Arundel Handlebar Czar Bar Bag Review
Photos and words by Dave Malwitz
The recently launched Handlebar Czar from Arundel Bicycle Company combines good design with some nice features that make it one of the most attractive handlebar bags available today. With just over 300 miles on the bag, here are a few details and first impressions.
The Handlebar Czar is a moderately sized, oblong shaped bar bag that claims 120 cubic inches of storage. I found the Czar to be the perfect size for replacing what I might carry in my back jersey pockets. It easily held some food, sunglasses, gloves and an additional layer or two. On the front of the bag is a small netted pocket where I kept my face mask for easy access, and even tucked in a racing bib at BWR Cedar City.
The bag attaches easily to the handlebar with two wide Velcro straps, and also comes with two shock cords and a rubber twist-tie for optional stability and cable attachment. I never felt the need to use the extra cords, perhaps due to the orientation of my brake cables which supported the bag from behind.
The Handlebar Czar is a sharp looking bag, and I appreciate its seamless details and easy to clean surfaces. The Arundel badge on the top is large, but blends in cleanly with a matte black finish. The bag holds its shape nicely, even better than expected despite there being no hard plastic inserts, allowing easy one-handed zipper operation while rolling. Additional key features are its water resistant design, and the fact that it weighs just over 6oz.
Race gear at the BWR Cedar City event also included this Pro Zip-Off Jersey from Gore Wear, an impressive top that handled the wide range in temperatures on the 80 mile ride. PC: Erick Gonzalez
If anything could be improved on the bag, it could be the accompanying velcro straps. While certainly durable, they seemed bulky compared with other attachment methods I’ve seen. However, they likely help to keep the price down and can easily be replaced with small Voile straps or whatever system you may prefer. Costing just $79.95, the Arundel Handlebar Czar is a well-designed, attractive storage solution I look forward to riding with for many adventures to come. -DM
Learn more at arundelbike.com
