I can't argue with that. Since I put this video together they've been through another 6,000 km of touring, including in monsoon rain when I rode the Mae Hong Son Loop, and they are as good as the day I bought them. Love em!
Hell yeah! I just ordered myself a pair. Building myself an all-weather, year round, long distance commuter bike. These will be incredibly useful, and they seem like the best I could get for the money. Thanks for the great review!
@@wandererstraining I've had mine for four years now and have never regretted buying them. Also, you will be pleased to know that they are 100% waterproof. Even when exposed to heavy and persistent monsoons. Good luck with your all weather long distance commuter bike build 👍
@@Biking360 Thank you so much! Yeah, I live in the Lower Mainland, in Southern BC, in the Pacific Northwest. We get a very lengthy rain season, and I'm equipping myself to pretty much bike everywhere. If these go through monsoons with no issues, they are the perfect choice for me. :) Have a great day!
@@wandererstraining I live in Thailand and the monsoons here are fierce. Never an issue. I have kept my laptop and camera equipment in them and all good. Everything bone dry. You will be fine.
After three years and a lot of use, I have no regrets about buying the Ortlieb panniers. They are still great and have tons of life left in them despite a lot of use. Have fun with your bikepacking adventures. Jay
Thanks for the great review, which was also very instructive about the functionality of these! I just got these and while most of it is self-explanatory, you answered my few questions better than any other video I have seen. Thanks again!
Great review! I just ordered the very last set of back roller pro classic 70l in yellow that i could find in my country (the yellow back roller pro's are discontinued for a while now) After taking measurements i realised i needed the bigger capacity ones. I always carry a large backpack to work, and it should slide right in there, the 40l set is a bit too small in depth for that kind of thing. I also ordered a 5l ortlieb bag for on the handlebar so i can store my sunglasses, phone, keys etc there within arms reach😊 can't wait for them to arrive.😊
Thanks for the review! I was considering the 70l ones, but they are too much. I'm glad you mentioned about over filling them if needed. I'm gonna order them now 😊
Great video! I bought the same panniers and lot's of your advice e.g. about the shoulder straps was very helpful. I agree they are great but I'll have to get used to rolling the top round to close it - it seems fiddling at the moment. Thanks for posting it.
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Another great video and thanks for the review mate. Looks like you have some solid bags. The rack clips look pretty durable. I have similar panniers made by Giant but the clips didn't last long. I'm using a cable to tie them to my rack now. It's odd though how the two bags have different designs.
One thing I like about Ortlieb bag is that not only are they strong but the parts are al available at a reasonable price in the event of something breaking The clips and handle, with shims, are just $14, should you need them. Take care. JP
That's great. I have done about 10,000km with mine now and they've held up brilliantly. This includes even in heavy Asian monsoons and everything inside was still bone dry. I wouldn't choose anything else if I had to buy another pair. The only problem I had was when a bolt fell out of the fixing system after an extremely bumpy tour, so I'd suggest you just check that the bolts are all nice and tight occasionally. I always carry around a few spare bolts with me when I tour so it was an easy fix. If you watch the first video on my Isaan Tour series I film what happened. Take care and enjoy your tours. Jay
Great bags and a very good review Jay. With the waterproof materials do you experience condensation on the inside during the heavy rain in monsoon seasons? Take care and atb, Tony
I've not had them out in heavy rain because I bought them right at the back end of the rainy season. However, we're now just coming into the monsoons again, so I'll let you know. Jay
The small inside pocket should be movable. Means, when packing the main back flip the small inlet up and out of the way, pack all stuff in and then just drop the small one on top. With that you’ll have access to both, small and big areas at all times 👍🏼
You’re welcome my friend. I have them too, yes. And so far I’m very happy with them - I use them daily to go to work and then for short and long trips. Big recommendation, big money but worth every penny.
@@khat_diveprivate2518 I'm super happy with mine too. I honestly can't think of anything better for the price even though they're not the cheapest. Ride safe. JP
Great bags and great review. My only criticism is the shoulder strap system which I find that no matter which way you roll it, once you go to carry it the roll closure slackens off allowing water to get in. Here in Scotland thats a big factor. Ideally the bag should come with two additional quick release attachments to allow the roll closure to be done as normal and a strap to be attached independently of that.
That's a great observation. I appreciate the feedback. What part of Scotland do you live in? I used to live in Newcastle and regularly travelled there for work and pleasure. JP
@@AirdrieRambler That's a great part of the world to be living in. I was in Newcastle for 20 years and always had good nights out there. The ones I can remember!
