Ortlieb panniers reviews, Back Roller Classics (Waterproof)

 Ortlieb panniers reviews, Back Roller Classics & Front Roller Classics (Waterproof) REVIEWS
Ortlieb panniers are world-renowned for their durable quality, reliability and in the Roller Classic -Waterproof build, all of which is ideal for the experienced cycle tourer.
SPECS:

• Classical rear pannier (pair) with roll closure (Waterproof)
• QL1 mounting system (quality build, reliable, tough)
• Sides of PS 490 nylon material, front and back of PD 620
• Including integrated inner pocket and shoulder strap (Carry it with you)
• Pannier can be easily mounted to racks with a diameter up to 16 mm, reduction pieces for 8 mm and 11 mm rack diameters included
• Top QL hooks and lower sliding hook adjustable with Allen key no. 3
• Can be used individually (e.g. for shopping, sports, picknick)
• Can be combined with the ORTLIEB Rack-Pack or Dry Bag (100L) for tent/sleeping accessories
• Proven quality -used on numerous RTW (ROUND-THE-WORLD) expeditions
• Highly reflective Scotchlite reflector
• Simultaneous use of ORTLIEB Travel-Biker, Bike-Box or Shuttle possible
• Ortlieb products are made in GERMANY. Manufacturers warranty. Easy installation.
• Optional accessories: ORTLIEB carrying system,outer pocket/s size S, mesh pocket, bottle cage
• Panniers come as a pair with shoulder strap (length appr. 75cm)
 If you plan to use this pannier with a carrier rack, the Tubus Cosmos in stainless-steel construction, weighing in 680 grams  (24 oz) is the expedition rack for long hauls, or long-lasting performance. The Tubus Cosmos is wider than previous models and has a load capacity of 30kg/66lbs. If you are looking for that feather-light carrier rack, you should consider the new ultralight Tubus Carry at 385 grams (in titanium) with a load capacity of 30kg/66 lbs. For world touring, it's recommended to use stainless steel or chromoly steel which can be repaired in case of an accident/breakdown. I have ordered the Tubus Cosmos and will be fitting it to my MTB. I'll feature some reviews when the assembly is complete, and instructions on how to install (modify) for use on mountain bikes. In communications with a reputable dealer and friend (see earlier posts and will be used on my Arctic2Argentina Expedition in 2012), the Tubus Cosmos is highly regarded as an industry carrier component for bicycle touring and long-distance expeditions. Tubus Swing is the ideal front rack for a MTB expedition build to support from panniers.

Surly Long Haul Trucker Frameset 26" WHL - Black, 50cm
[SURLY LONG HAUL TRUCKER FRAMESET]

 Tubus Cosmo SS One Color, One Size
[TUBUS COSMOS SS EXPEDITION RACK]

 Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus Bag - Pair Graphite/Black, One Size
[ORTLIEB BIKE BACKER PLUS -REAR PANNIERS]

 

 Ortlieb Bike Packer Classic Bag - Pair
[ORTLIEB PANNIERS]

Ortlieb Front Roller Classic Bag - Pair Black, One Size 

[Discounts @ Amazon.com - described in this article]

          

[NOTE TO READERS, FRIENDS, SUPPORTERS: I am a self-sponsored adventurer now, if readers want to support, use PayPal link on this page (donate/make a difference today!)

[NOTE TO READERS, FRIENDS, SUPPORTERS: I am funded by trust funds, inheritance, a wealthy family, or other dream ideas. Actually, I am a father and lecturer in universities in Korea. I have become a self-sponsored athlete and adventurer. With the help from AN DAE GI at Gangneung Bike Mart (a small independent bicycle shop in South Korea) we pieced together an expedition cycle from several used mountain bikes I purchased from his store. Finally, in 2011, I launched and successfully completed my first Himalayan bicycle expedition. I have also been supported by Commuter Bicycles, Santa Barbara, California with a discount on an expedition cycle, the Koga-Miyata World Traveler. The truth is, I am self-sponsored for 95% of the expedition, if anyone cares enough to read/enjoy my blog and can support, please use PayPal link on this page (donate/make a difference today) or purchase from Amazon.com discounts, any product through Amazon.com links from this site, a 4% commission from sales will supportcharity-focused, environmentally-sound, non-profit expeditions. Thank you for support!! You can shop on Amazon.com + on many items directly from links on this website. I did not ask for sponsorship to complete my first expeditions, that is a lesson for others dreaming about their own adventures before the wheels have been put into motion. Do not wait for someone to pay for your dreams to come true, work at it, connect with social media and non-profit foundations, prepare the equipment and train in the gym or on the cycle. Afterwards, the cards will fall into place, you will succeed when you have poured yourself into the mission. 

