they are great bags. i've been using them for years.
i ran an Army, Navy store for 10 years. The surplus Euro ones were ok, but i always got the new cordura U.S printed ones. they never smelled, and were pretty water resistant. never used one on a bike, but i used it for laundry, clothing to and from college. moving a few times. great and durable. still have 3 of them laying around.