The Road Runner Burrito Handlebar Bag Keeps Essentials Within Reach
Takeaway: The Burrito handlebar bag stores everything you need for a long ride so you don’t have to pedal with bulging pockets and sweaty snacks.
Made of tough, water-resistant Cordura
Much more comfortable and accessible than packing your pockets
Comes in three sizes (.4, 2.58, and 3.5 liters) and 12 color options
Stiff zipper is hard to open and close while riding
Price: $45
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If you rely on your jersey to carry everything you need for a long ride, you’ll likely end up with bulging pockets behind you—not the most comfortable way to ride.
A seat bag is a good solution for carrying small items you don’t need immediate access to (think CO2, a spare tube, tire levers, and some cash). But it’s not ideal, and often not spacious enough, to carry the things you want to have within reach while riding (think light jacket or a snack). That’s where a handlebar bag comes in handy. This convenient alternative to overstuffed pockets and unreachable gear is growing in popularity, and many brands are rethinking the way they’re designed—ultimately, they’re scaled-down versions of the old-school touring-style bar bags that were made for riders looking to haul larger loads for camping and days-long trips.
The Road Runner Burrito Handlebar Bag is one such bag. Made in the U.S. from U.S.-sourced materials, this bikepacking-inspired bag has just enough room for a day’s worth of gear. It comes in three sizes: The 3.5-liter California Burrito and the 2.58-liter Burrito Supreme are likely more appealing to riders who spend 10+ hours on gravel adventures, where snack stops are harder to find. I tested the .4-liter Burrito—which, at 8 x 3 inches is the size of an actual California burrito—and managed to stuff it with three gels, a small first-aid kit, spare gloves, two cookies, a mini-pump, a multitool, and a windbreaker (a godsend on unpredictable rainy days). Thankfully, its thick, water-resistant Cordura material and reinforced zipper have kept my gear dry through a few rainstorms.
Like most handlebar bags, the Burrito bag attaches to your bar using looped Velcro straps. But unlike most, whose straps are typically sewn onto the bag in a fixed position (which dictates where on the bar it can be attached), the Burrito has removable straps and a series of daisy-chain loops that let you customize your setup. Anyone who switches bikes throughout the week—and still wants to use the bag with each bike—will appreciate that kind of versatility. It came in handy for me when I switched to a bike with a burlier headset.
One thing to note is the placement of the zipper. Rather than on top, the Burrito’s is across the front, making it a little less accessible while riding—not so easy to grab a snack midride, but still convenient for keeping extra supplies within reach. I also found the waterproof zipper a bit tough (and stiff) to open and close one-handed.
In the end, the Burrito bag is a roomy, convenient handlebar bag that’s just the right size for what I use it for. Of all the purchases I’ve made over the years to make my rides smoother, this is officially the best-buy-under-$50 that I can recommend.
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