I must say I am a sucker for bike bags! The idea of writing this article of the best rando bags and yes racks too, got me so excited. But rando bags are such a useful thing to come out of the randonneur scene.
When it comes to rando bags, the best thing about then is the functionality. Yes they also do look rather classy and retro. But more than most very useful. Like starting at the top of the flap lid you get a clear pocket which is traditionally used for paper maps but can be used in the more modern way with your phone or a GPS unit.
The inside of the bag is where it is at. The large boxy nature of rando bags allow for such a huge amount of storage capabilities. Perfect for packing heaps of stuff from cameras, drones tripods and anything else you wish.
But if you are thinking about a rando bag being a cool idea for your next adventure. You have to have in mind that these bags are supported with a unique rack. And only some bikes can fit such racks, aka rando bikes. You can pick up rando specific forks. However this added stability when it comes to the rack allows for more and heavier gear to be carried in a rando bag compared to a bikepacking dry bag roll style bag. These bags often only work the best when you carry lightweight stuff like, fabrics, sleeping bag, tent and all that.
But because of the way these bags sit on the bike with rando racks it lowers where on the bike it sits effecting handling a little less if it was more top heavy on the steering. It is safe to say that rando bags do effect steering a little but far less if they were to be fitted higher on the handlebar.
it is also nice to see some of the more modern takes on the rando bags to have back pockets with a modern style, attached to the rando bag for extra storage. Much like a detachable stem or feed bag. Also some of the rando bags come with a pocket for even ore storage of tools at the front.
They are great if you have minimal things that you take to school or work on your commute. And say you need a couple things they would generally fit in this bag.
There are a few things that are worth noting before going out and committing to any of these bags listed below. First you need to make sure your current bike is going to fit a rando bag and rack system on it. As I mention in the rack section. Racks for rando bags a very unique and specific and mount differently than a normal front rack. hey require a mid-eyelet for mounting or you will have to house clamp. Also you might want to consider a rack that has a decaleur. Which is a form of extra stability for the bag to stop it slopping about.
With the extra gear needed to make a rando bag system work. Comes with it more of a cost and you will have to end up paying almost double the price of the bag. So please be aware of extra costs. Then there is availability I tried my best not to include bags that are out of stock and hard to find quantity of. But still this type of bag is very niche and there is not a large demand for them like a typical bikepacking bag, so less is made.
If you plan to ride technical single track only with a rando bag setup, you might want to think again. I am not talking from experience here, but there is a possibility that the rack could snap and break on very rough stuff. That said a rando setup is fine for road touring and even gravel grinding.
Okay with that all said let’s get into the rando bags and racks. *If you want to buy any of these Randonneur Bags and Racks, doing it via the product links give Cycle Travel Overload a small commission which goes into creating more great resources for the bike travel community.
Restrap Rando Bag
I am a fan of Restrap their bags are great quality. I personally own their Bar Bag system with the roll drybag and food pouch and holster. It works really well and I am happy with the quality of the bag materials. They say this rando top rack bag is great for any ride. With easy access pockets, quick release Fidlock magnetic attachment, and a handy shoulder strap. The bag is super strong and reliable. Thanks to the combination of the magnetic fastenings and military-grade waterproof fabrics. Also in general Restrap bags just look so stylish. The Rando bag weighs in at 970 grams. Dimensions: W30 x H25 x D22cm and it comes in two sizes a small or large (17 L) $217.49
Swift Industries Hinterland Ozette Randonneur Bag
There are only a few brands that make some of the best rando bags and Swift Industries are one of them. If we take a quick step back from their rando bag. They did a calibration with Kona on their Rove bikes and that thing is incredible. That bike comes with Swift bags but the Paloma handlebar bag. My point is that they make some great bags and make this Rove look amazing!
