Article written by #TeamRutland rider Michelle Brideau, View her blog by clicking here.
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As someone who loves cycle touring when Rutland Cycling gave me the chance to try Ortlieb's Back-Roller Free, their newest waterproof panniers, I was happy to get a chance give them a try. While cycling across Canada a lot of cycle tourers we met were using them, and they seem to be the panniers of choice for tourers and commuters around the world and I was keen to find out why.
My first impressions of the Ortlieb Back-Roller Free panniers were good. When I took them out of the box they had a solid feel despite being thinner than I expected and as a bonus, they were also lighter than I expected (65.3oz/1.85kg each). I noticed thoughtful features such as an outer hard plastic edging to protect the lower inner corners from damage and the reflective details. The bags feel like they are high quality, they're sturdy, and the waterproofing seams are so well done they are invisible. The quick release pull for putting the bags on and off the bike was intuitive and easy to use, they are a favourite feature for many and I can see why.
My first attempt at attaching the bag to my bike did leave me a bit confused. It was obvious how to attached to the top of the rack with the quick pull hooks, but the correct position for the bottom bracket (used to stabilise the bag) was less intuitive. After a few rides, I've since figured out what works best on my rack.
The panniers seem to have a lot of straps and hooks, not all of which I could see any obvious benefit. When using the over the shoulder strap to secure the bag shut I found it made it difficult to quickly access the inside of the bag due to the extra faff of the strap dangling and the hook needed to secure the strap. As well, the fact the strap isn't connected to the pannier means it's pretty likely I'll loose it. In the end, I decided to store it in the handy internal pocket for the times I might need it and just clip the buckles together over the top of the bag like my Crosso Panniers. When I'm touring, I rarely take the panniers off my bike, so the strap is most likely to be used when running errands or commuting.
Ortlieb is an outdoor company, and they consider the environment when manufacturing their products. Part of that consideration is making products that last. These bags have a 5-year warranty, but as I've seen and heard in my travels, they last well beyond that. The materials used are also part of the company's thoughtfulness for the environment, for this particular bag the Free in the name of these panniers refers to being PVC free.
My overall impression of the Ortlieb Back-Roller Free is very good. The only thing I would change is the shoulder strap closure; I would do away with the hook on the front of the bag used to attach the strap and have the strap include it as an add-on accessory. To me, it seems an over-engineered way to add a shoulder strap to a bag.
I would highly recommend the Ortlieb Back-Roller Free if you are looking for a hard wearing waterproof pannier with a large capacity (they expand up to 40L).
Ortlieb Back Roller Free QL2.1 40L Pannier Pair
Extremely long lasting and durable PVC Free fabric and smart new finishes ensure that the Back Roller Free will be just as popular as its older sibling, the Back Roller Classic. The base fabric of the products in the Free Line is coated with polyurethane that ensures lasting waterproof qualities. The result is a waterproof and durable canvas material that is as outstanding as the conventional Ortlieb canvas material when it comes to durability and service life. The rear pannier bag features a roll closure and offers ultimate practicality for all of your bike tours, shopping ventures and commutes, especially on account of its generous payload. Thanks to its waterproof exterior, easy-to-clean interior and shoulder-bag function, the Back Roller Free is ideal for all who would like to use their bikes despite having things to carry. With the QL2.1 system, the panniers attach to any bike rack with a tube diameter of up to 16mm, and larger hooks are available to purchase separately.
- Fabric - PD62/PS60
- Height - 42cm/Width - 23/32cm/Depth - 17cm
- Volume - 40L
- Weight - 1900g
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Essential Cycling Accessories > Reviewed: Ortlieb Back Roller and Sport Roller > Bike Bag and Luggage Guide > Commuting Guide > All Guides And Advice >Shop All Bags & Luggage >
Michelle Brideau
Twitter: cycling_woman
YouTube: Ride On Cycling
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Blog: Ride On Cycling
After recovering from Crohn's surgery in 2014 I knew I'd been taking my health for granted and needed to find a way to fit exercise into my busy life. I decided to start cycling the 8 mile commute to work in London, in November.
Starting off I was a nervous rider but as the winter went on I gained confidence, and when spring arrived I discovered the joy of riding in the warm sun and decided to sign up for a London to Oxford ride. It was while training for this ride that I found my love of long-distance cycling and bought a second bike, a road bike. A Canadian, shortly after the purchase of my second bike, seven months into cycling as an adult, I innocently googled �How long does it take to cycle across Canada� and discovered the world of bike touring. After a decade in London, I was captivated by the idea of spending the summer on a bike exploring my home country and started planning. A year later with my partner and a new touring bike, I started off on my first bike tour, cycling from Vancouver to Halifax a 4100 mile journey lasting 74 days.
Since my ride across Canada, I have discovered a love of climbing on my bike and have cycled some of the cols of the Tour de France in the Pyrenees as well as going on various bike tours here in the UK. For 2018 I'm challenging myself by participating in the Vatternrundan ride, a 300km ride around a lake in Sweden with 27,000 other cyclists.
Find Your Nearest Rutland Cycling Store
You can browse the entire Ortlieb range online, or you can get your hands on it in your nearest Rutland Cycling store.