I bought a matching pair of junktrunk saddlebags from them not too long ago. As a one person operation based out here in Denver, they are KILLING the game!!
I agree, it's a lot - but that's the the scale of the market. Extremely low volume and high in labor and materials cost. Until Topeak (let alone Rockbros et al) start doing rando gear, this is how it goes.
I have a full set of bags from Rocky Mountain Toast, including a completely custom frame bag with all the extra features I dreamed of. Their customer service and build quality are excellent. I have a variety of handlebar bags and my Junk Trunk Mini has replaced all of them as my go-to. Awesome to see this maker take off!
Interesting addition to my 80’s MTB with its ancient cockpit and matching bars? Especially on its ice/snow season mods with gloved hands. The bike is internal hub drive but still has rim brakes that protrude out, making a rando rack mounting tough. I like it. Maybe Christmas in August? Great review.
Enjoyed this video and very informative. I learned some new cycling terms I wasn't aware of before. Watching this I realised I am still not even half serious about cycling as some people no matter how much I try to promote it. I'm much more into the Dutch utilitarian style and local commuting including regularly pulling a trailer. I try to turn my (one and only) bike into a practical alternative to the car as much as possible with the similar conveniences to hand that I would always have in the glove box or other storage areas so I'm probably not really commenting on like for like. I have two 5 litre handlebar bags hanging front and back of the handlebars for essential items like water, snacks, hat, gloves, masks, sanitiser and more and clear capacitive top pocket for holding my phone. But I don't want to be taking all of this stuff with me every time I park my bike outside of the supermarket or cinema or whatever for a couple of hours so I only use cheap bags (like all of the contents which are low value and replaceable) I pick up for about €5. In the year I have taken to using this system I have several times come back to the bags being open and rifled through but nothing stolen so far. All other panniers, tools, pumps, lights etc I always take with me no matter what the inconvenience. And I live in a very low crime area but there's always that one creep who will eventually ruin your day. There are a lot of very beautiful, practical and superbly well made bags and panniers and so on like in this video made by companies I would love to support but I would be just too worried about leaving it on the bike out of sight for more than a few minutes.
Hey man! Just found your channel and really like it. You manage to be chill and relaxing and informative at the same time. Couldn't help but notice that you wear at least two different watches in this video. A Sinn and a Marathon if I'm not mistaken? Great taste! 😁
Randonneur is French for "hiker", from randonnée, "hike", from the verb randonner, "to wander around". Back in the 70s I had randonneur handlebars, which were fatter, flatter ram's horn drop bars for tourists, as opposed to piste ("track") handlebars for racers. And now back to your regularly-scheduled programme. (Thanks for the awesome in-depth video, by the way.)
I love rando bags, but I also love out front bike computer mounts and the 2 don't mix. Routwerks has an approach to the computer mount dilemma, but, I don't know if the bag itself works well. Good review!
Alright here’s a really good budget option. The Wald 133 quick release basket. The bracket is really easy to install and the basket does the trick if you keep the weight below about 10lbs. With nothing in it you barely notice it’s there, and because it’s mostly air it doesn’t create much wind resistance. Use a waterproof stuff sack if you’re worried about things getting wet. Wrap your camera in a down jacket and stuff it in there. You’ll figure it out. Bungees or straps keep things in. Basket removes easily for theft prevention or off-bike basket utilization. It’s simple, cheap, effective, unpretentious, and understated.
Whoops, I made a mistake! I bought mine at a used bike shop and I guess it’s been discontinued! Same bracket, smaller basket. Mine is 12”x8” at the top, 9.5”x5.5 at the bottom, and 9” high. You’re right, at 14.5”x9.5”x9” the 133 is huge.
Judging by the computer/ light comments, you need to do an “alternative light mount” video. Mine is on my fork braze-on. Computers are foreign to me. First I heard of Randoneering was from Lovely Bike. Kinda like a road rally, with cafes and wine drinking involved. Cheers!
