Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers - Pair

Comments about Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers - Pair:

Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers

I have the older version of these that are in solid black, so no fancy design on the front. I have had mine for about 5 years and I do an insane amount of prim camping (work related) where I can mountain-bike all my gear in using my Ortliebs (which means love of place in German fyi).

For all these years, I'm still using the same ones, as they are crazy durable. I don't need compression or waterproof sacks anymore. I roll the top seal as many times as possible pushing out all the air compacting all my gear.

I stopped using the extra strap that goes on the outside years ago, instead I grab the top and roll the strap, letting out any extra air, as mentioned above and then I clip the ends together across the top, completely eliminating the need for the extra strap.

They keep my gear dry even when riding over creek crossing where the bags get really wet on the outside.

Tips and Stuff to watch out for:

1. The adjustable roll down top, which is great for allowing different load amounts, can get sand, dirt and some water in it, so be sure to open your bag to dust that off before bringing it in your tent.

2. Don't leave the black one's in the sun as they will get really hot.

3. When biking with them empty be sure to fluff them up with air i.e. don't flatten them and then put them on your bike as the straps can get stuck on a tree as you pass by it on your bike.

4. Always balance the weight evenly so each bag has about the same weight in it.

5. I put climbing hooks of different colors on the outside hook to distinguish what's in what bag.

6. Always check that you have them secured to your bike rack.

7. The white light reflectors on sides have freaked out one horse and one dog (I guess they sort of look like big white eyeballs). One little doggy would not pass me on the trail till we figured out why and I turned my bags around.

So in summation a durable, well thought out design that does everything as advertised. Don't settle for the cheaper versions that don't allow for easy removal by just grabbing the handle, just bite the bullet and buy the expensive quality product from the start, you won't regret it.

Comments about Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers - Pair:

These panniers are great for getting to and from work with my computer, yoga mat, lunch, notebooks, sweater, and everything else to get me through the day. I only use one and it is really stable, even with my yoga mat sticking out the top. The latch mechanism is really secure so I feel comfortable riding around with my computer on pot-holey Boston streets. These are perfect when I'm on my bike!

My only complaint is when I get off my bike, walking around with this pannier with any amount of weight is pretty uncomfortable. As others have mentioned the strap is uncomfortable, but my real complaint is that the mechanism to hold the bottom of the bag to the rack sticks into me, especially when I have my computer in it. I never use these if I have to get off my bike and walk around for any extended period. I'm still looking for the perfect pannier that can go from my bike to the bar-- but this is not that.

Comments about Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers - Pair:

Would be 5 stars if it had a flap top option so that you don't have to roll to close (for oversized stuff or when its not raining that hard); and if it had a handle/shoulder strap that wasn't connected to the very top (pulls funky when the bag is rolled closed). But, despite that, really great bags.

Comments about Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers - Pair:

I ride my road bike to work almost every day (a little over 5 miles) I had been wearing a backpack but the capacity was just too small.

I used at least one pannier for day to day commuting and light shopping. I have never had a balance issue while riding.

It took a few days to sort of break in the bags so that rolling the top became easy and more natural.

The clips come with a few different size inserts so it fits my rack perfectly and is very easy to put on and remove with just one hand.

Service and delivery comments:

Shipment and delivery was fast and on time and the box was in good condition. I was able to track my package the entire time.

Comments about Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers - Pair:

I bike to work nearly everyday, and these panniers keep my computer, change of clothes and lunch dry! It's amazing how much or how little you can conveniently take along - since they roll and strap down nicely. The attachment to bike racks is super slick. They have worked with all three of the racks I've used them with.

Comments about Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers - Pair:

I just found a tear in my second pair of Ortlieb panniers. The first pair developed a tear (at the bottom, where the corner of my laptop sits) after a couple of months; the second pair only lasted two weeks before tearing.

Maybe I just got two defective bags, or maybe (unbeknownst to myself) I am some sort of monster bag destroyer (I really don't think so), but either way I have been extremely disappointed by this product. Other people on the train have bags that have lasted years and have suffered much more abuse than I could possibly dole out, so maybe the build quality has recently gone south. Who knows. At any rate, I would absolutely not recommend purchasing this product, unless you like returning things to REI.

Comments about Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers - Pair:

It has been very good during the rain and mild weather. Everything stays dry. I have used it for several months now and it is good so far. I have not used it in the heat so much. Just once when it was about 95 degrees(F, but everything stayed the same.

Service and delivery comments:

Came on time in good condition.

Comments about Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers - Pair:

I bike and bus commute daily and bought these bags in preperation for the impending rain to keep my books and electronics dry year-round.I have used them for one week now and one of the features I like about it best are that it is a breeze to install and remove them. This feature is especially important to me for easy on/off the bus. I have not tested their waterproofability yet (probably tomorrow :-) They also have very nice bright reflective panels on both ends of the panniers. That brings me to another feature: The bags can be adjusted to be symmetrical so if I decide I only need one bike bag, my dad can use my other bag and still mount it on the preffered right side. It was simple install the bags initially and I didn't really need to read the text-less instructions. It is amazing how solid the mount is once you insert the correct sized spacers (8mm or 11mm). Also, I like the removable inner zippered mesh compartment as it doesn't add much weight or bulk but does provide a pocket to stow keys, small electronics, wallet, etc in while biking.

The only cons I have so far are these:

- The strap is extremely uncomfortable to wear when the bag is even moderately loaded due to the strap's narrowness and lack of sufficient padding. Also, the hard plastic lower rack mount catch is uncomfortable against my hip. I tried wearing one around for a couple days and gave up on it instead leaving a backpack at school to transfer my materials into. Not a big deal but its enough to lower the rating by a star since I was hoping to be able to use it as a waterproof satchel as advertised. I may try adding some extra padding to the strap.

- This con is also related to the strap. It is not possible to both roll up the bag watertight and wear the strap simultaneously. This is because the buckles that are normally connected after rolling the top ~3 times are the same buckles that are used when the strap is connected in series with them. There is a buckle that goes over the top of the bag but that doesn't keep the top of the bag rolled up tighly enough that I would count on its waterproofability (although I haven't tested it.)

Overall this is one of my favorite biking accessories and really made bike commuting more enjoyable.

Comments about Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers - Pair:

I live in Chicago and do not own a car. This is my first pair of panniers after graduating from the milk crate system(R).

Under normal conditions I use just one and leave my lock on the other side of the rack. This provides ample storage for my work bag or a quick errand. Two bags can get a TON of stuff moved around. They are surprising stable if you leave them unrolled (if obviously no longer waterproof). Last weekend I shoved a 4' roll of window screening in. No issues whatsoever on a 8 mile ride home.

Other than around town, I've used the panniers for camping. I packed up my bike and jammed these babies full of gear. No issues at all.

My only complaint is the off-bike experience. The straps don't allow very effective ways to carry one bag, let alone two. At this price I'm very hesitant to leave the bags on my bike when I lock it up, so they always need to go with me. I need to come up with a better solution for carrying them.

Service and delivery comments:

Bought in store (Lincoln Park, Chicago) and the clerk was very helpful. I took them out of the bag, let me "try it on" my bike, etc. Thanks guys, you have a great staff.

Comments about Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers - Pair:

I haven't had these for long (just a couple months), but they work really well for carrying clothes and book to the office. They also help us live car-less, as we can carry quite a lot of groceries home from the store.
They are a bit on the pricey side (as are most panniers), but I think they are worth it in the long term.