Peace, Brian  (Gangneung, South Korea)

Dave  February 24 at 5:14am 

How goes it? Read your blog the other day and it sounds like your having some issues with that Tim guy? Glad I didn't send the bike aye? Is your 2012 Artic 2 Argentina ride still on??? Everything else well?

Brian Perich February 24 at 1:45pm  RE: The expedition fund-raising theif

Dave,
You read well into the messages in that update. He stole event sponsorship $ from that organized 12-hour endurance event, plus he stole $1K in equipment ordered for the expedition in 2012 (pressuring  to file an insurance claim with the company, as the US Military won't track APO parcels in South Korea [considered War Zone] and he took advantage of that opportunity to be a would-be thief (at heart, he certainly is one). I pressured [Tim] through all parties involved, mutual friends and his contact that received the packages at the US embassy, whom was likely unaware about Tim's scams. It was #$&#! unbelievable. For a charity expedition, all the efforts I have put in, and Tim decides to #%$! me over...Perfect timing, the KOGA MIYATA WORLD TRAVELLER never would of made it, it would have been a total nightmare, although averted through your logic and our communication together. I trust people man, I want to see the good in everyone in this cworld and make it work to help others see it the same way???? Dang! Crazy!

Yes, I am still planning [the Alaska to Argentina] and have 90% of the equipment, I won't let it go so easily.

[NOTE TO READERS, FRIENDS, SUPPORTERS: I do need more sponsorship, if anyone reading can support, use PayPal link on this page (right column...donate today, make a difference!)  support my 32,000km charity-focused mission! Purchase any product from Amazon.com discount online store through these links, and support the expedition (no cost to you)

Unfortunately, all fund-raising for myself inside Korea is extinguished. When you attack my way to survival (cycling), you attack my religion. I think I am more spiritual now, more careful, more concerned about everything in life after that experience. My cycling friends here, seem to be friends one day and competitors the next (there are good people, don't get me wrong, exception when you are pursuing an enormous DREAM, then you have COMPETITION).  It's best to just train, work, study and prepare the best I can for what lays ahead.

SmartWool Lightweight Crew - Mens 2011 Large - Black 

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

You know Dave, I really appreciate your concern and the way you handled my KOGA, saved my ass again!!! I appreciate our friendship and definitely think of you often. Life is tough, and as you said, it's difficult and sometimes impossible to trust people. But I am going to keep giving it with the bicycle and hopefully help others on that journey ahead. My heart is definitely into it, just need to align the rest of my life to prepare for the sacrifices needed to complete the mission successfully and safely too!

SmartWool Balaclava Black, One Size

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

Mi Sung is great, being supportive as always...kids have colds but healthy, Sierra now 9 months and Matthew 3 years on March 5. I should update some photos (cameras are lost, I have the GO PRO HERO helmet camera now...but lost my Canon IXUS 85is in that 12 hour race, crashing and having it slip away). The replacement camera was a newer model Canon IXUS 105is, made in China, lasted a month and the lens motor burned out...recycled plastic!

If I get another camera, I'll update. I'd like to order a Canon EOS or Rebel DSLR from Amazon.com -but they don't deliver to South Korea...we'll see, maybe get to the digital markets in Seoul will have a later model (discount) and it better be Made in Japan this time!

Expedition Trekking Sock Loden XL by Smartwool

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

Hope your friend is navigating well in ESL teaching, I know you mentioned this person anonymously, if they need anything (legal advice,etc...have them contact me, I'd be glad to help).

