Ortlieb brings many new things for 2018. The highlights include stylish, new bikepacking bags, the PVC-free Free bike bags and the aluminum rack 3.
The specialist for waterproof bicycle panniers and backpacks is celebrating its 2017th anniversary in 35. No reason for the company from Heilsbronn to rest on their laurels. And so, with the five new models of the bikepacking line, the PVC-free bicycle bag line Free, exciting products are on the horizon for next year, which, typically Ortlieb, continue to come from German production. A rear luggage rack is also produced in the form of the Rack 3; Backpacks and bags for use in urban environments are also new.
Bring on the adventure: five new bikepacking models
The company from Heilsbronn in Franconia is expanding its bikepacking line by five new bag models for 2018. Ortlieb addresses them to gravel and passionate mountain bikers who like to set off on intensive multi-day adventures and have to carry the appropriate equipment on their bikes. The common features include the waterproof design in subtle anthracite-orange as well as the absence of less environmentally friendly PVC in the coating of the bags. On top of that, four of the five new models have reflectors that improve visibility and safety at dusk and in the dark.
Lowrider panniers from the bikepacking line: the Gravel Pack
The new pair of bikepacking bags for the fork lowrider is called Gravel-Pack, has a capacity of 25 liters and costs €120. The light yet robust construction characterizes the panniers, which can be quickly attached to most lowriders using the Quick-Lock 2.1 quick attachment.
Saddle, handlebar, frame and mini bags expand the bikepacking line
Attached to the seat post and saddle by means of sturdy straps, the compact, visually slim Seat-Pack M saddle bag offers eleven liters of packing volume. The pannier specialist lists the price of the Seat-Pack M at €130. The strong hook-and-loop fastener and a stabilizing inner reinforcement should hold the bag securely in position even in real terrain. Compression straps and an air release valve help to compress the saddlebag after loading. Thanks to its small installation space, the bag can also be mounted on small frame sizes or bikes with dropper posts. The Handelbar-Pack S (€100) handlebar roll bag, designed for racing handlebars such as those found on cross and gravel bikes, is attached to the handlebars using straps with Velcro fasteners and spacers and offers the bike adventurer nine liters of volume. It is ideal for transporting sleeping bags and sleeping pads, for example. Velcro fasteners also fix the frame bag Frame-Pack Toptube (€100) to the top tube. The waterproof zip pocket provides four liters of storage space; it should keep the luggage dry even when crossing rivers. The ideal load for the frame bag includes tools, the tent poles or provisions. The bikepacking line completes the 82 g light cockpit pack for €50: thanks to internal reinforcement, a mini bag that keeps its shape for quick access to a mobile phone or mini provisions while riding.
Eco-friendly, PVC-free Free line from Ortlieb
Cycling is environmentally friendly, good for people and the environment. However, this does not necessarily apply to the production of bicycles and accessories. It's good to see that manufacturers like Ortlieb are constantly striving for a more environmentally friendly production method on the one hand, and trying to make the materials used more sustainable on the other. The developers are aiming for 2025% material waste in production and 0% recyclable or even biodegradable products by 100.
A current example of sustainability efforts and new for 2018 is the Free pannier line for trekking and touring bikes, designed in striking mint green (color: Lagoon), black or starfruit (a light green). The two "Back-Roller-Free" rear carrier bags (€130/pair) are joined by the lowrider duo "Sport-Roller Free" (€110/pair) for the fork lowrider, the spacious, versatile 31-liter - All-round bag "Rack-Pack Free" (85 €) and the handlebar bag "Ultimate 6 M Free" (80 €). The tarpaulin look of the waterproof models can be called classic and timeless.
With all four products, Ortlieb completely dispenses with PVC, which is difficult to recycle - hence the name of the new bicycle bag line, "Free". The waterproof Back Roller Free rear carrier bags are based on Ortlieb's successful Back-Roller Classic model and, thanks to the robust polyester material, are designed to withstand many years of intensive use unperturbed. The well-known, easy-to-use roll-top closure protects the load from environmental influences. The Back-Roller-Free pair shares practical details such as the Quick-Lock 2.1 mounting system for quick and easy attachment of the bags to the luggage rack with the Sport-Roller-Free models for the lowrider on the fork. Alternatively, the Sport-Roller Free can even be used on children's bikes thanks to their compact design. Abrasion protection counteracts abrasion and damage on the inside of the Sport-Roller Free.
Water and dust should be kept away from the inside of the spacious Rack-Pack-Free rear carrier bag thanks to the waterproof material and longitudinal roll closure. The spacious 31-litre bag fits on the luggage rack and is securely attached to the rear carrier bags à la Back-Roller Free using tensioning straps and buckles. Top: the roll closure allows easy adjustment to the load. Finally, the Ultimate 6 M Free handlebar bag is based on the popular Ultimate 6 Classic, has an impressive capacity of seven liters and comes with an optional mounting kit for e-bikes. The latter allows the handlebars to be attached without having to move the e-bike display.
Ortlieb debuts its first Rack 3 rear carrier
Made of robust aluminium, the new Race 3 pannier rack allows direct attachment of all those Ortlieb panniers that allow the panniers to be attached directly to both sides of the carrier by means of three integrated mounting elements. Alternatively, the rider can dismantle these attachment points and use panniers with the Quick-Lock systems 1, 2 and 2.1 in this way. The Rack 26, which is compatible with 28" and 3" wheels, is priced at €80.