Fine for day rides. The larger Rando bags like the Swift are better for camping as the hold more gear. Also it still takes up bar space, which I consider a negative
It takes up bar space but doesn't eat up the cross bar position. Yes, you can still mount a computer and lights you just have to be more creative with placement. The large Swift bag is nice but requires a rack and is essentially married to a single bike.
That is pretty close to what I am looking for. Also, looks like I would be able to use the handlebar straps to secure my 2 Relevate feedbags. I have been looking for a bag that could hold the larger point and shoot style camera that we currently own.
That bag does look almost perfect... it just sucks I can't use it with my set up. I have a handlebar extender for my accessories to leave room for cross top levers on my handle bars.
Some elegant solutions in this one. The mounting straps look solid. I think the sound of the Velcro on the top flap would drive me nuts though. I wonder if magnets would hold under stress there too.
I'd rather have velcro. The amount of magnets you'd need to hold it down might mess with some elctronics in the bag. Also you can just reach around the side and not open the velcro.
How to use this bag with a Garmin: czcams.com/video/CNt0gcOF39c/video.html aka be creative. You can also mount a light at the fork crown, mid blade on the fork, etc., There are other places than just the handlebars.
Great review, very interesting and unique features on this bag! Did you find the velcro flap closure limited overstuffing? Wondering about the spring/fall brevets and shedding layers as the day heats up.
Kinda like the Outershell, and neither are highly water resistant due to the lid design. I need something that won't restrict or interfere with the light and GPS mounts... not enough real estate on the bars as it is... Thanks!
There are lots of alternative places to place a computer and light. On the fork crown on the fork blade at the axle, etc., You can mount the computer on the stem or on the top tube or even clip it to the bag czcams.com/video/CNt0gcOF39c/video.html
Nice and smart bag! But it seems to interfere with an out front garmin mount, if I am right? ....Sorry, scrolling down I see you've already covered that :)
I start to think randonneuring translates as a road robbery)) Well, I know inflation is high so Im not whining. Just a note on top cover - why not make it going over and down to side walls like camera bags do? Then rain water wouldn't get into bag by sides where it can migrate on inner flaps and then drip down into bag.
Topeak has hardware which is a pain to move from bike to bike like I mentioned in the video. It's also bigger and sits higher so will affect handling more. Doesn't have a quick access closure. Sorta blah looking, etc.,
A glaring question for me is will this work with cantilever or centrepull brakes, which have a cable running down the front of head tube? Doesn’t look like it unfortunately
Russ! Happy Tuesday, always look forward to the PLP uploads. What was the brand that you said was 300? Also how would you compare the rando bags mentioned in this video with the Bags by Bird bag?
Gilles Berthoud. OG rando bags. Bags by Bird are better for bikepacking and carrying more volume. These are great for long rides and lighter loads but quicker access.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Plus the accessory mount, I also have cyclocross type inline brake levers on the flats of my drop bar bikes so I actively use the real estate around the stem. The fat straps plus the long flap on that bag are a deal killer for me. I found an inexpensive bag that works for me and that’s what I’ll keep using.
Similar in so far as it goes on the handle bar, otherwise a pretty different design. The REI looks like its going to bounce all over the place. It sits above the handlebar. Probably not strong enough velro on the bars. No blocks at the headtube to stabilize and keep the bag from tilting forward. Small gauge zippers that aren't as easy to get into and prone to failure.
You might go with something like a 'Rixen & Kaul Fork Mount for Front Light', or 'Problem Solvers Front Rack Light Mount' to give a new location to attach your light (depending on your fork/light/preferences). Given that the bag sits level with the bar, you probably could use your current computer bracket/mount. Beyond that, it's handlebar extensions, which is probably already another deal breaker?
@@PathLessPedaledTV The so is that one hand position I use is both hands next to the stem. This bag physically does not allow this hand position. Of course it’s not the only bag that does not allow this hand position, but for me it rules out this bag
@@PathLessPedaledTV yea I'm weird I like to use a very narrow hand position on the tops sometimes which I can do with the swift click bag but you're right the hardware is annoying
I am sick of this, he shows us cool stuff ,ware do I buy shut up and take my money! Half the time its sold out or not in or no link were I can just buy it!
