As the title says, what’s your go-to small front bag for commuting? It needs to be waterproof and hold a large smartphone, a tube, tire levers, a multitool, a tiny pump, and my keys. I think 1.5-2 L would be the perfect size. I’d just get a seat bag, but I already have a lot of weight on the back of my bike, and I guess that any weight on the front could improve its handling.
by BusComfortable1638
7 Comments
Unrelated but what all do you have in the already two full pannier bags?
I go with a barrel shaped bag vs.a flat or box shape. Less wind resistance. I don’t have any brand recommendations but there’s a ton of them on Amazon to choose from.
An Ortlieb outer pocket will fit nicely on the front somewhere.
What is that front rack/basket? I’ve seen so many nearly perfect ones for my commuter (mostly on here) but that looks exactly what I’m after.
PDW loot bag would fit nicely in that basket. More space than you are looking for but you’re already set up for it.
If you order one, double check the sizing to confirm it would fit in your basket.
https://ridepdw.com/products/loot-bag-medium?srsltid=AfmBOooXYi5I3OYWGSsiGvBp0v0AKj8ojX5a1qdbesBndhhXUsTBuN3_
If you’re just putting it in the rack, maybe get a drybag or two, and a bungee net to hold them down? Could even clasp them around part of the rack to make sure they don’t go anywhere. I have a couple SeaToSummit 1.5L ones I use for my wallet, spare battery & charge cables, I just keep them in my panniers. [Roadrunner](https://roadrunnerbags.us/collections/handlebar-bags) has some small handlebar and top tube bags that might work, but they are water resistant, not waterproof. I use the 1.3 burrito bag to hold my chain.
[North St. has this trunk bag](https://northstbags.com/collections/bikepacking-bags/products/roll-top-trunk-bag) a little larger than you want but it could probably be strapped down to the front rack. They say the EXP fabric is waterproof, and they are based in Portland, OR where it certainly rains a lot. I have North St. panniers and while they do a good job at keeping water out, in very heavy downpours I have found water in the bottom of my bag due to the spray upward from when I’m essentially riding up a small stream. I like to use drybags for extra precaution.
If you get a somewhat larger front bag, you could probably rearrange some stuff from the back to balance the weight out a bit.
I’m in love with my routeworks handlebar bag
What about a top tube or frame bag? Might be less bulky and in the way.