Which Ortlieb pannier

[Plax]

After my el cheapo panniers have started to fall apart (draw cord come off one of them and one of the three rivets on the pannier attachment on the other come off) I've decided to invest in some Ortlieb's.

I'm having a bit of a dilema over which ones to go for. I've always been somewhat keen on the idea of yellow roller classics;
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Ortlieb_Back_Roller_Classic_Panniers/5360007507/
However I think maybe the roller lid wouldn't be practical for accessing repair tools and waterproofs quickly.

I've seen the Bike Packer Plus;
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Ortlieb_Bike_Packer_Plus_Panniers/5360041587/
It has a front pocket to it, which will be handy for repair tools. Unforunately it doesn't come in the yellow I so desire (will have to lump for red).

I also want the rucksack convertor;
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Ortlieb_Carrying_System_For_Pannier/5360007525/
Thought rather than taking the Barley on tour I'd convert a pannier into a rucksack for when we go off on foot sightseeing.

Any comments on either of these?

 

[ufkacbln]

I have and use both....

The difference is that the plus is easier to adjust, and lighter.... but with no (so far) cost to durability.

However the waterproofing is not as good in that the roll top is 100% but with a large draw corded top and pull over flap the plus can be maladjusted and leak. An operator error which you will experience!

As far as the converter is concerned - I was not impressed. The back roller has a shoulder strap which is all that is needed. This is absent in the plus.

Finally for quick access, simply add a pocket to the back roller!

SImple and secure fitting that can be removed when neccessary leaving a small plastic bracket. It does not affect waterproofing

 

[HLaB]

I've similar sport packer plus, although mine have a mesh pocket on front, I've certainly found the front pocket useful. I've got a roll up top pannier too but for what I use them for (mainly commuting and shopping) I find the packer access easier. I also like that I can increase the size of the pannier with the snow flap.

I've got the converter to and it has done the job perfectly the times I've used it (hiking and on a bike with no rack) but I'm not sure how it would stand up to more frequent use.

 

[Ivan Ardon]

Slightly OT, how about a review of what you have already? Which panniers do you have at the moment? How long have you had them? Do you think they were good value?

 

[Plax]

Slightly OT, how about a review of what you have already? Which panniers do you have at the moment? How long have you had them? Do you think they were good value?

My review of the panniers I have;
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-SJSC-SJSC-Black-hook-on-Rear-Pannier-Bags-11550.htm
I've had them about 12 months now.


Pros;

• You can get a lot in them, with the buckles etc you can get quite odd shaped & bulky items in
• The side pocket is really useful
• The reflective bit on the side pocket is good

Cons;

• The metal attachment system scrapes the rack (I've had to put electrical tape around my rack now to try and prevent rust where they have scraped down to the metal.
• They aren't 100% waterproof (in the Wild Wales Challenge they let in water, albeit not loads, but enough!).
• They are a bugger to carry long distances with just the handle
• They aren't too good when used all the time - one of mine the draw cord has fallen off, and on the other one one of the rivets holding the metal attachment bit has fallen off.

So all in all they are good if you are just doing the odd commute to work with them but they won't last long (maybe I was just unlucky, especially as I haven't used them regularly for a few months preferring my Carradice Barley instead).

 

[Crankarm]

Check out these panniers from Vaude - the best cycling panniers you can buy IMHO. Better than Ortlieb which I have also got - Ortlieb Roller Classics in yellow as well would you believe it.

http://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-d...ps/Vaude/Products/15134/SubProducts/151340310

They have an external waterproof pocket which is essential. Neither the outisde pocket nor the main bag has leaked even in monsoon like rains. They are so well made, built to survive pretty much anything. You get what you pay for.

Also the hooks are lockable where as the Ortliebs are not.

 

[rich p]

I recently bought my daughter the new bike packer plus which seem fine but were £110 not £140.

i originally ordered the rollers by mistake and had to change them. I found that the roller clossing was not to my liking especially when the pannier was empty or had little in it - possibly not an issue when actually touring.
My wifw has thebike packer plus (older version) without the add-on pocket and they seem ideal to me.
I've got Karrimor ones which are not waterproof but I'm too mean to change them until they fall to bits!

 

[Plax]

Just an update;

I have finally got round to getting my grubby mitts on some Ortliebs.

In the end I have gone for my original choice of YELLOW() roller classics.

I feel some what incompetent in that it took me about 15 minues to figure out from the drawing how to close them, in which time I'd scoffed all my free sweets. In my defence they are pretty pants to close when they are empty.

The little pocket on the inside looks useful. Only slight niggle in that there aren't any outside pockets as standard, but as already pointed out you can buy an outer pocket. I can just stick my tools in a little saddle bag. With the Barley you obviously can't use a little saddle bag too so I stick everything in the side pockets. With these I doubt I'll be using the Barley as well to go to work (will prob only use one pannier in fact) so a little wedge saddle bag will pacify my need for an outside pocket. Of course then there is the issue of where to put my purse, phone and keys to access them quickly, but I have one of those topeak bar bags so I guess I can shove them in there.