Live and learn (randonneuring). Easy to mount, adds less weight. but the colors are too much. Hope they have other colors. The price is ridiculous I get you don't need the racks, etc. That bag was 20$ to make
That’s certainly one way to look at it. These types of bags are just expensive and when you consider it’s made by one person one at a time in the US without the economies of scale of a large company it’s pretty easy to see why it costs what it does.
I bought a matching pair of junktrunk saddlebags from them not too long ago. As a one person operation based out here in Denver, they are KILLING the game!!
I actually like it. but to be honest I can't see myself getting it at that price.
I agree, it's a lot - but that's the the scale of the market. Extremely low volume and high in labor and materials cost. Until Topeak (let alone Rockbros et al) start doing rando gear, this is how it goes.
I bought a big saddle/handlebar bag from them 6 months or so ago it's rad! And the owner/maker is super dope and nice!
I have a full set of bags from Rocky Mountain Toast, including a completely custom frame bag with all the extra features I dreamed of. Their customer service and build quality are excellent. I have a variety of handlebar bags and my Junk Trunk Mini has replaced all of them as my go-to. Awesome to see this maker take off!
I’m pretty sure you’re not allowed to say “good old reach around” on CZcams
ridged and firm might get attention too
@@bobj8611 😂
Interesting addition to my 80’s MTB with its ancient cockpit and matching bars? Especially on its ice/snow season mods with gloved hands. The bike is internal hub drive but still has rim brakes that protrude out, making a rando rack mounting tough. I like it. Maybe Christmas in August? Great review.
Enjoyed this video and very informative.
I learned some new cycling terms I wasn't aware of before.
Watching this I realised I am still not even half serious about cycling as some people no matter how much I try to promote it.
I'm much more into the Dutch utilitarian style and local commuting including regularly pulling a trailer.
I try to turn my (one and only) bike into a practical alternative to the car as much as possible with the similar conveniences to hand that I would always have in the glove box or other storage areas so I'm probably not really commenting on like for like.
I have two 5 litre handlebar bags hanging front and back of the handlebars for essential items like water, snacks, hat, gloves, masks, sanitiser and more and clear capacitive top pocket for holding my phone.
But I don't want to be taking all of this stuff with me every time I park my bike outside of the supermarket or cinema or whatever for a couple of hours so I only use cheap bags (like all of the contents which are low value and replaceable) I pick up for about €5.
In the year I have taken to using this system I have several times come back to the bags being open and rifled through but nothing stolen so far.
All other panniers, tools, pumps, lights etc I always take with me no matter what the inconvenience.
And I live in a very low crime area but there's always that one creep who will eventually ruin your day.
There are a lot of very beautiful, practical and superbly well made bags and panniers and so on like in this video made by companies I would love to support but I would be just too worried about leaving it on the bike out of sight for more than a few minutes.
I've gotten 5 bags from Rocky Mountain Toast and been super happy with all of them!
Hey man! Just found your channel and really like it. You manage to be chill and relaxing and informative at the same time. Couldn't help but notice that you wear at least two different watches in this video. A Sinn and a Marathon if I'm not mistaken? Great taste! 😁
Still waiting for someone to develop the fabled Bottom Bracket Bag
some quotes: "the good ole reach around" "super rigid and firm"
The lighting is perfectly on-point in this video.
The Harlequin holy grail of bar bags
Randonneur is French for "hiker", from randonnée, "hike", from the verb randonner, "to wander around". Back in the 70s I had randonneur handlebars, which were fatter, flatter ram's horn drop bars for tourists, as opposed to piste ("track") handlebars for racers. And now back to your regularly-scheduled programme. (Thanks for the awesome in-depth video, by the way.)
I have a few bags by them, I couldn't be happier, sick to see this review!
lol looks like a lunch bag you would bring to school in 1995
Hell Yeah!
