As someone with A LOT of front bags, I've got some opinions that may or may not be of value to anyone. First, my handlebar bags can be divided into two basic categories; supported by a rack (and maybe a basket) or just hanging on the handlebars. I currently run two Sugarloaf bags and two Outershell 137 basket bags. All of these are in baskets supported by small front Nitto racks. I slightly prefer the Outershell rando-style features, but the Sugarloaf is better for grab and go functionality. However, if you want to carry a laptop, I don't think either would be a good choice - they're better for smaller or more packable squishy items. I picked up a used Tunitas basket bag, it's a rolltop style and it's got a lot more capacity - I wouldn't hesitate to put a laptop in it. I really like it. I hear the latest version is even better. I also just started testing out a new Swift Acme basket tote. Not a rolltop, doesn't even really "look" like a bike bag, but it has some cool basket attachment features and again, easy grab and go, and would work great for a laptop and additional stuff. So far I like it a lot.
My non-basket bags are a Jack Supply Slugger and Little Slugger https://www.jacksupplyco.com/shop/p/yolbwkp5ijyayzoys6p6rtzbhm1ws2 A Bags By Bird Goldback and a Piccolo https://www.bagsxbird.com/handlebarbags and a Swift-made Fab's Chest, which has HUGE capacity. THe BbyB bags have a stellar reputation and I concur - they're fantastic. THe Fab's Chest is great for my main bag bikepacking; I personally wouldn't use it for anything else, and at my size I have to run it with some kind of rack to keep it off the tire. Jack Supply is a local company, but have recently started manufacturing Simworks brand of bags. Excellent quality, no frills, similar design to BbyB bags. Mike M On Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 8:51:59 PM UTC-7 [email protected] wrote: > Hey folks. > > So… > Let’s talk bags. I currently have the wizard works alakazam for a medium > Wald basket. > I loved the way it looks and the expansion was so promising. > But. > I dislike it more and more. The Velcro pouch in the front zips away from > me and gets caught on the velcro all the time-not in a clean way and if I > have stuff in it it doesn’t allow it to conform if the main bag is full. > And when the bag is expanded flaps all over the place. There isn’t a way to > secure it when it’s open. It’s annoying. > There aren’t any outside pockets either. Except for that one flap, again > inaccessible when riding. > > I need a bag that is good for commuting, holding a laptop and lunch, > folio, etc as well as something I can take bike-packing. Hence, why I was > initially stoked on the alakazam with its expansion capabilities. Also it’s > great for groceries. I can pack a ton in it. > > I was thinking about the swift sugarloaf. It def doesn not have the > capacity of my alakazam, but I think it looks more useful. > > Curious what yall use? I know this can be very personal. But was looking > for thoughts. > > Thanks > Lucia > > > > Lucia Matioli > Sr Creative Consultant > goodthinkingco.com > linkedin.com/in/luciamatioli/ <https://www.linkedin.com/in/luciamatioli/> > > > > > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/a5df336d-e850-42d7-b655-db5d56cf435bn%40googlegroups.com.