Not tested them out yet, I probably won't until next week now as I'm full of cold and don't want to tempt fate (or snot down my top / sneeze and fall in the hedge etc)

 

[HelenD123]

Did you get the rucksack converter? I'm contemplating getting one of these from Alpkit to use when touring. I'd bungy it to the top of the rack and use it as a dry bag most of the time but it would double up as a rucksack.

 

[Plax]

Did you get the rucksack converter? I'm contemplating getting one of these from Alpkit to use when touring. I'd bungy it to the top of the rack and use it as a dry bag most of the time but it would double up as a rucksack.

Yep, got the rucksack convertor as well. It seems okay, although you have to unclip it from the pannier, roll it up and tie it to the top of the pannier when you want to put the pannier back on the bike. So how annoying this is going to be I don't quite know yet, but as a rucksack it seems very good.

 

[Crankarm]

Just an update;

I have finally got round to getting my grubby mitts on some Ortliebs.

In the end I have gone for my original choice of YELLOW() roller classics.

I feel some what incompetent in that it took me about 15 minues to figure out from the drawing how to close them, in which time I'd scoffed all my free sweets. In my defence they are pretty pants to close when they are empty.

The little pocket on the inside looks useful. Only slight niggle in that there aren't any outside pockets as standard, but as already pointed out you can buy an outer pocket. I can just stick my tools in a little saddle bag. With the Barley you obviously can't use a little saddle bag too so I stick everything in the side pockets. With these I doubt I'll be using the Barley as well to go to work (will prob only use one pannier in fact) so a little wedge saddle bag will pacify my need for an outside pocket. Of course then there is the issue of where to put my purse, phone and keys to access them quickly, but I have one of those topeak bar bags so I guess I can shove them in there.

Not tested them out yet, I probably won't until next week now as I'm full of cold and don't want to tempt fate (or snot down my top / sneeze and fall in the hedge etc)

So you didn't look at the Vaude Aqua Plus link I posted above? These have water proof side zip pockets and the main bag is much easier to close and open than the Ortliebs. In comparison Ortliebs are a real faff.

The Ortliebs are adequate but the Vaudes are superior. I don't really understand why Ortliebs seem to have this cult following. I don't think they are anything special in the world of panniers. Their roll closure and fastening of the main bag is a real chore. I seldom use my yellow Ortlieb Roller Classics front and rear so you could have had mine once we'd done some haggling. Anyway enjoy them.

 

[oxford_guy]

So you didn't look at the Vaude Aqua Plus link I posted above? These have water proof side zip pockets and the main bag is much easier to close and open than the Ortliebs. In comparison Ortliebs are a real faff.

The Ortliebs are adequate but the Vaudes are superior. I don't really understand why Ortliebs seem to have this cult following. I don't think they are anything special in the world of panniers. Their roll closure and fastening of the main bag is a real chore. I seldom use my yellow Ortlieb Roller Classics front and rear so you could have had mine once we'd done some haggling. Anyway enjoy them.

I have Vaude Aqua rear panniers (though didn't go for the pocketed version as couldn't justify the extra £30) and agree they're better than the Orliebs, they fasten at the side, rather than over the top, which makes sense, and the rigid plastic back helps packing. I also think the locking fastening system and the carry handle is better. But, its your choice at the end of the day...

BTW I got my Vaude panniers from here

Hope this helps

 

[oxford_guy]

NB: if you don't believe me, see this positive review for the Vaude Aqua

 

[Plax]

So you didn't look at the Vaude Aqua Plus link I posted above? These have water proof side zip pockets and the main bag is much easier to close and open than the Ortliebs. In comparison Ortliebs are a real faff.

The Ortliebs are adequate but the Vaudes are superior. I don't really understand why Ortliebs seem to have this cult following. I don't think they are anything special in the world of panniers. Their roll closure and fastening of the main bag is a real chore. I seldom use my yellow Ortlieb Roller Classics front and rear so you could have had mine once we'd done some haggling. Anyway enjoy them.

Ah, but I did actually, but the link was in German and the pictures looked pretty much the same as ortliebs but with a pocket at the front so I confess I didn't delve any further.

I see what you mean about the closing of the rollers though, I am thinking I'd have been better suited to the sport packers. Hey ho, I've spent my money now so I shall make do. I'm sure once I get used to them they'l lbe fine!

 

[rich p]

I recently bought my daughter the new bike packer plus which seem fine but were £110 not £140.

i originally ordered the rollers by mistake and had to change them. I found that the roller clossing was not to my liking especially when the pannier was empty or had little in it - possibly not an issue when actually touring.
My wifw has thebike packer plus (older version) without the add-on pocket and they seem ideal to me.I've got Karrimor ones which are not waterproof but I'm too mean to change them until they fall to bits!

.

I see what you mean about the closing of the rollers though, I am thinking I'd have been better suited to the sport packers. Hey ho, I've spent my money now so I shall make do. I'm sure once I get used to them they'l lbe fine!

Well I did say!