But anyway that out of the way, let’s get into the Hinterland Ozette Rando Bag. With this bag Swift have taken the classic French bag and turned it into the “lightest” traditional randonneur bag on the market. So this bag sits on a small front rando rack and attaches to the bike using a decaleur. They have made this bag from durable X-Pac fabric. Which is perfect for rugged adventure cycling, with abrasion resistance and a rip-stop grid technologies. Bag comes in a small, medium and large sizes. Stock is limited like most rando bags. Bag also comes with nice organisation straps on the inside of the bag. Priced at $187.00 (for a Large)
Velo Orange Randonneur Handlebar Bag
These bags, especially the Velo Orange Rando bag is constructed with modern materials and designs with a retro look. It’s a smart and functional vegan-friendly bag for touring, randonneuring, and commuting. So Velo Orange and Road Runner Bags of Los Angeles joined forces to create this bag. The bags outermost fabric is extremely durable and water resistant Cordura. Also the inside is made from a durable material, the same that trucking companies use to protect cars during transit. The bright orange color makes it easy for you to find smaller items laying at the bottom of the bag. A great feature is the Molle straps along the side of the bag which allow you to attach smaller accessory bags as desired. You also get a top flap with see through pocket and water proof zippers. Weighing in at 736 grams and a max volume capacity of “8.5L of pinto beans”. Priced at $185.00
Adeboul Rando Bag
When researching this bag I struggled to find really any information about it. But it is made from a Cordura body, internal frame, thought-out pockets. Map pocket on top. The Hi-viz contouring strips are a highlight for this bag. Priced from €150.00
Rando Racks
When it comes to rando racks you have the traditional style, but along with that we have some other varied options too. But if you are just after some of the best all around front bike racks, this article is worth the read! Some of the racks mentioned in that article are also here. Rando racks are specifically designed to accomodate the big rando bags on the front of the bike. If you are unfamiliar with randonneur bikes, this article is a good example of some of the best rando bikes. There you can learn why a rando bike is uniquely designed to fit rando specific racks. The main thing is the eyelet that sits on the mid front side of the fork to fasten the bottom leg of most rando racks and then the top attaches to the centre of the fork.
Below you will find some of the more popular rando racks on the market that have been recommended by other rando enthusiasts.
Velo Orange Randonneur Front Rack
Made from Stainless steel this is one of the most popular racks used for rando bags, or even can be used to mount a dry bag or basket. The great thing about VO racks is that they are made from a polished tubular stainless steel, so they will never rust, flake, and can be re-polished to a mirror shine even after years of use. When it comes to dimensions the platform is 20.7 cm long and 10.2 cm wide. The tombstone (backstop) is 9.5 cm tall. For a rack like this to work on your bike it should have eyelets at about 100mm below the bottom of the fork crown. It also has a 12lbs (5.4kg) max weight capacity. Priced at $85.00 You also get the option to buy a complete rack system with Integrated Decaleur, Cantilever for a total of $120.00
Rawland Cycles Rando V3 Rack
For added strength and durability the Version 3 of this rack is made of steel. The dimensions are still 113mm wide (approximately 4.5″) and 202mm in length (approximately 8″). This rack is for both straight and raked forks, with multiple light and fender mounts. Designed for 15 kilograms or 33 pounds of load. Priced at $90.00
Nitto Mini Front Rack
Depending where you look for this Nitto Mini Front Rack it is sold out in most places. Please note that this rack has a 4.4 pound weight limit or around 2Kg. This is a strong rack, however it is recommended to use a tether to loop around the tongue of the rack and the handlebars. If you look closely a the photo above you will see a red tether. This rack is not for every bike and if you’re using V-brakes you may want to consider the Mark’s Rack instead. If the v-brake arms aren’t tall enough, they’ll block the rack mount from entering the fork crown. Best for a bike with cantilevers where you are looking for a smallish rack up there for a bag or basket or stuff-sack. Priced at $140.00 when available.
Soma Porteur Rack
This rack is a great option over the standard pannier rack or mini rack. It is not your traditional rando rack but still can be used like one. As it has a wider platform than most racks. Like they say “it is better at carrying odd-sized and bulky loads like a pizza or box full of kittens”. It is designed for 700c and 26″ wheel bicycles. Made from a CrMo construction and also available in Stainless Steel. With a maximum load of 10 kg or 22 lbs. Read more
Pelago Commuter Front Rack
If you remember the first rando bag we mentioned in this article. The rack that was used in the photo for that Restrap Rando bag was this Pelago commuter Front Rack. Along with the ability to cart a range of gear from pizza to a rando bag. You also get the option to attach panniers. the rack is made from a stainless steel construction and is available in two styles. Priced at €99.00
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