior to an older product. Some background: I bought this bag for us in brevets. Brevets are long distance (usually 100+ miles) rides against the clock. They're not races since you're not competing against other people but rather against a predetermined cut-off time. Think of it as speed touring.
Since time is of the essence you don't want to have to stop every time you want a snack or need to add/remove a layer of clothing. You also need to have a place to keep a map handy since the courses are not marked and you're only provided a cue sheet to follow. Bottom line: you really do need a good front bag.
The standard bag for decades was made a French company and is more or less still made by a different company in France and a couple of companies in Japan. They're not easy to find in the US. They're made from canvas and rely on simply closures that use a metal hook and an elastic loop. Compared to the REI bag they look distinctly old school - right up there with non-aero brake levers, down tube shift levers, and clip and strap pedals.
I couldn't afford a French or Japanese bag so I got the REI bag which was less than half the price. Installation was a snap. That's about the only good thing I can say.
Let's start with the issues:
1) The bag attaches to the handlebar. Traditional front bags mount on small racks. This is done to help keep the weight down low. Putting the bag up high on the bars makes it easier compromises the handling of your bike. I found it almost impossible to ride no-hands at moderate speeds (15-17mph). Putting the bag on the bars also means having to find another place to put your lights (which are required as brevets are so long you're often riding in the dark).
2) The material. The nylon isn't waterproof. I found this out the hard way during a 125 mile ride in the rain.
3) Zippers. Despite not being waterproof they decided to include waterproof zippers. These zippers are extremely difficult to open while riding. This pretty much removes the convenience of having a front bag. On the older bags the bag was covered by a simple flap that was held shut by a single loop of elastic material and a hook. Much easier to open and close while riding.
4) Shape. The front pocket expands into the main compartment so it really doesn't add any room. Also the bottom is round so when it's off the bike it won't sit upright making it harder to get into.
5) The map case is hard to access. Pulling out a map/cue sheet required stopping the bike. On traditional bags the map case simply a piece of clear plastic stitch on at the front and back but open on the sides. Not as waterproof but MUCH easier to get into while riding.
Bottom line, this modern design isn't as functional or useful as the 50 year old design it tries to replace. I returned my bag to REI and wound up spending the big bucks for the Japanese bag and rack. Cost more but you do get what you pay for.
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Comments about Novara Deluxe Handlebar Bag:
I shouldn't have wasted my REI dividend on this thing. To replace a map in the window you have to open the bag and then unzip the map window zipper and then hope the map comes out (or in) in one piece. The front pouch doesn't add any room at all. Put something in it and it makes the main compartment smaller as it doesn't expand. And the price.....much too expensive for what you get. The only redeeming quality this bag has is the mounting system. I ordered this online, seeing only the online photo and info. I do use it but could have done a lot better for the money.
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Comments about Novara Deluxe Handlebar Bag:
It's convenient to be able to pull stuff out from in front of you and it has a deep pocket. But it's a huge air drag and takes up your entire handlebar front and then some.
You would need to mount a light on your helmet while using this.
The attachment kit is awkward to mount and doesn't fit all handlebars. Even some standard ones, so make sure you check out mountability too.
Pros
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Comments about Novara Deluxe Handlebar Bag:
This bag held up pretty well over seven weeks and 3000 miles. However, it is not waterproof and items (especially those in the small front pocket) would get wet in the rain. I'll buy a completely waterproof bag (an Ortlieb, perhaps) for my next tour. The bag also started to sag a little under the weight of its contents, but the mounting hardware and the bag held up fine for the most part.
If you don't ride in the rain, this bag should work fine for you.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Deluxe Handlebar Bag:
I like using this to keep items handy on short trips. However, I find the map holder to be a bit small, and getting the map into it is awkward. For a long trip, I attached a home-made map/cue sheet holder to the bag, and that worked better for me.
Can squeak on rough roads.
It blocks my bike lights, unfortunately. There's a place on the front where a light could be attached, but while a taillight fits there, I can't find any white lights that do.
Displaying reviews 1-8
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