Commuting - Ortlieb Office Bag

Our teenager is headed off for college in 5 weeks or so. I have been fixing up his Jamis Trail X1 to be used as a campus bike. Today's tweak - and I have no more on my list - was attaching the QL3 mounting system for his Ortlieb Office Bag. It's a Topeak Explorer rack he has on the back.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1466.jpg

I tried a few configurations and ended up with the bag hanging quite far off the back of the rack - his heels just clear:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/heel.jpg

RE Ortlieb, they set the fittings for the hooks on, and punch the bag for the screws
at an angle on those bags don't they?

or was that the QL2?

I've got that set up from Ortlieb on my drop MTB commuter, and I have tp say, it's beneath my expectations for Ortlieb. It moves over time, isn't tight enough to the rack, isn't adjustable enough and the bag takes too much work to take the straps on and off. Not pleased.

Ah, I hope the teenager has better experiences with the system than Mr. Snake! Really I hope the whole thing doesn't get stolen in the first month so the teenager at least gets to experience its various good & bad aspects.

The QL3 mount is interesting. There is a sort of wire and plastic skeleton that gets bolted onto the rack. Maybe I should snug those bolts down a bit more to keep the skeleton from slipping on the rack! The skeleton then presents three buttons to the bag. The bag has three slots into which the buttons can slide and lock into place.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1467.jpg

The slots are pretty much flush on the bags surface so it makes a nice package to lug about in office, classroom, etc.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1468.jpg

I've got that set up from Ortlieb on my drop MTB commuter, and I have tp say, it's beneath my expectations for Ortlieb. It moves over time, isn't tight enough to the rack, isn't adjustable enough and the bag takes too much work to take the straps on and off. Not pleased.

Tell Ortlieb that then. They are very responsive and appreciative of peoples opinions.

I would agree the locking system of the ortlieb bag you have is not really the best go. They should put the system they use on the classics on there. Everything is adjustable.

Can you set this up so the bag leans forward? In other words, the leading edge of the bag would be parallel to how his lower leg (calf) is in that picture. Google some pics of the Ortlieb Office Bag to see how others have set this up. FWIW, I have the other (QL 1 or QL 2) version of this and have no problems with heel strike but it's set up like I described above. Hope this helps:).

Scott

Like so......


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Not my bike BTW......

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/rack.jpg

Focusing more on how that plastic and wire skeleton is attached to the rack: There are three points of attachment. The upper two are loops of plastic that are snugly bolted to the rack supports. These loops are also clamped along the upper plastic rail of the triangle. The buttons from which the bag hangs are at fixed points along that rail. I can clamp the loops to the rail pretty much wherever I please.

The lower point of attachment is just a finger of plastic that keeps the bag from swaying outward. I have this finger just grabbing the rearmost rack support. So my options for attaching the skeleton seems mostly to be limited to fixing that finger at that rearmost point, and then rotating the rest of the skeleton around that fixed point. So I could have the bag sloped the other way, but that would actually be rotating the bag closer to the rider's heel.

Anyway, the thing seems to be working OK as is - for the moment, I have a smiling teenager! It'll be interesting to see what happens when he gets to college! For many more reasons than just how the Office Bag attachment works out in use!

Ah, I can see now a real weakness of the QL3 approach. It's that lower finger. On a QL2 mount that finger can be repositioned toward the front or rear of the bag. With the QL3 the finger is stuck in the middle of the bag. Really they could just make that skeleton a bit more elaborate, e.g. a lower rail along which the finger could be clamped like the upper loops are clamped, with the lower button in a fixed position just like the upper buttons. As it is now, the lower button is the same bit of plastic assembly as the finger clamp.

I've got that set up from Ortlieb on my drop MTB commuter, and I have tp say, it's beneath my expectations for Ortlieb. It moves over time, isn't tight enough to the rack, isn't adjustable enough and the bag takes too much work to take the straps on and off. Not pleased.

Is that with the clip inserts that it is still too loose?

Yes...the little clamps don't fasten well and they move over time...and the lower piece doesn't brace well. The adjustibility/flexibility is also poor - it was very hard to get this flush with the rack.

Is that bag weatherproof?

Yes...the little clamps don't fasten well and they move over time...and the lower piece doesn't brace well. The adjustibility/flexibility is also poor - it was very hard to get this flush with the rack.

You could try putting some tube in the clip.

I'm surprised at people saying the skeleton has moved over time. I haven't had mine move and I've been using it daily for the better part of a year. One of the steel wires has bent a bit, but I had my bag really overloaded with weight.

Here's some pictures of how mine is mounted. It does overhang the rack some, but not too badly. I don't have any heel strike issues and I wear a 12/13 in a shoe. May have longer chain stays, though.

http://i.imgur.com/0ZwSZ.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/DmzD7.jpg?1

I've been having photobucket issues today, but hopefully this works. Note that I had to bend in the rack due to limited placement options. It flexes and the brace below doesn't provide support.

