How to Choose Bike Racks and Bags

The Ortlieb Twin-City Urban converts from practical bike bag to stylish shoulder bag, thanks to a height-adjustable lid that flips over to cover the Quick-Lock rail and hide its pannier alter ego.




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Imported.
View all Ortlieb Panniers| Best Use | Cycling |
|---|---|
| Gear Capacity (L) | 9 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 549 cubic inches |
| Sold As | Single |
| Material(s) | Polyurethane-coated blended CORDURA |
| Dimensions | 15.4 x 11.8 x 4.7 inches |
| Weight | 1 lb. 8 oz. |
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I really like the 'city' look of this bag, it's secure/protective, and it's fairly comfortable to wear off-bike. However like someone else mentioned, the capacity could be a bit bigger. The hook closure is very fussy and if you have a little too much in the bag, it's impossible to close. (I added a carabiner to increase the "reach.") Not ideal for needing to quickly access the interior. Most obnoxious is the strap that is not detachable. I didn't consider this when I bought it. The strap storage pocket is awkward and makes the bag even more difficult to close. I also wish it were black, of course :)
I've trtied out a dozen pannniers. This is my favorite so far. Easy to put on the rack, and stylish. I've been using it for about 9 months, 3 times a week. and it's ssttill in an exellent shape. There is no sleeve for a laptop, but you can fit in a 15" easily and a 17" fine.
This really is the bag you were looking for! The best pannier I've seen for a young commuter and rider. It is so slim when folded, enough to hold my computer, iPad, some papers and lunch. But if expanded up, it is quite a large bag--it says 9 L, but when expanded you can probably get it to 15-20--way bigger in practice than advertised. Definitely big enough for a whole grocery run on my way back from work. I rarely feel a need to close it completely, so I can usually fill it up all the way as needed. I get lots of compliments on the bag when it is in "work mode" but I feel just as confident riding in the rain as it's completely waterproof.
This bag is very easy to get on, secure and releases quickly from the rack. It looks nice, more stylish than a typical bike bag. The strap is adjustable and wide. It can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. I just wish it would hold more. The way the top folds over, the strap tucks into a pocket, and the buckle secures the top limits the capacity. With my lock, wallet and lunch inside I have to squeeze it to get it buckled to be ready to ride.
Seems pretty well constructed, straps are wide and solid, bottom is well padded. However, it's really hard to close. The hook is not as practical as it looks. And with a laptop sleeve, a rolled up thin hoodie, spare Tshirt, and a glasses case it gets difficult to close, I've had to use it without rolling it down a couple of times because it's not possible. Also the locking mechanism only fastens to your rack at the top end of the bag, so I worry about stability. I've added a short strap through the hook loops to secure it to the rack on the lower side. If I had to do it again, I'd probably buy a bigger one (one that can actually fit a helmet ideally - that way the parts of my commute that need me to take train or bus with the bike I wouldn't have the helmet swinging around by the strap or on my head while not riding). I wouldn't recommend it unless you're carrying very little on your trips.
Fits my MacBook Air in its case with room to spare. Good looking bag.