Can't go wrong with the Ortliebs! I have the same set up, as well as a 31L tube bag that I pop on top of the rear rack and panniers, plus a 15L handlebar bag. Can get a bit rear heavy, so I'm looking at adding a front rack system that'll work with my bike's suspension forks.
Hi, as promised here is my review: got the Ortlieb classic. It does fit under the shortbed rear rack of Tern HSD but it is a bit inconvenient to handle putting it on and taking it off. The bar on which the clamps hang are quite thick, so it doesn't lock automatically; one needs to press it in to secure it. Not a big deal. Taking the bad off is more difficult as one needs to release the clamps one at a time given that that you have lost the luxury of grabbing the handle from above. Overall I think it's the best option available for me as Tern panniers are poorly designed with velcro connection that I hate and it takes ages to hang them of the bike. Thanks for your advice, dude.
I'm so pleased the panniers are working out. I'm surprised it's such a tight fit on the rack though, as I'd have thought the shim sizes would have covered all eventualities for the clamps. Regardless, I'm sure you'll have plenty of good years with it. JP
Well explained and detailed review. I also have the classic backrollers and think they're the best value for the money. The only other drawback I find is keeping things organized in that one big space. I have a way to keep things together but always looking to improve. Be curious what system you use. Thanks for sharing.👍🚴♂️ RG
Yeah, the organization is definitely the hardest part. I'm still trying to refine a system so it's a work in progress. On my last tour, I went with tools and camping gear in one, cooking, food and sundries in another, and clothes in the front two smaller panniers. I'll maybe change this next trip as I have a large dry bag to add to the back of the rack. JP
I'm pleased it helped. I can also add that I've just completed a tour in the north of Thailand in monsoon rains and all my stuff stayed bone dry. They're great panniers. JP
Getting some for here in Scotland! Don't you utilise the frame space considering that's a fair size and your bottles are small- I'd be getting a custom frame bag for in there.... (difficult as my bikes are "S" and I usually run with 7-850ml bottles!)
Hey there. I've had the panniers for four years now and have even had them up to Scotland when I did the LEJOG a couple of years ago. Super strong and super waterproof. I still love them. I also now have a frame bag!! You can see a review of that in one of my more recent vids. Good luck with the panniers and happy touring. Jay
I also recently got mine. Is there a trick to open the bag without removing the strap from the hook when it is mounted on the bike? In my case, the strap is too short and I have to thread it out of the hook every time.
I don't think there is a way around this and it frankly can be a little annoying. These days I just leave the carrying straps at home in a drawer! Take care and ride safe. JP
Gonna test mine this Winter in Canada see how they survive the cold an don't crack hopefully the clasps an material how do they hold up to UV some of my Lekkie components are fading due to UV
I live in Thailand and can assure you that they stand up very well to high UV exposure. The clasps and mounting points stand up very well to the heat but I've no idea how they will get on in the winters though I guess they'll be fine. Good luck :)
Good informative video, Jay. I use Ortlieb bags myself, but I’ve had a issue of the clips sticking a bit and not closing. Have you had this issue, and if so, what did you do about it? I put oil on mine, ok short term. Thanks.
Hey there. I've had occasional problems which I think are because I've wound a layer of tape around my bike rack to stop the bag from rattling. This creates a tight fit for the shim which sometimes causes a problem for it to close. Could it be you also have a very tight fit onto your rack?
@@catchyoulater.5836 You're welcome. Since I replied I thought that if the shim is actually a tight fit maybe you sand down the shim just a touch? I hope you sort it out. JP
I lost my driver's license because of an eye decease but I still need to go to work so nowawdays I must cycle all year round. I wonder how these bags will put up against freezing temperatures. Will the plastic parts withstand -10 and at worst -30 celsius temperatures? Or if water or snow gets in the locking mechanisms. Meaby partially melting the snow and then freezing because the bag is warm from being indoors. My worst fear is brittle plastic parts.
Hey there... I am sorry but I have no experience with these bags at temperatures below 0C. I can tell you that they hold up brilliantly in monsoons and heavy rains but nothing about freezing temperatures. Sorry, again, I hope you find the information you need.
Thanks. I think they're rock-solid. I can't remember what you upgraded to after you're first cheap pair fell apart. But from what I remember the new set is sound. Are they still OK on this trip?
@@Biking360 I upgraded to the azur 100% waterproof panniers which are bombproof and also has a shoulder strap so I can lug It around town if I go explore my surroundings.
