Lost key to Ortlieb Handlebar bag
 

I Lost the key to my Ortlieb Handlebar bag and now I can't click it on to attach it.

Obvious solution would be to contact Ortlieb but I figured to ask if anyone from the forum had to solve this problem before?

Thanks

Have you tried turning it off and on again?

well Mr Kukukachu, that's a pain. From the start, Ive been very skeptical of the whole locking thing on these, and never considered using it, partly because I never use a bike lock or anything with a key on a bike trip for fear of losing the key, but also of course because to me it really doesnt have a proper function anyway (well, maybe more a bit now with the locking lid versions with the magnet lid models nowadays).

I take it that you locked it for storage or something? Ive actually never locked mine, and have the keys somewhere.

this is a real far shot, but there might be batches that use the same key cut, although being German, they probably did go the "every lock has a diff key route".

I recall a number being stamped somewhere for replacing keys, is it on the mount or the keys themselves? I'm sure Ortlieb will get back to you, although I wonder if the cost for a key is not perhaps half of just getting a new mount kit, and you could drill out the lock and stick in a wooden dowel--I have seen a photo on here probably of someone doing just that, drill out the lock and use the dowel as leverage to move the spring mechanism for the actual clip thing that holds the bag on.

do some searches for the "drill out" method, if you never use the key, this would be the easiest and no money spent.

you know, it might be Doug64 who has done this, try looking it up.

Had the similar issue in that I lost the key but it was unlocked so I can still use the mount. Each key has a code stamped on it. With the key code, you can order another key. Otherwise, you have to go to a good locksmith to have them make a new one. Buying a new mount would be way cheaper than that though. Sorry.

Good to know about the key code. I'll have to check and make a note of the number on mine.

+ now the 6th version of the Ortlieb bar bag mount and Klick fix bar bags and mounts are interchangeable, functionally..


their lock depends on a thin cord, to keep the lid from being opened , and the button pushed down ..

got your electronic toys in there ? lid is easy to force open and empty it of your stuff..





...

Go with the obvious solution first:

info@ortliebusa.com

800-649-1763

Those are pretty cheap/basic locks. Grab a few hair pins and you'll have it open in seconds.

I never lock it. I take it with me wherever I go. Even into the shower at hostels and camp sites. I figure, what is the point of locking it? Someone could scoop the stuff out faster then they could unclick, even when unlocked.

I sent them an email. Will report here when I have an update 👍

I received a reply from Ortlieb that in order to get a replacement key I need a code ... a code that can be found on the original key ... :-) so I guess when I find my keys I can order more ;-)

Otherwise, they said, I need to buy a new mount.

now is the time for you to think, do you really ever need or want to lock it?
If not, look into the drilling out the lock deal and putting a painted wooden dowel in there to lever the mechanism.

or buy a new mount and try out the diy project and you'll then have an extra mount to put on a diff bike, handy at times.

Yeah. I don't really recall locking it. It was a mount I had put on my wife's new bike and she finally decided to pop the handlebar bag on it.

New Mounts are like $20.. , try to get a keyless one. as I said R&K works with Ortlieb, bags,

& if you need to box your bike to fly to tours easier to deal with..

http://www.klickfix.com/images/produkte/small/0211.jpg

I use a second stem. Makes mounting a breeze. ;)

Does that mount work with all Ortlieb bags?

It does , you use those tabs on the top and swing the bag down to the latch the button opens.

here is my 2 stem rig the bar bag mount is KF, the bag is Ortlieb a roll closed version from series 3..

http://www.cyclofiend.com/working/im...-5P1010010.jpg

i also use a newer small bag for around town , (so ended up with a spare 6th series mount)

..

This is what djb is talking about. I used a wooden dowel and JB Weld epoxy to fill and reinforce the cracked outer shell. It is probably stronger than before the repair. The mount comes apart, and it is easy to remove the locking mechanism; there is no need to drill it out.* JB weld is next to bailing wire in a farmer's tool kit. I have never used the lock on any of my bag mounts.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4292/...97f9ea4c_z.jpg

there we go, the official answer!
I was pretty certain it was you Doug.

and the fix even looks nice.

It does NOT work with the new E-bags, the one where you can charge electronics and the wiring goes through the mount. The mount has built in charging contacts. It does work with all the rest IFAIK. John

even more to lose when the lid is pulled open , if it's full of your electronics..

I know I'm a little late to the party here but the lock is pretty darned easy to pick. I purchased a front bag at the REI garage sale that was locked and didn't have a key, I bent a short 90deg bend on a paperclip, 1.5-2mm long and fiddled with trying to pick the lock while watching tv. I think it may have taken me 20 minutes to pick it. I then tried to disassemble to remove the tumbler all together but it can't be done. My front mount is now in the permanently unlocked mode, like others I feel the lock is pretty pointless as a knife will give access to the contents of the bag right quick.

Yep, like an angle grinder which costs less than a good lock will liberate any bicycle in ~30 seconds.

I suggested that two weeks ago, and rather than spend 5 minutes fixing his problem, the OP would rather blow money on replacement mounts and other unnecessary stuff. Hell, I even posted a lockpicking tutorial video! Can't help those unwilling to help themselves.

the video shows very specific lock picking tools that would have to be 1-bought, and 2-learned how to use. So there would be a cost involved, or sure, making your own, but then the last fellow did show that mucking about with a paper clip could work, which we will all try (but maybe not be able to do, dont forget that we arent all potential safe crackers after all I suspect).

the other suggestion of taking it apart easily seems to me to be the obvious alternative, if the paper clip lock picking trick doesnt pan out.

Did you ever get this resolved? I kinda wonder if you couldn't use a Dremel to grind away the little bit of plastic that stops the lever from moving forward when the locking mechanism is rotated?