High Peak Hyperlite 2-person Tent

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

Arctic2Argentina 2012 - a Charity-focused adventure cycling expedition. For more information, contact me bpexpedition@gmail.com

Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch LCD and 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

Topeak Alien DX 27-Function Bicycle Tool

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

Schwalbe Marathon Supreme HS 382 Touring Road Bike Tire (26x2.0, Triple Nano Triple Nano Folding, Reflex)

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

Niterider NiteRider Pro 1200 LED Light

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

Uber Lite 4 Season Tent with Aluminum Poles

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

Primus Omni-fuel Stove Himalaya Onmi-fuel

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

MSR Stowaway Pot 1.6 L

[Expedition choice for Arctic 2 Argentina 2012]

       

Modifying Mountain Bikes for Epic Bicycle Touring

   

Hello cyclist friends (:

Sharing some tips on modifying stock mountain bikes (mine: OEM - Blackcat/Giant All-Aluminium alloy tube frame; Gareth's Motobecane All-Titanium alloy angular tube frame). 


First setup: Tubus builds an amazing Swing Suspension Rack that mounts to the handlebar stem and the fork crowns, it stable and carry regular panniers -with ease according to Gareth. His bike is well-equipped with Rockshok SID RACE 100mm rebound/lockout RLT forks, that are industry-standard quality and performance. 


Second setup: My Blackcat mountain bike is basic-equipped showing a translated page from Naver. The Suntour XCM coil-loaded forks, 80mm rebound/without lockout aren't the top of the line suspension fork, they are heavy, but they are coiled and reliable for basic trail riding and bicycle touring. 


Adjustments of the Suntour V2 XCM fork: I have tweaked the tension through fork crown adjustment head (PVC material) without much result. Finally, I snapped the stabilizer low fork mount (believing it was for tensioning -it's solely for securing the inner suspension alignment link to the bottom of the fork case. A large 30cm coil that should be properly re-greased (my first service in over 5000km!). 


Service the Suntour V2 XCM fork: I drained water and moldy-grease fungus from the fork shafts, and inner casings. I balanced the coils removing a center-plug (20cm length) that was located on one side, and reloading was done with a huge open-adjustable wrench, loading pressure on top while threading the PVC plug back into it's fork-crown top-down, position.  The forks continued to perform for bicycle touring, they are simple and indestructable, albeit they being heavier than most top-of-the-line fork and do not lockout


Frame comparisons:  The frame material that Gareth is using on his Motobecane mountain bike (Titanium) and my Blackcat/Giant (Aluminium) are compared. Gareth mentions the flex in the frame with a fully-loaded rack on the titanium, while I have loaded mine with a seatpost-rack and loaded 10kg+, whereas, in comparison, in the aluminum frameI found there to be no problem in handling/stability.  I did find the aluminium frame stiff and rigid, a + for touring. After riding for thousands of kilometers on tour, the rigid aluminum frame will "buzz" and this vibration caused my hands to feel numb, but the ride was always solid, supportive for the equipment being carried (excess 30kg) and the frame never failed or fractured throughout the HimalayasX2011. 


Of course, there is also another verdict to always go with "steel frame" like Eddie's Surly Long Haul Trucker (LHT) which is the standard touring frame for all touring occasions. I have another posting listing many touring bicycles and a set of photos for example, and a link to PBASE with actual touring bicycles being used around the world, really helpful to see for yourself.


It's exciting to make a mountain bike ride like a touring bike, it can be done with the right materials assembled, like a KONA Explosif (steel) frame and Magura coil-sprung forks. Tom @ Ride-Earth does it well. Here's another link/setup for the Himalaya [compliments of Gareth's research]. 

    

 

 Blackcat/OEM Giant loaded for touring. Suntour V2 XCM coil suspension forks are heavy, useful for everyday trail/road riding though, 10,000km on mine.

$10 tent, seat-mounted rack/fender, handlebar SLR pack 

 Bring a -20 mummy bag for the cold nights +thermarest

 Mornings are looking brighter after touring

 Full-coverage to protect yourself from the elements

 Ensure you pack light, enjoy the tour =balanced/control.

 Gareth's Motobecane, Tubus Swing (fr), Cosmos (Rr) [photo courtesy]

Gareth's Titanium Motobecane w/Tubus racks and full panniers D.I.Y.  Notice the weight of the Tubus Swing rack over the front suspension. Attaching flat racks directly to the lower front suspension tubes eliminates the suspension sag, and increases the suspension stability when panniers are fully loaded. That suspension question is proven, I rode this way in the Himalayas of western China with racks attached to my Fox RL32 120mm.

Brian Perich February 19 at 12:17am

Hey G!

