Large Ortlieb Handlebar Bag

[Steven A Bean]

Just installed a large Ortlieb Handlebar Bag using the Thorn Accessory Bar. Not much room on the RadRover bar and I didn't want to move things around or crowd too much on the handlebar, so gave the accessory bar a try. Just removed the three stock spacers on the stem and replaced them with the accessory bar. Even though the accessory bar was a bit taller than the spacers that were removed, my local bike shop (who installed the bar) said there shouldn't be an issue.

For now I'm using an old beat up Ortlieb bag pulled from my old touring bike while waiting for the new bag to arrive.

Cheers!

 

[Scottv]

Hi Steven,

That's a cool looking bag!

Did the bike shop say how much taller the stem was compared to the spacers? If it is only 1-2mm taller then it will probably be ok. However if it is anything more than 5mm then it could be unsafe and could damage the steerer tube on the fork.

 

[Ann M.]

That accessory bar is a very clever solution, @Steven A Bean! Typical QR mounts usually take up too much room on the bars or can't fit over some quirky shaped handlebars. I''ll check to see if there's similar adapter for quill style stems.

 

[Steven A Bean]

Hi Steven,

That's a cool looking bag!

Did the bike shop say how much taller the stem was compared to the spacers? If it is only 1-2mm taller then it will probably be ok. However if it is anything more than 5mm then it could be unsafe and could damage the steerer tube on the fork.

@Scottv, they (the bike shop) didn't say. I'll check with them next time I'm in just to verify. Whatever it was they were comfortable in saying it was safe, but I'll double check.

Ortlieb makes great gear. I use two of their large panniers on the rear rack to carry food and gear to work, and the large handlebar bag carries all my personal stuff and flat tools. (all are waterproof)