Cycling UK Forum

i want to attach either a bar bag, or a sleeping bag in between my drop bars. i don't want to have a full rack for it.


the problem is that it is going to rest on my brake cables which run under the bar tape.

is this ok, or do i find some way to make the load sit further away from the bars. if so, what do you guys suggest?

A bar bag does not usually interfere with under the tape brake cables unless you are attaching the bag directly to the bars. Bar bags used to be fitted to a metal framework that fitted from the handlebar stem, round either side of the stem and over the bars for the bag to attach to. A more modern arrangement uses the Rixen Kaul Kick-Fix or similar. Either set up spaces the bag an inch or more away from the bars. Rixen Kaul also do a metal framework to fit old stylebags and still use the Klick Fix. You can see them here http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/rixen_kaul-s ... g1/#page=2

The Rixen + Kaul setup has worked well for me with 2 designs of bar bag. Some bar bags (I had a Karrimor like this) have a metal frame that fits the Rixen + Kaul adapter that puts the bag far enough away to ride with plenty of space for hands on the tops of drop bars, but others (I now have a Carradice) have an adapter plate on the back of the bag itself that leaves too narrow a gap between the bars and the back of the bag for me. For these you can use the Rixen + Kaul KF828 Distance Adapter (linked in the last post on this topic) that puts the bag a few cm further forward, and leaves plenty of room for hands on the tops. There is also more of a gap to put a GPS etc. on the bars. There is a metal cable that loops around the back of the stem that takes the strain and stops the loaded bag twisting downwards around the bars, so the extra distance / turning force doesn't seem to cause any problems. In terms of the aero brake cables, the Rixen + Kaul adapter fits close to either side of the stem (maybe 2cm each side) so there shouldn't be an issue either with or without the Distance Adapter for cables that come out from under handlebar tape that ends in the usual position towards the stem.