HandleStash Handlebar Bag and Stem Bag Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

HandleStash was inspired by spilled coffee while cruising the beach in southern California. Adam, the creator of HandleStash, was trying to carry a coffee while riding and had nowhere to put it. The coffee kept jumping and splashing on every bump.

He knew there had to be a better way, and the HandleStash cup holder launched sales in April 2020. The company is dedicated to making quality bike accessories and manufacturing in Colorado as much as possible.

This summer, they dropped a couple more products, and when I received them, I strapped them on my gravel bike and went for several test rides.

https://handlestash.com/collections/handlebar-bags

Price: $75

Capacity: 2L

Color: Camo, Charcoal & Blue, Black & Green

Options: Sling strap for off the bike – $8

Availability: Online and retail

Obtained by: Company sample

RBR advertiser: No

The new HandleStash handlebar bag is ideally suited for extra tools, gloves, or snacks. Installation was quick and easy on my gravel bike. Three Velcro straps provide a variety of attachment points with loops that accommodate almost any size bicycle.

What I liked about HandleStash’s handlebar bag and the stem bag is the optional sling strap. It quickly goes from on the bike to on the go by clipping the strap to D-rings. So, at that next coffee stop, take your valuables in style.

The high-quality construction combines padded, water-resistant 600D polyester and ripstop nylon fabric to protect your valuables. The wide opening zipper and contrasting lining make it easy to grab or find an item while on the bike easy.

For longer adventures, the loops on the front of the bag provide additional points for attaching gear.

https://handlestash.com/collections/stem-bags

Price: $59

Dimensions: 7” Long x 4.5” Diameter

Capacity: Sized to carry larger bottles (e.g., Nalgene, HydroFlask, or Yeti)

Color: Camo Lime Green, Blazin Camo, Black & Party Panther, Black & Grey, Charcoal & Colorado, Black & Two-Tone, Charcoal & Influencer Blue, Charcoal & Blucifer

Options: Sling strap for off the bike – $8

Like the Handlebar bag, the Stem bag attaches to the bike using 3 Velcro straps. One strap attaches to the stem while the other secures it to the handlebar. Loop straps around the top and along two sides of the bag allow the bag to sit on the left or righthand side of the stem. Also, the straps prevent the bag from swaying while pedaling, which is sometimes a flaw with similar bags.

The bag’s design lends itself to carrying larger bottles like a Nalgene, HydroFlask, or Yeti. According to the company’s claim, the bag’s insulation holds ice for up to 7 hours. I tested their claim twice. Once on a two-hour ride in 90-degree heat and another on a hike using the sling strap for an hour in 85-degree heat. Both times the water stayed cold, but no ice was left in the bottle upon completion of the bike/hike.

I asked the company’s rep if this bag would help prevent bottles from freezing in the winter. Since it was just released this summer, they haven’t tested it as of yet.

Another good use for this stem bag is easy nutrition access. I used it as a feed bag on several rides, stashing baggies filled with dates or almonds so I could nibble during rides.

A cinch cord pulls taught and releases fairly easily with one hand, preventing your bottle from popping out on a bumpy gravel road or commute.

The Stem bag is available in various colors and patterns to coordinate with your bike. It is well made and is sure to last you many, many miles.

Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.