ajb

Does anyone have any opinions on this? I've used the classics before and liked them. Does anyone have any experiences with the bike packer plus? I'm most interested in the way in which it closes, especially with a lighter load.

Thanks very much!!

Alekhine

I have both.

The bike packer plus panniers are superior in almost every practical way as far as I'm concerned, particularly ease of use. They are much less of a pain to get in and out of, and for all practical purposes they are just as waterproof, though the rollers get points for being more of a true seal against water (nothing to worry about though unless you plan on riding through a creek). I've never liked the rigamarole of closing and sealing the rollers though. It's kind of a weird way to close your bags, IMO. If I just want to fish for something in my bag, I prefer to just undo the two little clips on the bike packers, get it, reclip them and be on my way, or have a zipper or something.

The inside of the bike packer has a drawstring too, so you can tighten the bag a bit if your load is light, as you put it. I frequently use them for grocery shopping where I'm not filling the whole bag, and it does the trick fine.

The bike packer pluses also have outer mesh pockets to stow tools in and the improved QL2 mounting system, which you can combine with an anti-theft device, something I would recommend on a pannier that is so expensive.

Nothing new here really, but that's my take on it.

Lolly Pop

I have both too. I use the bikepackers more, and put them on the front. The rollers are for big tours. No complaints about either here.

eric von zipper

What sort of anti-theft device are you refering to, Alekhine?

Alekhine

It's actually a little cheesy and hardly ultra-protection, but Ortlieb makes a simple security cable for use with the QL2 mount. Good bolt-cutters will chew through it in a microsecond, but for quick grocery runs it's good to have, and most people aren't walking around supermarkets with bolt cutters ready for action (Not where I'm from anyway!).

https://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/...?pid=136&cid=2

The problem in terms of security with the Ortlieb Bike Packer is also one of its blessings. The QL2 mounting system is so good that you only need to give a single yank on the carry handle and it comes right off** - making it the absolute easiest thing for potential thieves to take off your bike.

Likewise though, it's a cinch to put back on. It's literally a two-second operation to mount it and it's secure, ready to go, and it won't fall off unless you pull the carry handle again. Contrast that with my old Jannds, which had these ridiculous tightening straps on the backs where you had to put your fingers through the spokes to manipulate them from behind (veeery awkward), and the Ortlieb mounting concept is like something designed by an advanced alien race in comparison.



**Don't let that sound like the thing isn't secure in terms of riding - just in terms of possible theft. It is absolutely secure on the road because the clamps lock down fully around the bars of your rack, and it is the only pannier I've ever owned that absolutely will not fall off the bike.

Lolly Pop

lolol

ajb

Thanks for your input. I'm going with the bike packers. It sounds like they are worth the money.

CyKKlist

I commute with the Packer Plus panniers and they are very good for light loads. I'm still getting used to the "big unshaped bag" syndrome vs. the Arkels, but they do protect my stuff very well. I can also vouch for the QL2 attachment system, which is both easy and rock solid. Ortlieb ships several size diameter of insert rings for optimal attachment to the rack.

I recommend you contact Wayne at TheTouringStore.com, who stocks Ortlieb all the time.

Have fun!
Ken

RLHawk

Ken -

I have been looking into racks and panniers to use primarily for commuting, and possibly for light touring. Arkel and Ortlieb are the two pannier companies that have caught my eye. Can you explain what you mean by "big unshaped bag" syndrome vs. the Arkels.

Thank you,
Matt

Ken Wind

I can't say for sure, but I think he's talking about the fact that the material on the Ortliebs is stiffer. His Arkel bags may have had compression straps too. You can actually purchase compression starps for the Bike Packer Plus model from Ortlieb though.

Losligato

We have both the PLUS and CLASSIC panniers...all are the packer version meaning they have the traditional flip top lid rather than the roller.

PLUS: Are made of the Cordura fabric.

CLASSIC: Are made from a durable polyester fabric.

I prefer the classic polyester fabric. The bags are less expensive, more durable and mud/dirt seems to cling to the cordura fabric whereas it is easy to wipe from the classics.

Classic (LEFT) and Plus (RIGHT)

aroundoz

One advantage of the backrollers is you can leave them open like a big sack and pile food and whatever else in there for when you hit the store before going to camp etc... It works great as long as you don't do anything crazy on the bike. Wayne at the touring store pointed this out when we were trying to decide. We didn't think much of this idea at the time but have since done this several times. That in itself wouldn't be a reason to go w/ them but if you own a pair and have never tried it, see what you think.

wiles9

i choose the classic, due to it being cheaper overall... the cordura didnt really do it for me either.. so why pay more... the cheaper set look strong enough.

I choose the roller, although more awkward, i dont need into them every ten minutes, im planning on some big tours.. for which, i decided they were more practical. The sport one i seen was also smaller, if i remember rightly..