Craft Cadence Handlebar Bag | Waterproof | 3 - 3.5 litres
The Craft Cadence waterproof handlebar bag is the perfect bag that will complement other bags in the Craft Cadence range, like the waterproof backpack, or it can be used as the ideal standalone feature. It will pack all of your essentials inside and keep them perfectly dry out on the daily commute. I have been lucky enough to receive several cycling accessories from Craft Cadence, and they have all added significant value to my everyday rides or longer multi-day touring routes. I think they have developed another great item, and if you would like to discover more, please read on.
Bag Description
This stylish, lightweight, waterproof bag fits perfectly onto your handlebar, allowing you to house all your cycling essentials inside. It is an eye-catching compact bag that has a capacity of around 3 - 3.5 litres, which enables you to fit in an ample amount of items; it might even be something as big as a DLSR camera and the accompanying lenses—making it practical for a photographer to use while searching for the ideal shot.
Capacity
As previously mentioned, the pack is around 3 litres in capacity. After using it frequently on my commuter rides, I feel this is the perfect size for various items essential for the daily commute.
It is also the ideal companion when the ride is that little bit longer. For example, I found that the bag was suitable for those multi-day touring rides, where you can fit a considerable amount of equipment inside.
The bag's appearance is deceptive as it naturally holds its shape well, especially when nothing is inside. When items are added, it stretches out nicely to hold a considerable amount.
Some of those items might include:
a packable waterproof
gloves, arm warmers and neck scarf (for those chilly commutes)
a phone
a camera and accessories
a cycle toolkit
a puncture repair set
maps
food and gels
There is also a handy mesh pocket inside, and that also helps to add items into a separate compartment as previously mentioned in my last blog post. The 30-litre commuter bag has similar features and they prove to be very useful.
Image courtesy of Craft Cadence highlighting how much can be placed into this bag.
Waterproofing
Once again, I found this bag is suitable for use in the most extreme of weather conditions and as any commuter or long-distance cyclist will be aware, keeping the water out of your bag can be a difficult task to achieve.
As a bag designed for commuters, day riders, and multi-day touring, Craft Cadence do not compromise on waterproofing. While other handlebar bags on the market with zipper designs claim they are waterproof, they are water-resistant and sometimes require an additional waterproof outer shell.
As a result, endless amounts of water will eventually enter through the zipper ends or the seams of the stitching, which of course, can be extremely annoying as you battle to keep your kit dry.
Once again, this handlebar bag is regarded as being waterproof to the IPX5 standard, with this proudly embossed on the front of the bag. Combining high-frequency welding and the clamshell design means short of submersion, no downpour will breach the bag, and your items will remain dry.
Appearance looks good with its minimalist design.
Front of the bag and visible reflective strips.
Visibility
Once again, this stylish bag is available in both the bright yellow version and also black. I like the black version, even despite it being a darker colour. It has equal amounts of reflective strips that enable it to be seen in the darkest of conditions. The reflective strips are similar to those found on the backpack, and they provide essential visibility when out on the road or cycle path during those darker mornings.
Having necessary reflection placed on the front of the bag means that oncoming traffic can see you at all times.
Mounting
The mounting of bags on a bike is essential, and having bags that look good but moving around a lot can directly impact the comfort and overall quality of your ride. It is an area that needs to be carefully considered by any bag designer and needs to be thought through when you purchase your equipment.
I have had a range of bags in the past that prove to be big and bulky. They add additional weight, and when you move, they can be inconvenient and hazardous for the ride. Most small handlebar bags use a system of velcro straps, while larger handlebar bags, especially those for touring, use metal fixings and permanent mountings, which rarely come off the bike once they are fitted.
While these permanent fixings are generally secure, they add extra weight to the bike and unnecessary bar room. On the flipside, Velcro straps, are light and can be adapted to different cycles and handlebar shapes and sizes, but overall, they are less secure and flimsy.
The Craft Cadence mount uses a belt system that is specifically made for the company. They work similarly to skiing straps and strike the right balance between stability, weight and ease of use. Once strapped to the bike handlebars, it becomes stable and secure, and as a result, you won't feel any wobbles out on your ride. If you must use velcro straps for your type of bike, please get in touch and they can help you out separately.
The bag's position on the handlebar can be adjusted, depending on how tight the strap is fixed. If the belt is set at its tightest, the bag will end up slightly above the handlebar. If you begin to loosen the strap by one or two holes, which won't reduce the mount's stability, the bag can be positioned level or slightly below the handlebar, allowing for computers and lights to sit above the bag.
There is also an additional loop on the bag to attach another front light. Please do note that a minimum of 20cm clearance is needed between the bars and the front tyre.
Securely mounted to the handlebars.
Looks good on the bike.
Buy the Bag below
More images are available here: @garethmate