I am thinking -got the Panniers, how about the rear rack to mount to ...haha! Duh! Where did you/what did you decide on for your Motobecane? It would be cool to keep the Blackcat rolling on, with panniers too! I'm going to sell that trailer, the kids outgrew it already and probably through Craigslist, I'll try and sell a few other things -go light, my new motto for living in Korea.

Hope all is well, Rob Kerr/Dominic Luther, Paul Deveau, etc cycled 6 days across Korea touring, Dom posted photos here. Dom posted on the updates about the tour, out of my possibilities with MA ongoing, damn! Wish I went now.

All the best,

Brian P (:

Winter Break - domluther's Photos

domluther.smugmug.com

Snowboarding in Gangchon, a trip to Suwon and a winter bike tour.

Share

Gareth Zane Barker February 19 at 12:37am Report

hey! look at wiggles.com
Are you going to just do rear? If you put a lot on rear only probably get a higher quality Tubus, they sell adaptors that work perfectly as well so you can throw it on any bike.

I went with the stainless tubus cosmos for the rear. It's going on it's first S24O in the morning but I've already given both the racks stress tests. I loaded them way up, slowly climbed a hill and went barreling down hitting speed bumps and crap and slinging the load around. Felt real stable. not much clearance for a fender though, it's a really low rack and has a lower bar for low pannier mounting.

I am using a tubus suspension rack but those are built for more rough riding and I think I overdid it maybe. My understanding is you can jury rig a normal front rack for suspension with a U-lock and it works just fine but isn't the best thing for the suspension. But at the end of the life of your bike you can take those quality racks and throw them on a proper touring bike. The suspension rack I've noticed I usually only see on rigs people are doing rough rides on like the great divide or Himalayas or something.

anyway, I suggest looking at tubus to start with and look at racks that could be used on your next bike as well; and keep me posted!

Brian Perich February 19 at 6:42am

(: Ba ding! (used in my ESL classrooms for great answer G). Awesome. My PC was formatted (losing the Himayala address you shared earlier...I knew it was Tubus, but forgot all other details). 

The Koga-Miyata World Traveller comes complete with Tubus, it's a cycling machine...unless stolen, then I would ride the Blackcat again. 


When you weigh the risks of theft considering the poverty cycling through some regions of the world, I would choose to ride a cheaper Blackcat/Giant Mountain bike that is modified ($70) for bicycle touring. 


Front suspension forks and expedition touring:  Replacements of those Suntours now serviced, I dismantled, drained 50cc of water from one, they had slime and fungus mold like yogurt inside them (loads of rain looking back, where did it seep in? Maybe the strange plastic/pvc grommets that actually screw down into the top of the fork crowns, holding down.....coil springs! I thought that was cool to find out. I cracked a bolt off the lower stabilizer/internal plastic fork tube lockout-which seats inside the huge upper coils. I accidentally snapped one off (6 months ago??) 


Suntour V2 XCM problems continued: tightening the torsion bolts on the bottom of the forks hoping for more stiffness/resistence, as I ride hard/almost locked-out most of the touring time (which is all the time) caused no major problems.


Regrease (I was provided a lump of bearing grease is ideal for steel-coiled forks, I asked for some at an auto repair center and in came in a plastic bag for free) worked wonder for servicing after 5000km+. 


I also discovered and removed water in one fork tube, an extra inner rubber slug removed from the other (talk about inbalance) and actually JB-welding a bolt (hacksawing off the old/snapped bit) and a rubber tube gasket at the end...will be test if it holds, I've ridden 1000km already if it doesn't, the nub of bolt barely held the nut and I crazy-glued it in place...a little wobble, but made it in/out of Gangwon and down to Busan if I recall correctly. (:

Okay, I'll look for a Tubus w/adapters. I know Topeak is available in Korea, but I wouldn't spend a dime on them, their line of products seem chintzy and suited for someone like Arden (hehe!)

Peace, thanks for informing me!

Brian
I'll check wiggle ...and perhaps, Aliexpress.com -a tip for you too!

Brian Perich February 19 at 6:46am

http://wiggles.com/ Maybe .co.uk? I recall hearing of them, but this is a show my son (Matthew) watches, or we all watch from time to time. haha (:

Wiggles

wiggles.com

Wiggles - music, videos, clothes, DVDs, shows, books, toys and more

Share

Brian Perich February 19 at 6:49am

Found it, the Tubus Cosmos SS (stainless steel) rear carrier rack.

