Cycling UK Forum

I have a steel bike with carbon forks on which I have a bar bag. How do I fit a front light? There is no room for a bracket attached to the front dual pivot rim brake as it is set too close to the fork bearings. There is no room on the handlebars as the bar bag is in the way.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received. michael.griffiths@talktalk.net

A well-known problem!

How about a spacer off the fork crown, as below?

If that won't work please could you add some photos of the relevant area.

I've never had to resort to hanging the headlamp off the bag, but on one of our tourers it's on one leg of the fork. That works surprisingly well.

Jonathan


https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting-sp ... ing-black/

Helmet mounted?

You might, just might, be able to gain enough space by fitting the longest allen key sleeve nut you can find https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m7b0s100p26 ... en-key-Nut 30mm in that list, allowing you to space the front of the brake away from the fork crown which then gives space for a lamp bracket.

Alternatively, fit a longer through bolt to the brake https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m7b0s100p23 ... erter-Bolt making room at the front for a spacer. I have done this myself.

Thank you Tatanab, I will start by buying the long bolt to see if that does the trick, I also have a selection of allen key sleeves so between the two I should be able to get the job done. Your help appreciated.

I have used an adaptor to hang them off the front axle when there is no alternative. It is high enough to be legal.

Yes indeed. That is what I have done in the past - in 1954 when I was 13. I had hoped to improve on that with the passage of time. Sorry it is not the right way up!

Can you attach a piece of plastic pipe, or broom handle to the handlebar bag and mount the light on the pipe. I have tried this before and it was successful. I stole the idea from Carradice bar bags which have a light bracket mounted under the bar bag.
There are also handlebar gadget bars that could allow a light to be mounted above the handlebar bag.

rogerzilla wrote: ↑6 Jul 2022, 5:14pm I have used an adaptor to hang them off the front axle when there is no alternative. It is high enough to be legal.

Or higher up the leg on a convenient boss.

Mr.Benton wrote: ↑7 Jul 2022, 8:16am Can you attach a piece of plastic pipe, or broom handle to the handlebar bag and mount the light on the pipe. I have tried this before and it was successful. I stole the idea from Carradice bar bags which have a light bracket mounted under the bar bag.

This position is prone to vibration and the fitting gets in the way when you put the bag on a flat surface.

Mr.Benton wrote: ↑7 Jul 2022, 8:16am There are also handlebar gadget bars that could allow a light to be mounted above the handlebar bag.

Yes. That's what I currently have on my tourer. Also works well for lifting the satnav closer to my line of sight.

Jonathan

I have a Minoura Swing Grip attached to the handlebars, which goes up and over the bar bag and a front light can be mounted on that. I have the hinge slightly loose so that I can move it out of the way of the bar bag for mounting and demounting the bag.

Dual pivot brakes.
Spacers and a long thingy to allow the calliper further out, plus a front light bracket.

Been there, done that.
This for instance.
Other lengths are available.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brakes/whee ... 0-mm-each/

Mick F wrote: ↑7 Jul 2022, 3:21pm Dual pivot brakes.
Spacers and a long thingy to allow the calliper further out, plus a front light bracket.

Been there, done that.
This for instance.
Other lengths are available.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brakes/whee ... 0-mm-each/

Just be aware when mounting a bracket behind the brake caliper, that as the caliper is sitting further forward from the fork crown you may need to lower the brake pads to ensure they are not contacting the tyre when the brake is applied.

Yep.
Good point.

Mick F wrote: ↑7 Jul 2022, 4:16pm Yep.
Good point.

I've got a TSR too Mick !