Or a fanny pack for a matching one piece ski suit from the 90s!
Indeed, fortunately you get to pick the colors so it's up to the buyer!
Great review and just the right pace - not too slow and tedious nor too brief.
Thats my goal. Try not to be too boring :)
I’ve found my people. Makes me happy to feel welcome.
OMG shut up and take me money! This is BRILLIANT. I'm getting one immediately
Why get a Rando Bag? Don't you know that all rando bags are just 80's MTB panniers?
Ha
I love rando bags, but I also love out front bike computer mounts and the 2 don't mix. Routwerks has an approach to the computer mount dilemma, but, I don't know if the bag itself works well. Good review!
czcams.com/video/CNt0gcOF39c/video.html
@@PathLessPedaledTV Thx Russ, Most appreciated
nice Sinn 556 watch in the installment footage.
I think that front pocket is pretty ingenious too. Most small bags don't offer much volume outside the main compartment.
Alright here’s a really good budget option. The Wald 133 quick release basket. The bracket is really easy to install and the basket does the trick if you keep the weight below about 10lbs. With nothing in it you barely notice it’s there, and because it’s mostly air it doesn’t create much wind resistance. Use a waterproof stuff sack if you’re worried about things getting wet. Wrap your camera in a down jacket and stuff it in there. You’ll figure it out. Bungees or straps keep things in. Basket removes easily for theft prevention or off-bike basket utilization. It’s simple, cheap, effective, unpretentious, and understated.
It's pretty honking big and needs a good amount of tire to handlebar clearance.
Whoops, I made a mistake! I bought mine at a used bike shop and I guess it’s been discontinued! Same bracket, smaller basket. Mine is 12”x8” at the top, 9.5”x5.5 at the bottom, and 9” high.
You’re right, at 14.5”x9.5”x9” the 133 is huge.
You might want to look at Dill Pickle Bicycle Bags. They are similar, but allow a hand hold next to the stem.
Judging by the computer/ light comments, you need to do an “alternative light mount” video. Mine is on my fork braze-on. Computers are foreign to me. First I heard of Randoneering was from Lovely Bike. Kinda like a road rally, with cafes and wine drinking involved. Cheers!
Fine for day rides. The larger Rando bags like the Swift are better for camping as the hold more gear. Also it still takes up bar space, which I consider a negative
It takes up bar space but doesn't eat up the cross bar position. Yes, you can still mount a computer and lights you just have to be more creative with placement. The large Swift bag is nice but requires a rack and is essentially married to a single bike.
lol..."If you go swimming with your bike you will get ingress" - among other things
Cool bag. Reminds me of United Colors Of Benneton
Alas, I would have loved this but I already have one of those traditional rando bag with the rack.
Excellent review! I love Rando bags!!!
That is pretty close to what I am looking for. Also, looks like I would be able to use the handlebar straps to secure my 2 Relevate feedbags. I have been looking for a bag that could hold the larger point and shoot style camera that we currently own.
Great review, that looks like the bag I have been looking for!!! Thanks for a great review.
That bag does look almost perfect... it just sucks I can't use it with my set up. I have a handlebar extender for my accessories to leave room for cross top levers on my handle bars.
Some elegant solutions in this one. The mounting straps look solid. I think the sound of the Velcro on the top flap would drive me nuts though. I wonder if magnets would hold under stress there too.
I'd rather have velcro. The amount of magnets you'd need to hold it down might mess with some elctronics in the bag. Also you can just reach around the side and not open the velcro.
How to use this bag with a Garmin: czcams.com/video/CNt0gcOF39c/video.html aka be creative. You can also mount a light at the fork crown, mid blade on the fork, etc., There are other places than just the handlebars.
Great review, very interesting and unique features on this bag! Did you find the velcro flap closure limited overstuffing? Wondering about the spring/fall brevets and shedding layers as the day heats up.
Great review. You thought of everything !
Great review Russ!