SPECS: Tubus Cosmos SS Rear Bicycle Bike Rack

The top-of-the-line rear carrier, Tubus Cosmo. Forged from ultra-durable stainless steel, the Cosmo features a generously sized elevated top space that can accommodate a large rack back.

Product Features

• Material: stainless steel
• Recommended Use: touring
• Manufacturer Warranty: 30 years

Brian Perich February 19 at 7:26am

Found these distributors in Korea!

독일 자전거용품 가게

citybike.co.kr

Gareth Zane Barker February 20 at 3:23pm Report

yes sorry wiggles is in the UK. Like I posted on my photo there is some flex in the bike when loaded in the rear I had never noticed. The bike isn't designed for lateral stress. But this might be a case where the nice rigid frame of the black cat would be a benefit. I think it is going to take some getting used to and I'm not super happy about it. On the way home when I was on a congested highway the wobble was a little frightening. There's not much I can do about it except try to put heavy things up front.

Those are the adapters I used to mount my rear rack. Eddie thinks I screwed up by not putting rubber under them. I just put them right on the titanium b/c it was a tight fit. If you go that route I'd suggest going a size up on the adaptor and adding a little cut up tube. I Also needed an adaptor that went through the axle.

I've never tried a trailer but I've heard good things about them. A trailer + suspension rack could take a bike just about anywhere. Although I was initially wary of the suspension rack; I am now super impressed with it. If you place the bags correctly there is no change to normal road handling and I think very little or no difference to offroad handling. But being a big guy I did come within like 1.5 cm of bottoming out my suspension at some point during our camping trip. I decided to partially close the lockout and it seemed to calm it down.

If you make a choice to do touring exclusively on suspension bikes I really suggest looking at it. It does what it's built for perfectly and has a 30 year warranty. You can take it road touring or down the great divide.

Amazon.com: Tubus Swing Suspension Rack: Mountain bike carrier for panniers. Weight 780 grams (28 oz), Load capacity 15kg (33lbs), Wheel size both 26" or 700c wheel sets.

Camping close to your mountain bike

Modified U-bolt front flat racks attached to FOX RL32 120mm forks 

Signing in new friends on an expedition, the Xjournal

Another view of the modified front racks and suspension forks

Baima Snow Mountains, Northern Yunnan, China

Cycling up to 4298 meters with teams riding to Lhasa, Tibet. 

Meeting friends, seeing lone cows on mountain roads of Sichuan

Tibetans live outside TAR in western Sichuan (Kham Prefecture)

Aksai Chin Mountains, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

Lugu Hu Lake (2800-3000 meters) border of Sichuan and Yunnan, China

Finally, I started bicycle touring. No regrets. Live to Ride.

CONCLUSION:  (THIS IS WHERE THE BUILD ENDED)

I decided to use a standard aluminum disc-brake compatible rear rack carrier, the Topeak Supertourist DX Disc. It fit perfectly with the Blackcat aluminum mountain bike (18" large frame). What is improved when comparing the lighter weight stainless Tubus racks, the connecting rods are steel on the Topeak Supertourist DX Disc racks, however, the Tubus Cosmos uses aluminum connecting rods (*snap easily on installation). 


So, I finally decided not to spend the extra money on the Tubus Swing rack for the front panniers (*why put extra weight over the suspension?). Instead, I installed conventional front flat aluminum racks and built a stabilizer U over the front wheel using a bent piece of re bar steel which is flexible/bendable and strong once in position (*costs considered:  $20.25 for front racks, $50.00 for rear rack carrier=$70.25 total). 


So, for less than $100 it's possible to use a conventional MTB (mountain bike) converted to expedition touring with a few pieces, much cheaper than buying it from the retailer touting touring bicycles!


HimalayasX2011 expedition of western China using the simple racks, quality Ortlieb panniers, 3200 km 1988 miles across the deserts of Xinjiang, the Aksai Chin mountains, the Himalayas. It was an expedition completed with 38 days of riding, this was the most enjoyable, challenging and adventurous MTB mountain bike tour so far. Looking ahead to the next expedition, to be launched in June 2012.

THANK YOU - AN DAE GI @ Gangneung Bike Mart, Korea