Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack QR vs Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle
Two handlebar bags, measured against each other on the figures that decide whether they work on a bike.
The short answer
The Handlebar-Pack QR takes capacity; the EXP Series Anything Cradle takes bar width, weight and price. Which of those you care about depends on the frame you are fitting it to.
Assembled from the differences below rather than written over them. Every figure is a published measurement or computed from one — nobody here has used either one.
Where they differ
4 of the 5 things we can measure come out differently.
Capacity
6L more in the Handlebar-Pack QRThe maker's own figure. Worth reading alongside the dimensions below rather than on its own — two bags of the same litreage can want very different frames.
Width across the ends
6cm narrower on the EXP Series Anything CradleBar bags are sold on litres and fitted on width. The figure beside each is the narrowest bar it clears with usable room either side for cables and levers — on drop bars that is what rules a bag in or out.
Weight
110g lighter on the EXP Series Anything CradleEmpty weight as published. Worth holding against capacity rather than alone — the lighter bag is not the better one if it carries a third less.
Price
$105 between themManufacturer's price as we hold it.
Side by side
Including the rows where they are level.
| Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack QR | Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 11L | 5L |
| Width across the ends | 50cm — needs a 56cm bar | 44cm — needs a 50cm bar |
| Weight | 530g | 420g |
| Price | $180 | $75 |
| Per litre | $16.36 | $15.00 |