Arkel Signature BB Waterproof Handlebar Bag

Product review

 
 

One of the handiest bags you can get for your bike are handlebar bags. They are great for stashing valuables, cameras, snacks or anything else you need to keep within easy reach. I’ve used traditional square rigid style handlebar bags, tiny zippered bags and rolled burrito handlebar bags. These bags are all great and have their use, but some can be quite cumbersome and restrict your view of the front wheel or block your lights or just aren’t accessible while riding.

The Canadian based Arkel Bike Bags has become a local favourite of mine for bicycle bags. It was obvious to see what was on offer in terms of a lighter weight waterproof bar bag.

Hence the urge to try the Arkel Signature BB Handlebar Bag which looked like it might provide a near perfect solution to my cycling bag stuffing requirements. The Signature bag from Arkel is handmade in Canada, in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and signed by the individual that worked on it (Marie made mine). That quality control and passion shows through in the stitching, fabrics, and design of their bags. They put together a quick little video here about the making and use of the bag.

The small waterproof handlebar bag is made from super tough 1000 denier Cordura® lined with a waterproof TPU laminate fabric with fully taped seams. It adopts the well-known roll-top closure design, with a magnetic Fidlock© snap buckle to secure the rolldown, that is easy to open and close even with gloves on. The bag attaches to the handlebar with two reliable locking straps, and it also comes with a useful shoulder strap for carrying in case you need to pop off the bike and see the sights.

At 180 grams and four litres capacity, the Signature BB bar bag provides enough room to take a camera, gilet, light gloves, glasses, pump, tools, wallet, phone, and some yummy snacks. I even found it handy for those early morning coffee outside excursions stuffing in my thermos, mug, ground beans and aeropress.

Plus the contents are kept safe and dry in this flexible design with reflective strips. I liked the touch of the shoulder strap so I could quickly take the bag off the bar with all my valuables and bring it in the store with me and buy that après ride beer (which of course I could pop in the bag too!).

With repeated use the Arkel Signature BB Handlebar Bag has continued to perform. Initially I was a little sceptical about the strength of just two straps on rough gravel roads and trails, but even with a significant weight in it, the bag has stayed put and doesn’t bounce around. I would definitely suggest this as a great option for the cyclist looking for something small and minimal but full of great features.

Specs at a glance:

  • 100% Waterproof

  • Made in Canada

  • Fidlock© magnetic snap buckle with roll down closure

  • Made with USA-sourced Cordura© fabric

  • Comes with a convenient shoulder strap

  • Reflective patches for night safety 

  • Comes in a bunch of great colours

  • Weight: 180 g

  • Volume: 4 L