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/photo-104.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/photo-105.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/photo-106.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/photo-107.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/photo-108.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/photo-110.jpg

I haven't had mine move and I've been using it daily for the better part of a year. One of the steel wires has bent a bit, but I had my bag really overloaded with weight.


Ah, I can see from the picture, you have the upper attachments fastened to the horizontal supports of the rack. That is surely much more secure and less liable to shifting. It puts the bag higher too, which helps avoid heel strikes.

Another possibility would be to loop one attachment to a horizontal rack support and another to a vertical support, to angle the bag which should create some heel room.

Our teenager has a Topeak rack bag that slides onto the rack, and I didn't want the QL3 system to interfere with that. Probably he won't need to use both bags at the same time but it would be nice for him to be able to pick, e.g. Office Bag for going to class, rack bag for weekend exploration.

Ah, I can see from the picture, you have the upper attachments fastened to the horizontal supports of the rack. That is surely much more secure and less liable to shifting. It puts the bag higher too, which helps avoid heel strikes.

Another possibility would be to loop one attachment to a horizontal rack support and another to a vertical support, to angle the bag which should create some heel room.

Our teenager has a Topeak rack bag that slides onto the rack, and I didn't want the QL3 system to interfere with that. Probably he won't need to use both bags at the same time but it would be nice for him to be able to pick, e.g. Office Bag for going to class, rack bag for weekend exploration.

I have a cheap rack with only 2 vertical supports, so I'm pretty lacking in ways I can angle the bag. By pushing it back on the rack, I've got plenty of clearance though. Overall, I've been very happy with the bag and the rack. I think if it was a bag I would have to carry around campus, I might get a Timbuk2 shift or that wire rack designed for holding a backpack.

Well maybe a retrofit of the regular pannier hooks will make the bag actually fit
without depending on the button clip and plastic rail scheme.

they use a piercing button head screw that secures hardware
with a plastic acorn nut, inside .
+ some bits and pieces to close up un used mounting holes..

I've got that set up from Ortlieb on my drop MTB commuter, and I have tp say, it's beneath my expectations for Ortlieb. It moves over time, isn't tight enough to the rack, isn't adjustable enough and the bag takes too much work to take the straps on and off. Not pleased.

WTF? The QL-3 system rocks! What rack do you have? I have a Topeak rack and have had the bag for a year. I haven't had to make any adjustments at all. When the bag clicks on it is absolutely solid. Not sure what you're doing wrong but maybe have another look to make sure you've attached it right.

As for the shoulder strap, leave it attached! I just place it inside the bag and close the lid. Look where I live, I haven't had any problems riding in the rain doing it this way.

WTF? The QL-3 system rocks! What rack do you have? I have a Topeak rack and have had the bag for a year. I haven't had to make any adjustments at all. When the bag clicks on it is absolutely solid. Not sure what you're doing wrong but maybe have another look to make sure you've attached it right.

As for the shoulder strap, leave it attached! I just place it inside the bag and close the lid. Look where I live, I haven't had any problems riding in the rain doing it this way.

FYI - your response was fairly rude, though probably unintentionally so. I showed pretty detailed photos of what I did, and it was done properly. The truth is that those mounting clasps suck and when I initially set it up, tensioning it lightly broke one of the clasps internal stops. It shifts if there is any substantial weight in the bag. The lower brace provides no support and the adaptability of the system was poor.

I have it latched to a blackburn. I use the commuter backpack and I find the system inconvenient...every time I unhook the bag from the skeleton, I have to pull the straps out and attach.

I would agree the locking system of the ortlieb bag you have is not really the best go. They should put the system they use on the classics on there. Everything is adjustable.

Again, WTF? Can you expand on your personal experience with the QL3?

OP, ignore these guys. I spent nearly a year obsessing on this bag until I finally got it last year. I've been using mine for a year and, clearly, have only good things to say! It is the highest quality pannier I've owned and the QL3 system has been rock solid. Every day when I easily lify by bag off the rack I thank the heavens I'm not still using my old Knog which never wanted to let go.

You made a seriously great purchase. It's the most functional pannier I've ever seen and looks class to boot!

FYI - your response was fairly rude, though probably unintentionally so. I showed pretty detailed photos of what I did, and it was done properly. The truth is that those mounting clasps suck and when I initially set it up, tensioning it lightly broke one of the clasps internal stops. It shifts if there is any substantial weight in the bag. The lower brace provides no support and the adaptability of the system was poor.

I have it latched to a blackburn. I use the commuter backpack and I find the system inconvenient...every time I unhook the bag from the skeleton, I have to pull the straps out and attach.

