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26 of 26 found the following review helpful:
Okay as a Camera Bag, TooJul 27, 2006
By Coach Lou
I'm new to photography & wanted it to carry my digital camera on my bike. I chose a handlebar bag so I wouldn't have to dismount to get to my camera.
There's enough room to pack my Canon Digital Rebel XT sideways. Packing a lens much longer than the 18-55mm that came with my camera may be a problem. There's minimal room to spare, and extra stuff will interfere with your ability to get to your camera quickly. The side flaps can hold memory cards & an additional battery.
On a 40 mile ride from Anaheim to San Juan Capistrano, it met all of my expectations. The clamp didn't slip, and I was able to stop & shoot whenever I wanted. I liked the extra mounting space on the clamp, and I was able to attach my very wide cycle computer (Garmin Forerunner 201) very easily.
1. Keep in mind that the clamp attaches with hex bolts instead of loops & straps, so the clamp will be a fairly permanent part of your bike.
2. To use it as a fanny pack, you'll need to pull out & attach the included strap. It isn't very comfortable, as the plastic mounting bracket on the back of the bag sticks out just enough to be pokey. You'll need to wear it low, gunslinger style.
3. The mounting hardware is plastic, so durability may be a consideration for long-term use.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Functional, handyAug 04, 2007
By Gregg T. Recker
This was a great bag for a day ride. I put my camera, cell phone, MP3 player, granola bars, chapstick, sunscreen, propel packets and a few other smaller things in it. One bad thing, the bracket was too big for my handlebars, and even though it came with adapters to fill the space, one wasn't enough, and two was too much. I ended up using electrical tape around my handlebars where the brackets would sit for a tighter fit, but when I got the bag loaded,it started to slip downwards as I road my bike (I do have a heavy camera, though). Otherwise this bag was great, I love that it snaps right off and becomes a fanny pack, that was the best. Considering the contents, I didn't want to leave the bag on my bike and this was a great option for be to be able to snap it off of the bike and wear it as a fanny pack at our stops. Couldn't really fit any extra clothes in it, just the essentials.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
 Durability a ?Aug 24, 2006
By Seattleite
I've had this bag for about a year, but have only used it as a fanny pack 3-4 times. The last time I used it, the stitching on one side of the belt holding the clip unraveled and the bag fell off while I was riding my bike. Otherwise, I've been satisfied with it capacity and general construction (Note: it can be found cheaper at other outdoor/bicycling stores).
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Nice organization.Aug 24, 2008
By G. Reagan
This allows for a lot of organized storage in a small bag. There are outside loops to hook a phone/mp3 if you want continuous access or more room inside. With internal padding and rain cover, this is a necessity to protect gadgets on changeable weather days. There is a snap on accessory bar for a bike computer or GPS in case the bag mount takes up too much handlebar space.
The quick release takes some practice to keep from pinching your fingers. The trick is to push the tab in while twisting the bag instead of trying to lift it straight off.
I don't think the instructions are completely clear on some things but it might just be the nature of the mounting technique. One thing is that the mount isn't supposed to be tight, it can't support the bag weight even if it were tight. The plastic spacers get it close to the handlebar size then the only support is from the steel cable looping around the handlebar riser.
The main problem I had wasn't with the bag itself but I use a headlight and didn't think ahead. There isn't room left to mount a handlebar headlight, at least on a MTB type. The bag takes up all the width between shifters so a light is blocked. I had to add a T-bar extension to mount a light under the bag. Most people aren't crazy enough to ride at night so that probably isn't an issue.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Great bag with little room for improvementApr 13, 2008
By Gary Jenkins
Bottom line - I would recommend this bag. I got it to hold my wallet, keys, phone, and other small items and it works great in that respect. I only have two minor annoyances that could be improved upon, installation and the "quick release".
I encountered the same problem as another reviewer regarding the fit on the handlebars. Even after using the tightest spacer ring, it was too big for my handlebars. One thing I noticed was that there seemed to be a notch where you could clamp your cables inside the mount as part of the installation. I wasn't sure if this was what I should do - the instructions didn't mention anything regarding cables. However as the fit was too loose anyway, I took a chance and inserted one shifter cable into the notched on each side of the mount. After doing this the fit was nice and snug. I still don't know if I did the right thing, but all seems well so far. I think Topeak should clarify the instructions regarding using the notch for hold down your cables, or give better spacer rings to fit a wider variety of handlebars.
The other annoyance is regarding the "quick release". It's anything but quick. I have a Topeak trunk-bag bike rack which uses the slide mount and it's great and easy to use. I had hoped the handlebar bag would be also be easy to detach. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I find it very difficult to release. It's hard to get leverage and it's a tight space to insert fingers to push the release tab and also lift up on the bag at the same time. Again, I might be missing some key technique that's obvious to others, but as it stands I'll probably leave the bag attached more often than I remove it.
Now with those complaints out of the way, I do like the bag. It seems solidly built, and it's great having your phone where it's easy to reach vs. in a trunk bag.
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based on 17 reviews