I don't think you'll regret it. I've done another 1,500 km with the bags since the review and can only reiterate that I think they're a great buy. Where is your next trip? JP
@@Biking360 Sounds great, JP. Waiting for my new bike, which might arrive next week after waiting 6 months for it. First trip will be from Munich to Lake Garda across the Alps.
Thank you for the great review. It has given me a lot to think about. I have considered those panniers, however, they are hard to come by in Korea. Do you have any experience with the Topeak panniers? They seem similar.
I've no experience with Topeak panniers but I have a couple other of their products and rate them highly as a brand. Sorry I can't help any more. Good luck :)
@@awanderingviking Check out the Giant store near Hapjeong Station in Seoul. They have similar panniers although the clips are a bit flimsy. Enjoy your rides in Korea!
@@billb8632 I did read somewhere online that it was possible but I've not been able to find anything since on the Ortlieb website to confirm it. Consequently I'd recommend caution. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you too 🎄
I know this is old but because of your review I’m about ready to purchase, however I’m riding a Trek 1120, MTB for bikepacking, I’m wondering how strong the latches are ? Can they take the beating of off road use ?
The bag is rock solid in all regards. The only very small issue is that for heavy off-road use, it is worth occasionally checking the bolts that hold in the securing plates on the rear of the bag. On rough ground a while back one of the bolts fell out. Easy to replace as I always carry a few spare bolts but something to be aware of. This incidentally only ever happened once and I have never had a problem with them since. They are honestly great bags.
I'm pleased if it's helped. I'm currently on your in the south of Thailand and can only reintegrate how good I think these panniers are. Ride safe. JP the old guy
That looks like the 40l bag. It says online that the back roller city Ortlieb are 40l. 20 liter would be much smaller than that. Maybe you’re in another country and numbers are different?
Hey there. The bag is 20 litres. There is a lot of confusion online because the capacity is often stated as the total capacity for both bags as they are sold in pairs. That is 2 X 20 litres. I hope that helps.
@@shamusic04I have a pair of these and I've used them on the front of the bike when touring with the Classics on the back. All the quality remarks I made on the Classics hold true for the smaller panniers. The fixing system is the same as the Classics though the volume is just 12.5 litres per pannier rather than 20 litres. The fasteners also fasten slightly differently and there's no internal pocket as far as I can remember. Otherwise they are the same and a brilliant pannier. On a side note I'm currently touring with just the Classics and can tell you that after a lot more use than when I made the video I still think they're bomb proof brilliant bags. Take care Jay
I use an old Bontrager rack but not sure the exact make. You can use any rack you like that fits your bike though. This is because the panniers come with different sized shims for all widths of tubing on the racks.
Is it just the weight of the bags that keep the bottoms from swinging out? I've never used big panniers, some small ones (for commuting) I've had also had an attachment down at the bottom of the bag to keep them totally stable.
I bought a centre stand as this was the only one recommended for the Surly Long Haul Trucker. I'm not sure which one. However, I found it too difficult to pull the bike onto the stand when fully loaded so I took it off and now I'm back with no stand and leaning the bike against walls!
Good review, cheers. Can the top be rolled down as much as the horizontal bar of the connecting system? Reason for asking is whether it is possible to level it with surface of the rack so a box can be places on top of the rack while the panniers sit under it. Do you reckon that'll be possible? With dis/connecting still conveniently done?
The distance from the bottom of the bag to the top of the fixing bar is 32 cm. The distance from the bottom of the bag to the top of the clamps is 35 cm. You can easily roll the bag down so it's level with the top of the clamp and possibly another cm further. I hope that fully answers your question but if it doesn't please get back to me and I'll try to help. JP
@@Biking360 Thanks for your quick reply. I have placed order for a pair. I am going to use them on Tern HSD with a short bed rear rack/tray on which means the panniers should fit under that tray. My concern simply was if it fits. I'll receive the pannier and we shall see. If it rolls down all the way to the clamp, then I think we're gonna be alright. :-)
@@counterinstitute I'm almost 100% sure you'll be OK. Before I sent the last message I got the pannier out, measured it, and rolled it down to test it. I think you'll be fine as it definitely rolls all the way down to the top of the clamp. Let me know how you get on. Ride and stay safe. JP
Ortlieb are ok. But Rockgeist is in a whole other league!! Ortlieb are plastic hooks Rockgeist uses rubber ski straps. So plastic or rubber ski straps. Can find any Ortlieb products in Ecuador.