Bags on your bike make carrying your favorite knick knacks super easy, and often times we put them to the ultimate test
In this log I will be diving into all the fun ways cyclists utilize stem bags!
Introducing the stem bag.
If you are unfamiliar with the stem bag, it offers a lot of flexibility when looking for ergonomic ways to pack goodies while riding. From my experience, a lot of riders I know use the stem bag to carry accessories or hydration. It is very helpful because you don’t need to have an awkwardly placed snack or tool in a jersey pocket, and the stem bag is right in front of you.
From what the name suggests, the stem bag is latched on by the stem and the bars of your bike. Nestled in that cute little corner like it is in timeout!
When I was curating this post I got a lot of submissions from friends who have thought outside the box when it comes to stem bags and their versatility. Some have gone so far as to make their own stem bag or find an alternative way to store their riding necessities.
Let’s see what others say about stem bags.
I reached out to some friends and asked if they have had any experience with stem bags and if they did, how they liked it or disliked it!
“How often is a Stem Bag installed on your bike?”
I ride with a stem bag on all bikes that can work with it well. Some bars dont work at all.
Peace Sports
“What kind of rides do you use your stem bag for?”
Big road rides but mostly for gravel!
Chris G.
Mainly bikepacking for all the one-off extra things like snacks, my phone, phone charger, hand sanitizer.
Marisa B.
“What is the weirdest thing you have put in your stem bag?”
“Probably a cheeseburger. (Picture included) Halfway through a ride from SF to Marin for a one-nighter, I was waiting at a red light when some guy rolled up next to me on his bike. He explained he went on a ride to pickup and deliver food for him and all his friends, he had a large front rack with a huge burger shack to-go box! He realized he wouldn’t get back to his friends before all the burgers went cold so offered me and my friend one while they were still hot! We accepted our burgers, the light turned green, and then we parted ways. Btw the burger was delicious.”
Chris S.
“What company/brand stem bag do you use the most?”
No “stem bags” here but I’ve been running some military surplus canteen and grenade pouches strapped on the back of my front rack for the same purpose.
Plantbasedfourtwenty
Blue lug stem bag cause they are the perfect size. Or I have really been liking a few nuclear sunrise stem bags i got to try
Peace Sports
I use my Outershell bag the most. I also have a Revalate designs and a homemade bag
Chris S.
My homie Ivy aka Ivanhoe Mfg made me my bag!
Chris G.
“What percentage of time do ride with a stem bag installed on your bike?”
I ride stem bag on all bikes that can work with it well. Some bars don’t work at all.
Peace Sports
Geographically, what area of the world do you do most of your riding?
I spent some time riding in Australia. I really enjoyed that. Southern California rips… But riding in the Fall in NY is probably my favorite.
Chris G.
More Pictures of others’ Stem Bags.
Should you adopt a stem bag?
I believe the stem bag can be useful on many occasions and if you want to rock one on your bike would depend ultimately on your needs. As my friend from Peace Sports said, some bars don’t allow for a stem bag to be mounted but there are other ways of being ergonomic.
As you might have noticed, the stem bag is something riders experiment with from trying to find different uses of it to making their own variation of a stem bag.
I would encourage you to try a stem bag for practicality and because they are bound to help add to future stories on the saddle!
If you enjoyed this article, please check out my most recent YouTube video where the Stem bag is featured a handful of times!
Happy Days!
-The Pushbike Surfer
The Pushbike Surfer 
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