Front handlebar rack/support to fit a Carradice Super C Saddlebag?

[smuggers]

Hi,

Wondering if anybody knows of a way to Support a Super C saddlebag at the bars? I have no mounting options for racks on my carbon forks. I have On One Geoff Bars also, just to make options awkward. Would really like to use the saddlebag at the front but if no solution can be found, I will look at other options if anyone can recommend.

Many thanks

smuggers

[Nearholmer]

I fitted a klick-fix basket-plate thingy to my Super-C Audax saddlebag using 5mm bolts through the dowel rod, and a klick-fix bracket thingy to the handlebars. It’s actually not fitted on my bike at the moment, but this should show you the idea.

[smuggers]

I fitted a klick-fix basket-plate thingy to my Super-C Audax saddlebag using 5mm bolts through the dowel rod, and a klick-fix bracket thingy to the handlebars. It’s actually not fitted on my bike at the moment, but this should show you the idea.

Thanks Nearholmer.. Never thought about using the klickfix system..Just looked on their site & they have a few new types of fitting systems coming soon. My main concern is having some support under the saddlebag. I'm sure something is out there, it's just finding it. Having the loop style bars makes matters more troublesome I think. Thanks for your reply

[smuggers]

That might actually work possibly..Sorry, could not see your attached photo originally.

[Nearholmer]

Luckily, I got an old Klickfix bar-bag for pennies from the cycle charity, stripped it to pieces, and was able to use the rigid basket plate from that, which has a supportive base, like a mini rack.

In the absence of such luck, it would be very easy to make what would amount to a basic rack from thin aluminium sheet, and use that in combo with an ordinary basket plate.

On your ‘bars, it would stick out the front s long way though, so I’d be tempted to make-up a rack from aluminium sheet and fix it to the bars with simple c-clamps. That wouldn’t provide the easy removability of the Klickfix though, which I value, because I use the same bag on the back of another bike using a Klickfix seatpost clamp.

[smuggers]

I'm sure I can fashion something that will work..Probably best to have the Super C closer to the bars at the headset clamp. Like you said it would be to far out at the front. Have you seen the Vario rack from Klickfix..That might work. Is your system very stable? Mine would have to be pretty stable because I will be riding off road mostly. Was even thinking of going to Carradice (I live quite close) to see if they know of a solution.

[Bmblbzzz]

I've seen someone using a rack of thin metal rod looped over the bars and underneath the saddlebag (think he was using a Barley). Don't know the details but it seemed to work well.

I think I'd be tempted to try first with looping the saddle-loop straps round the bars then the lower loop round the steerer tube or head tube. It would be a faff to remove and refit each time you wanted to do that, but it would be a good proof of concept in terms of space (for hands etc) and steering.

[gaz]

I've seen someone using a rack of thin metal rod looped over the bars and underneath the saddlebag (think he was using a Barley). Don't know the details but it seemed to work well.

Something like this? https://bikepacking.com/gear/jack-bike-rack-review/

Obvious similarities to pre-klikfix wire puzzle bar-bag supports, no personal experience of the product. There are likely to be other similar devices aimed at the "bikepacking" market.

[PH]

The Super C is a pretty big bag, nearly a kg before you add a support or put anything in it, I don't think I'd want anything that heavy on my bars, unless it was a bike intended for it, what are you carrying? If it's bulk rather than weight, one of the bikepacking stuffsack mounts might be better.
If you do want it supported on the bars, there's a wide choice of fittings, from some cheap options on eBay (Look for brackets to fit dog baskets) all the way up to this Specialized offering
https://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/access ... ack__95678

Or you could go full trendy and fit a basket, some of these fit the bars with supports down to the axel
https://freshtripe.co.uk/wald-1372-medium-basket/

[Bmblbzzz]

I've seen someone using a rack of thin metal rod looped over the bars and underneath the saddlebag (think he was using a Barley). Don't know the details but it seemed to work well.

Something like this? https://bikepacking.com/gear/jack-bike-rack-review/

Obvious similarities to pre-klikfix wire puzzle bar-bag supports, no personal experience of the product. There are likely to be other similar devices aimed at the "bikepacking" market.

Something like that, yes. I think it was a bit wider where it went round the bars, but very similar.

[Cyclewala]

Is it the Super C Audax or Super C saddlebag?

The Audax is smaller and should be fine on the handle bars, the Saddlebag is the equivalent of two front panniers. When full, it is quite heavy. As PH says, probably not great on the front handlebars.

Any reason you can’t/don’t want to mount at the rear?

[Nearholmer]

Is your system very stable? Mine would have to be pretty stable because I will be riding off road mostly.

Yes, but note that I’m using the smaller, lighter Audax bag.

I also cycle mostly off-road and I’ve been impressed by how stable Klickfix is both front and rear mounted.

I don’t have a photo of it on the front of my flat-bar bike, but here it is on the back of the other one.

It certainly works better than the Carradice bagman I used, which broke the rail on a saddle!

I did look at the variorack, but then hit on the DIY solution, which was good, because it was a great deal cheaper!

[smuggers]

I've seen someone using a rack of thin metal rod looped over the bars and underneath the saddlebag (think he was using a Barley). Don't know the details but it seemed to work well.

Something like this? https://bikepacking.com/gear/jack-bike-rack-review/

Obvious similarities to pre-klikfix wire puzzle bar-bag supports, no personal experience of the product. There are likely to be other similar devices aimed at the "bikepacking" market.

I had seen jack the bike rack a while back but couldn't remember where or what it was called. That rack is a possibility & looks well made & thought out. Thanks Gaz.

[smuggers]

Is it the Super C Audax or Super C saddlebag?

The Audax is smaller and should be fine on the saddle bars, the Saddlebag is the equivalent of two front panniers. When full, it is quite heavy. As PH says, probably not great on the front handlebars.

Any reason you can’t/don’t want to mount at the rear?

Hello cyclewala.. It's the large Super C, which as served me so well over the years..Had it on various bikes on the rear, saddle loops with bag sitting on rack & SQR block.. Just thought I could make use of it on the front. I may eventually just get a roll type double ended dry bag.

[smuggers]

Is your system very stable? Mine would have to be pretty stable because I will be riding off road mostly.

Yes, but note that I’m using the smaller, lighter Audax bag.

I also cycle mostly off-road and I’ve been impressed by how stable Klickfix is both front and rear mounted.

I don’t have a photo of it on the front of my flat-bar bike, but here it is on the back of the other one.

A239F677-22C2-45E6-AD56-4948F07A51D3.jpeg

It certainly works better than the Carradice bagman I used, which broke the rail on a saddle!

I did look at the variorack, but then hit on the DIY solution, which was good, because it was a great deal cheaper!

I love that small audax bag & it looks well with your homemade rack. I have had bagman's & never had a broken seat rail. Have had them coming loose, but sorted by locktite.