Make a handy rando route sheet holder

… or get lost

Waterproof map case (by Seal Lineâ„¢) zip-tied to handlebars and supported firmly by the “Handy Rando Route Sheet Caddy”

Rookie randonneurs often ride their first events with route sheet tucked in their jersey pocket, or grasped dangerously in sweaty palms, while trying to read directions, shifting, eating, etc. On rainy days, this can result in soggy documents, a DNF (did not finish) or worse.

For riders who do not to use a handlebar bag (with top-mounted map-case) where to keep control card and cue sheet dry, safe, and visible presents a challenge.

For this project you will need:

Tools

• Vice and/or
• Cutting pliers

Materials

• Coat hanger
• Electricians tape or liquid rubber
• zip/cable-ties
• shock cord
• key ring
• Note-clip
• Waterproof map case

Here is a cheap, effective solution:

Initial manufacturing

Use vice or pliers to shape wire

1. Begin by cutting a wire coat hanger and opening it out. At this initial stage you must determine final measurements: e.g. width and length of chosen waterproof map case and depth required to wrap around handlebars (see steps #2 & #3).

2. Using vice or pliers, make a bend opposite the original width of your stem, plus other equipment mounted on your bars—generally, 4″ to 6″ wide. You may also vary this measurement according to the map-case you plan to use. The result should resemble an elongated, open-ended rectangle.

Finished coat-hanger support

3. Insert this section into the vice and make two opposing, 90 degree bends, about 2 inches above the original.The depth of this section must equal the thickness of stem and handlebar.

4. Make final bends, closing the rectangle. Length should be approximately 1″ more than your map-case of choice. Trim the ends, leaving enough for a generous overlap

5. Electricians tape can be used to coat the holder, locking out rust and protecting your expensive anodized or carbon-fibre bars from scratches. Alternatively, a dip in liquid rubber makes for a real pro job.

Fitting Holder to your handlebars

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2.

1. Pass the open end of the frame over the handlebar stem with bend facing forward (direction of travel).

2. Turn the frame open end up. Now, draw it forward, over the handlebars, snugging lower bend up under stem.

3.

3.Here is the final position (right). In this case, either side of dual computer harnesses. Now you can tape the open end closed. If the caddy tends to slide back, secure with zip-ties.

4. The frame is anchored by a length of shock cord, back to the light bracket (in this case a Minoura “Space Grip”), base of the stem, or head tube. The pointy end of the cord is fastened to the caddy with a small key-ring. This prevents the map case and support from imitating a back-winded jib sail as you speed down hills and happily tack into 30 knot headwinds. A sprung note-clip is tethered to the ring, which serves to secure the forward (opening) edge of the map case to the support. The Seal Lineâ„¢ “Electronic Case” comes fitted with plastic D-rings (one of which includes a swivel clip that can be cut off). The rings can be used to zip-tie the near-end of the case to handlebars.

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Top view illustrates caddy in place, with computers installed Shock-cord stabilizer runs back around Space Grip light bracket. Note-clip on end.

This “undercarriage” view shows zip-ties (green) tethering mapcase to bars, shock-cord stabilizer—attached by key-ring—and note-clip with lanyard.

For organizers: How to craft an informative rando route sheet

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