You must have gotten a defective part. I'd also suggest writing Ortlieb and see about getting a replacement. It's been a while since I attached mine but I would have used a fair amount of tension and as I said mine is rock solid. Again, for the strap I just leave mine attached and fold it inside the bag.

Is that bag weatherproof?

It's an awesome bag. I don't know what the bar thingy is the 2 OPs are attaching to their racks though. Does not seem to help their experience, for sure.

You must have gotten a defective part. I'd also suggest writing Ortlieb and see about getting a replacement. It's been a while since I attached mine but I would have used a fair amount of tension and as I said mine is rock solid. Again, for the strap I just leave mine attached and fold it inside the bag.

Actually I think it's a crappy system and your judgement is defective. OP, ignore this guy, it's a flawed design. Mine doesn't have "a strap", it has two back pack straps that plug into the mountings where it fits to the rack. It's a poor design there as well.

It is a complete steaming pile of poo compared to the Ortlieb QL2 design and the bags with hooks on the other side are much easier to use.

I suggest you start considering the difference between a subjective opinion and a fact. Your view is a subjective opinion. Others disagree and can have opinions without being wrong. My opinion is that the system stinks, from the bag to the skeleton. It's needlessly complex, the parts are cheap junk and it's beneath Ortlieb to release this into the market.

Actually I think it's a crappy system and your judgement is defective. OP, ignore this guy, it's a flawed design. Mine doesn't have "a strap", it has two back pack straps that plug into the mountings where it fits to the rack. It's a poor design there as well.

Well you have a different bag then. And now you're the one being rude. This guy made a big investment for his kid and you keep crapping all over it. You've had your say, now feck off.

a snap in back pack harness would be a nice thing..

(now play nice , guys) :crash:

I'd love to see Ortlieb make a back pack version in their standard QL2 design with straps on the front of the bag (on the reverse side of the hooks).

This is the bag I use:

http://www.ortliebusa.com/prod-209.htm

I'd love to see Ortlieb make a back pack version in their standard QL2 design with straps on the front of the bag (on the reverse side of the hooks).

This is the bag I use:

http://www.ortliebusa.com/prod-209.htm

I can definitely see preferring the QL2 version of that one. The snap on backpack strap system looks annoying.

Mine doesn't have "a strap", it has two back pack straps that plug into the mountings where it fits to the rack.


The bag I got just has a shoulder strap. I didn't know about the backpack strap option... hunting around ortliebusa.com I didn't see that option or style... that Vario bag seems to have the straps permanently attached?

http://www.ortliebusa.com/prod-205.htm seems not to work with the QL3 system.

Thanks, Newkie, for the tip about just rolling the shoulder strap into the bag. I wouldn't have expected that to work! Sounds like a great solution, especially for a teenager rushing to class!

Jim - that's interesting, it fits onto a regular pannier with the QL2 system. That's PERFECT, buying tomorrow - thanks again.

Note that I had to bend in the rack due to limited placement options. It flexes and the brace below doesn't provide support.

Ah, looking at your photos more carefully, I see how that rearmost vertical support structure is actually narrower than the two in front of it, so the three vertical supports are not in a common plane. That is really not going to work well with that QL3 support! Maybe you could use the horizontal support of the rack for one of the skeleton attachment loops - at least for the one in the back. That would get rid of the bend in the skeleton, which ought to make the bag fit better.

I don't really understand the advantage of the clip-on backpack straps, whether QL2 or QL3. Either way, you need to haul the straps along somehow, and clipping them on looks awkward. To ride the bike to a trail head and then take a day hike, now that is one application that would seems very suitable for such a system. But to bike to the train or some such, a simple shoulder strap seems easier for carrying the bag off the bike. I guess one could have to walk a mile or two at the other end of the train ride, and then the backpack could be worth the fuss.

My wife and I are car-free and use a number of Ortlieb bags with QL1, QL2, & QL3 attachments. The Office Bag with the QL3 attachment is by far the favorite of the three attachment systems. I look forward to finding a Tubus level-quality rack pre-made for the QL3 attachments but have not yet searched that much. My suggestion to the OP is remount the adapter bracket level with the top-bar of the rack. Your son will be able to use a traditional pannier on one side and the Office Bag on the opposite side. If that does not work, I suggest trying to re-set the rack itself further from its attachment points on the rear stays. Hope this helps.

Is there any way you can mount the bag as shown? It's a great bag and has potential!


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Is there any way you can mount the bag as shown? It's a great bag and has potential!


262957

Looking at how the rack is shaped, I think he'd need to replace it with something that has an L shaped rear support instead of the angled support for that position to work.

I think he's dealing with shorter chainstays than I have, since I was able to keep the QL-3 skeleton completely horizontal by moving the clips as far forward as possible while sliding the skeleton itself back. The bottom arm still manages to overlap the rack and prevent sway.