Jez has been selling Ortlieb bags for many years but up until now we’ve only been placing special orders rather than holding them in store. But now they’re here and in stock at Bay Cycles, with a range of colours in the key models with more bags due soon. Ortlieb’s range is extensive – with colour, capacity and closure options as well as a full selection of spares and accessories held in UK distributor's warehouse.
Here we dive into the world of Ortlieb and what sets the brand apart from its competition. We also take a look at its best seller – a ‘design classic’ in our opinion – the Back Roller panniers. With bikepacking, adventuring and cycle commuting on the rise, now is the perfect time to explore your luggage options. With Bontrager and Ortlieb in stock, we have you covered when it comes to bike luggage...
Ortlieb's panniers are synonymous with bike touring, commuting and adventure riding – you'll find them on the bikes of committed high-mileage explorers as well as those four season commuters who are out whatever the weather. With forty years of bag production, Ortlieb has evolved and refined both the fabric choices and the bag designs. Fully waterproof construction is a given, along with high quality and proven fittings and excellent spares back up. There's also a standard 5 year warranty on Ortlieb's panniers and bags.
Although the 'go to' Ortlieb pannier choice is often the tried-and-tested Back Roller Classics, with their tough, shiny, tarpaulin-like material, Ortlieb offers a huge choice of bags – with fabric, closure, colour and rack attachment options. Here's a concise run through of the Ortlieb options:
All of the closures used in Ortlieb products are subjected to extensive environmental simulation testing. One common test parameter is referred to as ingress protection (IP). Originally used in the field of electrical engineering, IP ratings have become increasingly common in the outdoor recreation sector. The IP ratings of Ortlieb's materials and bags are listed with the spec of each model.
Roller – This is the most popular choice within the range with the highest level of water protection and a useful ability to increase the bag's capacity in dry weather. The roll closure is a simple, effective and highly versatile means of keeping the inside separate from the outside. It is completely dustproof and protects the contents against spray water from all directions. The height or volume of packed bags can also be reduced by rolling up the material further.
Flap Closure – A traditional two strap closure which is quick and intuitive to release with snap buckles and hooks securing the lid. The bag's top flap guards against dust and spray water from angles of up to 60° to 90°, with a drawcord closure below it (on most models) giving additional protection.
Quick Seal Closure – This allows you to quickly open and close your Ortlieb bag by simply moving a zip-style slider along two flexible plastic profiles. The closure reliably protects the inside of the bag against dust and spray water from all directions. Quick and easy to use, it's deal for daily use.
Zip Closure – For a smarter city luggage and bikepacking specific bags Ortlieb uses TIZIP zippers as the closure method which reliably prevent water and dust from entering the bags. The inside of the bags will remain dry when submerged under 1m of water for a period of 30 minutes. However, the waterproof and dustproof zip design leads to a slightly greater degree of friction when opening and closing the bag.
Ortlieb works exclusively with durable materials, advanced bonding methods and proven types of closures. High frequency welding meets the highest of waterproofing specifications and this helps to distinguish Ortlieb products as true outdoor champions when compared to other bags with a sewn or glued construction.
Ortlieb's outstanding waterproofing is based on selected materials that are developed for specific applications. Such materials include polyester, nylon and Cordura fabrics that are coated on one or both sides. If a fabric is coated on one side only, the opposite side will retain its textile look as with the 'Plus' and 'Urban' bag ranges. If both sides of a fabric are coated, they will both have the familiar tarpaulin look which is used on the 'Classic' panniers and bags.
Ortlieb’s thermoplastic coatings meet extremely high waterproofing specifications, and are superior to most commercially available tent or backpack coatings.
The QL mounting systems on Ortlieb's panniers allow fast and secure mounting on racks.
They are referred to as self-locking fixing systems as the panniers with this system can be mounted to the racks in an easy and secure manner. The weight from the luggage is not held by a moving part but a strong, solid hook. If damaged, all components can be replaced easily.
For all the info on the QL Systems click the link HERE
The Back Roller bags are the 'go to' model in Ortlieb's extensive range – and for good reason. Available in a wide range of colours and fabrics there's loads of choice although the robust and colourful fabric of the 'Classic' fabric Back Rollers are the most popular. Proven over the years and used globally, there's little, if anything, to improve on. Sure, they're a simple bag design but that's all part of the appeal – Ortlieb has plenty of other models with more pockets and features. Built to last for many year's of use the Back Roller bags have a solid reputation in the world of bike luggage.
Bags above, from left to right: Back Roller Classic, Back Roller Urban, Back Roller Plus
Back Roller – Key Features:
The latest bag development from Ortlieb is the 'Bikepacking' range – designed for bikes without luggage racks. This approach brings many benefits: Weight is kept low, road and gravel riders can venture further on their chosen bikes and mountain bikers can explore technical terrain with being encumbered with rattling and bulky panniers.
It takes more of a minimalist approach to kit selection and packing and some riders mix and match traditional touring panniers and bikepacking bags. It's all about choice and picking the right bags for the job.
Read more about the bikepacking range on Ortlieb's website HERE
