Best Bike Bag With Shoulder Strap

Unless you ride with light gear, you likely need a way to carry a spare tube, a carbon-dioxide inflator or pump and a multitool.bike bag with shoulder strap Rather than stuffing your jersey pockets or slinging a messenger bag, consider one of these handlebar- or frame-mounted bags. We've tested 19 of these to find the best for riders ranging from casual commuters to hard-core bikepackers.

A good handlebar bag should be small, sleek and unobtrusive.bike bag with shoulder strap It should hold the essentials, such as a tire-repair kit, a phone, a wallet and keys and some energy bars. It should also be secure and easy to attach and remove. A shoulder strap makes it easier to carry the bag off the bike, too.

The best bag will fit your bike, whether it's a mountain, road or city bike.bike bag with shoulder strap The shape of the handlebars, the distance between them and the front wheel will determine which style of bag you can use. For example, drop-bar bikes have different mounting points, and some bags won't fit because they droop too close to the front wheel. The height of the handlebars will also impact the size of the bag, and you'll want to make sure that any bag won't interfere with your reach.

Some handlebar bags run across the bars like a roll; some have a harness and dry bag, and others have a rack attached.bike bag with shoulder strap You can even get a saddlebag that transforms into a backpack. The ROCKBROS 2 in 1 bag, for instance, is both a 0.7L handlebar bag and a 1.3L saddlebag, and it's waterproof. The main compartment is accessible through a lid with an elastic shock cord that stretches across the top of the bag.

You'll also need to consider the size of your frame, as some frames have limited space for bags. Some frames have only a triangle, while others have a rectangular section for frame bags. Depending on the size of your rear shock and the placement of your water bottle cage, you may not be able to use a full-frame frame bag, such as the Hopper Frame Bag from Rocky Mountain Bike Gear.

If you're planning to lock up your bike with a bag, look for one that has a strong locking system to keep the straps from coming loose while you ride. You'll also want to check whether the bag has small zipper pockets for stashing valuables. A main compartment that opens up wide and is easily accessed on the fly without having to stop your bike is also ideal, and a shoulder strap for off-bike carrying is a bonus. The Swift Industries Catalyst Pack balances simplicity with thoughtful features, and it has a convenient shoulder strap, too. This bag is a bit more expensive than our top pick, but it has the space you need for running errands while on your commute. It's made of recycled nylon and polyester, and it uses a cam buckle to secure the bag to the bar.