Reviews over the

Ortlieb Back Roller Pro Classic

Although Ortlieb makes some of the best panniers I know, Ortlieb left quite a few stitches in this most expensive 'Pro' model. Nice idea to attach an extra bag on the outside. The attachment is excellent, but why is this a net with a piece of tarpaulin made? Why is this extra bag not made entirely of tarpaulin? Cycle past a branch or thorn of a plant or fall once with your bike and the net is broken. When it rains, everything in this extra bag gets wet. If the bag was made entirely of tarpaulin with a solid attachment, it could easily have been waterproof! Unfortunately, this bag is attached in such a way that you cannot detach it. Why not have a pouch on the outside that is made entirely of tarpaulin and that you can click or attach to a strap? Inside the main bag is a very small pouch that can barely hold more than a passport and a couple of sandwiches. Then, on the outside of this inner bag, there are two more smaller bags that are nothing more than two nets that tear easily. Put groceries in the bag and something always sticks to these nets. Which strange designer at Ortlieb came up with this illogical design? The smaller and most popular Ortlieb Back Roller Classic and Plus (without 'Pro') models are perfect in every way. The canvas and Cordura material is excellent as in these 'Pro' models, but the standard models do not have a worthless bag on the outside made of mesh and on the inside of the standard models there is a large bag that can hold a large number of A4 documents/folders. In the inner bag, there is no bag made of a net where your groceries get stuck and hardly anything can fit. In short, I don't understand the design of the 'Pro' models. If Ortlieb had just adopted the same perfect design of the standard models but with a larger volume then the 'Pro' models would have been perfect for people who like a big bag. Incidentally, the large 'Pro' models are only suitable for touring bikes with a sturdy frame and rear carrier. A light rear carrier will collapse when these 'Pro' bags are filled. With a light frame, these bags will be far too heavy when filled. So be aware that the 'Pro' models are only suitable for touring bikes with a good quality frame and rear carrier. However, for everyday use, I recommend the standard 'Classic' and 'Plus' (without the 'Pro'). The 'Pro' models are far too big, and therefore awkward, to carry into shops all the time. Of course, you don't leave them unattended on the bike because within two seconds a thief will pull them off the rear carrier! Furthermore, the standard models do not have bags with a net on the outside and inside. No netting also means nothing can get broken. And the standard models are also about 50 euros cheaper!

Pros & Cons

Been using ortlieb products for at least 35 years both on the bike and cycling holidays and for daily work commuting always the right bag

Pros & Cons

Better than expected! Very handy when you want to take your bag off your bike you don't have the hassle of undoing the attachment. You just pull the bag off by pulling the handle. Super system. The spacious front pockets are also very practical for e.g. slippers etc.

Pros & Cons

These panniers made their first cycle tour with great success! The side straps are also great for reducing (flattening) them when you don't need the big volume.

In use since a few weeks. For my work, I regularly have to carry a lot. This is no problem at all with these bags. The contents are very spacious and if you need to take less with you, you can also roll the bag up compactly. The order at Mantel also went smoothly and was delivered quickly.

Pros & Cons

I've had bags like this before but a month smaller. The previous ones were broken because my pannier fell on the ground. Then there was immediately a tear of 30 cm. These new bags are so far perfect, nice and high compared to previous bags from ortlieb.

Pros & Cons

The bags are easy to assemble and adjust to the contents. Cycling with them goes well and everything stays firmly on them in bumps and bumps. On first test ride with luggage, both panniers were already quite scratched on the gray area. I was worried about how to travel with it and e.g. stop for an errand on my own, I solved this with a lock I already had with which I fastened the bags to the carrier (instead of the offered lock system from Ortlieb). Worked well. Now to find a way to protect the contents from occasional theft. The bags should also be lockable somehow. The bags are very wide when full, I wondered if I would be able to fit them through a gate (not tried).

Pros & Cons

They are very spacious and convenient bags, which make you much less likely to have to pack the trolley. You do have to watch out for the maximum load of 10kg, which is the same as for the bags of only half the volume so you overload it very quickly. The removable carrying strap is also quite awkward to use, so we quickly put it away (permanently).

Pros & Cons

Super pannier. Waterproof, robust, expensive but good value. I use it on my bike and motorbike (additionally secured with a rock strap). No problem even at high speed. Max tube diameter 16mm. Clear recommendation!

Cleverly developed you can adjust the bags in many ways and keep them small so nothing hangs flapping around

Pros & Cons

Great bags for longer travel. The material is nice looking and sturdy.