Novara Bar Top Handlebar Bag

This little doozy is exactly what I was looking for. Can't use a bigger under-seat bag due to short seatpost (and short legs too). Can put my and hubby's featherweight stuff-in-its-own-pocket jacket (also Novara, as are the bikes)in here along with cell phone, Kleenex, local map pages, what-have-you. This is no way going to be waterproof in much rain, but if the weather's THAT bad, we're stayin' home! It does hold a good-size map page nicely, or the local bike club's printed directions for the group ride. The overall size fits it right where it should be; every other handlebar bag with a clear map pocket was like luggage, 'way bigger than I needed. This is perefct and I LIKE it - a lot.

I agree with several previous posts that I perfer the previous style, which opens from the top,much easier. I too have had contents fall out as the "pockets" are too small. Also, I liked the old style as it was easy to keep it partially opened for easy access tomy camera when I was on bike tours.

I've packed it full and some what heavy and it seamed to stay in place and not flop around so over all on or off road very nice.

This a simple bag that sounded very good on paper--the right size for snacks, camera, map/GPS, even a rain jacket. It didn't work for me in practice. Because it sits on and behind the bars (as opposed to sitting in front of the bars as more complex handlebar bags do) it blocks a variety of hand positions--more than I expected. It also brushed against my knees when riding out of the saddle.

found out the hard way, this bag dumps out contents when zipper is opened. was on the golden gate bridge when this happened....opened the bag and out dropped my compact wallet....right over the edge of the railing.....thank goodness it landed on the catwalk and there were construction workers nearby that helped me retrieve my wallet!!!!
No would not recommend this particular bag to anyone

This bag is a great idea but needs work on the design and quality of materials.
I used this bag the first time a few days ago on a 3 day tour. It rained 2 of the 3 days. Once this bag got wet, condensation accumulated in the "water resistant" map pocket and completely finished soaking the maps I had insdide. I ended up strapping the map bag to my pannier and keeping the map in my cycle jersey pocket instead. My maps got a little worn in my cycling jersey but it stayed a heck of a lot drier.
Also, if you have a cycling computer, the entire bag, including the straps get in the way of seeing the cycling computer so you have to move the bag to view how far you've gone, your speed, etc.
I 'm planning on returning this product and getting something maybe from Ortleib instead. Seems like they get the idea of "waterproof" gear.

I bought a previous model of this bag and love it. I got this one only to discover that the bag was not like the one I like. It is UPSIDEDOWN! When I unzipped it, the contents tumble to the ground. I took it off and have never used it again. I have never figured out why it is designed this way. Too bad, I liked the other one and still use it.

When I purchased my mountain bike in late '05, I was hard pressed to locate a well made, top mount, handlebar bag with a map holder. I searched all of the bike and sport shops to no avail. Either the bags were non-existant, to large, to small, not made well enough, and in most cases lacked the clear map holder...a KEY part as I do extensive long range bike trips associated with my Flyfishing Company. This product out performed my expectations and is still going strong! A compact bag with BIG potential and a must to complete any avid cyclist's Pannier/Bag configuration.