Great review thanks - and I’ve always wondered what rando was!
Magnet latches are very attractive
195 bucks, holy cow.
Ortlieb ultimate handlebar bag is like 80 in the big version
If you like the Ortlieb get the Ortlieb.
@@PathLessPedaledTV yeah i allready got it.
Doesn't look that fresh i got to admit :D
Ocean Air Cycles makes a limited run of a similarly colored rando bag. and being made in Ventura CA, probably costs as much.
Those were designed by OAC and made by Swift.
Damn I need this bag now! Soo cool!
Cool Sinn 656 there!
Kinda like the Outershell, and neither are highly water resistant due to the lid design. I need something that won't restrict or interfere with the light and GPS mounts... not enough real estate on the bars as it is... Thanks!
There are lots of alternative places to place a computer and light. On the fork crown on the fork blade at the axle, etc., You can mount the computer on the stem or on the top tube or even clip it to the bag czcams.com/video/CNt0gcOF39c/video.html
Off subject, I use an Outershell zipper wallet, and love it!
Great review! Very interested in this bag.
Satisfying click! Love it.
Nice and smart bag! But it seems to interfere with an out front garmin mount, if I am right? ....Sorry, scrolling down I see you've already covered that :)
Whats a garmin? :) You can mount the garmin on the stem or you can make a clip on mount here:czcams.com/video/CNt0gcOF39c/video.html
LOL...sorry, it must be my roady history
But you cannot put your hands on the handlebar in the center close to the stem.
Thank you
It would be nice if it had reflective elements in front and/or a light attachment point.
See pinned comment. Also it’s custom. So if you want reflective things you can have reflective things.
pErfeCt BaG!!!!!!
I start to think randonneuring translates as a road robbery)) Well, I know inflation is high so Im not whining.
Just a note on top cover - why not make it going over and down to side walls like camera bags do? Then rain water wouldn't get into bag by sides where it can migrate on inner flaps and then drip down into bag.
That would make it harder to grab cookies.
Looks like it would fit underneath bolt on aero bars since it lays so flat.
not sure they make this any more
The Topeak Tourguide DX bag at half the price, $90, includes mount and more features. What am I missing?
Topeak has hardware which is a pain to move from bike to bike like I mentioned in the video. It's also bigger and sits higher so will affect handling more. Doesn't have a quick access closure. Sorta blah looking, etc.,
@@PathLessPedaledTV Topeak makes two sizes of these. I use the smaller one (not for Rando rides!).
No mention of the map pocket? I think that’s an great option.
You can clearly see it. Do I really have to mention it?
Good review, thank you.
Excellent review, like always. This time I laughed quite often :)
They don't ship to Europe though :(
Do you have a working link for the Rocky Mountain Toast Rackless Rando bag?
They’re out of business.
A glaring question for me is will this work with cantilever or centrepull brakes, which have a cable running down the front of head tube? Doesn’t look like it unfortunately
Yes. With a tube hack.
Check out the Routewerks handlebar bag
Russ! Happy Tuesday, always look forward to the PLP uploads. What was the brand that you said was 300? Also how would you compare the rando bags mentioned in this video with the Bags by Bird bag?
Gilles Berthoud. OG rando bags. Bags by Bird are better for bikepacking and carrying more volume. These are great for long rides and lighter loads but quicker access.
Thanks Russ! Appreciate your quick reply and all your hard work!
For me, the straps are too wide and plus the top flap, eat up handlebar space where I have an accessory mount for my lights and bike computer.
Amazingly with some creativity you can mount your computer and lights elsewhere on the bike.
@@merlinthebikewizard4392 Cateye Velo 7, wired computer that tells me speed and trip distance plus cumulative miles. Also time of day.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Plus the accessory mount, I also have cyclocross type inline brake levers on the flats of my drop bar bikes so I actively use the real estate around the stem. The fat straps plus the long flap on that bag are a deal killer for me. I found an inexpensive bag that works for me and that’s what I’ll keep using.
