REI Co-op  Link Large Handlebar Bag

Full disclosure I received this bag over the winter I live in Central New Hampshire, so there’s no way to test it outside at this point, but I tried putting it on three different bikes that I have. It works best on my gravel grinder with a little bit wider handlebar it did not work well on my road bike with a 52 inch frame as the handlebars were just a little bit too skinny to support its. It’s certainly durable, spacious and I really like how you can detach it quickly to take any valuables with me if I was to depart from my bike. I put my bike on the trainer and wrote it a couple miles and it worked great with no rubbing and no hand interference. The two reasons that I didn’t give it a five star review were it came with no directions on how to install it so it took me a couple of tries to get it too attached to my handlebars correctly and secondly, it’s just a little bit big so it covers my front reflector, but it does have a nice cross connection in the front to hang another light from. Excited to get out on the road when it warms up and officially test!

There’s a lot about this bag to like if it works for your setup. The main benefits in my view are the ease of removing the bag for stops where theft might be a concern without having to redo a strap system (like voiles with a drybag, which is what i usually use for bikepacking and in general is a common option that requires really minimal investment), as well the generous size. I am able to pack my tent, quilt, and sleeping pad into this bag comfortably — depending on the packability/compressibility of these three items in your own setup you may or may not be able to do the same. I could also see packing camp clothes in there but don’t feel like that demands the accessibility (and need for protection from theft) as the sleep system, which is really convenient. I have to find another place for one of these items when only using a drybag assuming simple flat bars. It also distributes the load really comfortably and under about 6 lbs was unnoticeable on my bikepacking rig. I don’t think I’d push it to the stated 10 lb limit. There are also a couple pockets on the sides that provide quick access for snacks and other items, which is very convenient. The issues come with compatibility. The instructions suggest leaving the foam pieces in place but I found them to make a negligible/nonexistent difference in fit or function, and if anything exacerbated the primary negative effect that I noticed, which is that if your stem isn’t extremely short, and your bars aren’t very close to the headtube, the bag is basically going to be angled significantly forward. While most handlebar bags made specifically for bikepacking are basically optimized for an additional bar that extends beyond the part of the bar you grip (see the surly moloko bar, for example), generally assuming the ability to strap to a front rack rather than the bike itself, the issue I’m describing would actually be exacerbated should one run a setup with that kind of handlebar. The bag would basically be perpendicular to the front wheel rather than sitting up right. If that’s not a dealbreaker, in either case, the bag would obstruct lighting in the handlebars, and would also likely obstruct a gps/phone mount (if you’re into that). When I came to terms with that reality, I tried this out on my road bike, figuring I could use it for odds and ends (beer) riding around town, but with 44 cm wide bars, it was super snug and eliminated the possibility of riding on the flats. That bike is also not really comfortable with weight up front. All this is to say if you have a super short stem and wide handlebars, this bag is probably great. For the time being I’ll probably continue with my drybag setup though.

This bag pleasantly surprised me. It fits a lot but is less bulky than I expected. The sling design is smart and keeps the bag really secure on my bike. I wasn’t worried about anything falling out or it bouncing around while I rode. I could fit a pair of sneakers, a change of clothes, and some toiletries easily. I like the roll top design too to keep water out but I didn’t get a chance to try it in any rain yet.

interesting design with the removable dry bag. this is perfect for some rain gear snack and keys. easily fit onto my handlebars and stays secure while riding trails. not having to remove cradle is nice when taking bag on and off. i know instructions say not to put anything in cradle besides bag but i could see it being nice for holding some other items. overall nice design