Ortlieb Front Roller Classics - for the Commute ?

[fossyant]

Anyone got any ?

I'm currently using a Topeak MTX DX system which has been absolutely fine for the last 5 years. Only down side is it's not waterproof and needs a rain cover. Easy on and off though, if getting a little tatty and worn.

Really fancy the Front Roller Classics (got a birthday coming up). Not sure what to do as I will be moving office in the summer, which will mean there will be less need (or indeed any need) to commute between sites, so "shouldn't" need to carry locks, shoes or documents, although I may need a full set of clothes everyday as the changing is not near my office (no lockers).

The MTX bag currently copes with full heavy loads a few times a week when visiting sites.

Plus side of the Ortliebs is waterproofing, and weight distribution will be lower, which will free up the seat post for mounting lights (currently obscured by the Topeak).

Decisions, decisions ?

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

I had the rear roller classics, and tbh they are so well made the initial shock of paying for them is soon forgotten. For me tho, they were just to big and bulky as I often have to wheel my bike on its rear wheel thru wards or units. I prefer using a bomb proof waterproof messenger bag for convenience.

The insides had a very small organiser type pocket net thing that in reality wasn't useful for me, if I was to buy again I'd go for the option of not having it it and using small pouches to split up my stuff.

As they are 100% waterproof I found, the hard way, that it is useful to carry a plastic carrier bag to separate wet clothes from stuff you don't want to get wet.

I did consider buying the useful looking exterior after market accessory pouch for this reason alone, just never got around to it.

The shoulder strap is useful if you need to carry your pannier like a bag, if not you can detach it.

Edit: the clips are brilliant and so easy to use, they come with little inserts if you need to reduce the size for smaller rack diameters.

Hope that helps.

 

[fossyant]

Was looking at the City version, but the shoulder strap will be needed as I'll have a bit of a walk, and the addition of a pocket for some documents is a plus. Also the classic can be 'overfilled' if needed, the city can't. Decided on the front version as they are smaller.

I will, however, need to bodge a new mounting system for my rear lights (like the T6 lights with a rubber band). List is nearly £90, most places selling for £80, but SJS have them for £64.99 (Price Match awaited with Evans as can pick up locally), which is only a tenner more than the City version !

 

[fossyant]

Evans have price matched at £64.99 which is a bargain as I don't need to pay delivery (SJS were £5) - opted to collect from store as I'll be 'in the area' of the Manchester Velodrome store in the next few days (saves contacting a courier/sorting office pick up). RRP £89.99, sale was £79.99 !

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Good deal that. I have the front roller classics. I find them the perfect size, not too big or small. 90% of the time I just use one - lunch, bike tools, spare bike clothing and then work clothes (shoes at work). Does me fine. As mentioned the inside pocket is a bit useless, only really accessible when the bag is empty as it's so tight. The reflectors on the side are really good and the carrying strap is good, just have to have the bag on backward as it were because the mounting side gets covered in road crap.