Where can I find this? I used the link, and no good.
They've closed shop.
I want this ! But not for 200 :/
I am curious, How many bikes have you got? It seems you are always on a different bike. But don't get me wrong, One can never have too many!
I test bikes for a living so bikes are always rotating through. I personally own 5.
This looks really similar to the REI co-op Link Handlebar Bag which is only $80 usd
Similar in so far as it goes on the handle bar, otherwise a pretty different design. The REI looks like its going to bounce all over the place. It sits above the handlebar. Probably not strong enough velro on the bars. No blocks at the headtube to stabilize and keep the bag from tilting forward. Small gauge zippers that aren't as easy to get into and prone to failure.
It's small enough not to affect steering
Could I grab, say... a banana with the good 'ol reach around method?
One might even pull a rusty trombone out such sack o' goodies.
The website shows 2 different fabrics. Is the Cordura the tougher of the two?
Cordura and Xpac are both durable but Xpac is a more recently developed material, is lighter and typically costs more
1000d cordura is more abrasion resistant than vx21 if that's really important. Probably don't get a lot of rub on a bar bag though.
im definitely interested in it but not sure how i would be able to mount my bike computer while using it
czcams.com/video/CNt0gcOF39c/video.html
@@PathLessPedaledTV Keep the supple side down baby! thanks!
Where do you mount your light/computer? Deal breaker for me.
You might go with something like a 'Rixen & Kaul Fork Mount for Front Light', or 'Problem Solvers Front Rack Light Mount' to give a new location to attach your light (depending on your fork/light/preferences). Given that the bag sits level with the bar, you probably could use your current computer bracket/mount. Beyond that, it's handlebar extensions, which is probably already another deal breaker?
There are a surprising array of ways to mount your light and computer beyond just the handlebar.
thanks mom
Unfortunately they don’t ship to Canada
Fortunately!
@@barrybogart5436 why fortunately?
@@wolfeb99 Overpriced and the shipping charge would probably be excessive. Buy Canadian. Companies like Arkel of the many low-volume shops.
@@barrybogart5436 I have several Arkel bags. Doesn’t seem overpriced. I like buying from small, growing companies.
But you cannot put your hands on the handlebar next to the stem.
So?
@@PathLessPedaledTV The so is that one hand position I use is both hands next to the stem. This bag physically does not allow this hand position. Of course it’s not the only bag that does not allow this hand position, but for me it rules out this bag
@@davex5424 don’t buy it.
Liking it 👍
Am I the only person that doesn't eat while they ride? Every bag review mentions "snacks". Very expensive "snack" holder. LOL
Yes. You’re the only one.
I like randomeur riding better
Will the apple card be in it?🤭
had me until "magnet"
Have you ever reviewed bags by Tim Tas Rek
🚴♂️
the main problem is it takes away hand positions that can be important on a long ride
That's not even a problem. You still have the in the flats position.
Looks like it doesn't interfere with hands on the tops? Unless you want to go full on TT I think you probably should be good.
@@PathLessPedaledTV yea I'm weird I like to use a very narrow hand position on the tops sometimes which I can do with the swift click bag but you're right the hardware is annoying
51
I am sick of this, he shows us cool stuff ,ware do I buy shut up and take my money! Half the time its sold out or not in or no link were I can just buy it!
That price tag is a big NONO for me.
"195$ I know that sounds expensive"
Yes, because it is. Because of the low volume.
Live and learn (randonneuring). Easy to mount, adds less weight. but the colors are too much. Hope they have other colors. The price is ridiculous I get you don't need the racks, etc. That bag was 20$ to make
Would love to see you make one for $20 including time.
first.
$200 for a glorified lunch box. Tough to justify.
That’s certainly one way to look at it. These types of bags are just expensive and when you consider it’s made by one person one at a time in the US without the economies of scale of a large company it’s pretty easy to see why it costs what it does.
▪️
Hey, I'm trying to find a good front bag/basket for delivering drinks. What would you say is best for that ?
🟥