I feel kind of dumb asking this, but I can't figure out my new Ortlieb map case. This is apparently the latest model that anchors in front and has an adjustable cord to the rear of the handlebar bag. So I have it mounted per the instructions, roll top forward, cord routed exactly as instructed. What I end up with is a doubled over transparent map case measuring about 5" x 11", and not sure how to access the folded under bottom half.

So how is this case intended to be used, what's the purpose of the adjustable cord setup, and is the front attachment intended to be quick-release? I like Ortlieb stuff but this just baffles me. Thanks for any insights.

I actually never got a cord but supplied my own. I just secure the cord to my handlebars to keep the case from flipping up.

Looks like it's intended to be either a. folded or b. open via stem attachment.

https://www.ortlieb.de/_anleit/u6-kartentasche.pdf

Thanks guys. I followed the instructions, but just disappointed with what appears to be a kludge. Expected better from Ortlieb.

Is this the model with the magnets? If so, does this work well? I have the previous model with snaps, which are a little frustrating. Just curious if it would be worth upgrading...

MM: Yes, this is the latest model with the magnets. Campmor has a good price on it. The magnetic lid works well and can be one-handed, but there's a caution about keeping credit cards away from the magnetics. Ironically the map case that I'm complaining about makes the magnetic lid difficult to open/close due to the cordage putting tension on the lid and slightly distorting it. I probably wouldn't upgrade just for the magnetic lid if your bag still works well otherwise. But if you do upgrade, AVOID the map case!

the penultimate one has a window in the lid itself. View the ULTIMATE 6 M PRO at https://www.ortliebusa.com

top model unplugs the dynohub -phone-recharger circuit when you take it off, View the ULTIMATE 6 M PRO E at https://www.ortliebusa.com

Over time you may appreciate the ortlieb design, I use a 5 with case and no matter what compromises their design has, 5 vs 6 included, the bottom line is that their barbags are light, and both body and map case really are totally waterproof. I rode probably 6 hrs in heavy rain and strong winds on the weekend and everything was dry.

Thanks for the info. I think the magnets alone would be worth the upgrade for me. Those snaps aren't the end of the world but they are a little frustrating since I am opening the bag so much. I am trying to ride without a map case so hopefully that will work out and I won't have to deal with the issue you mention.

Off-topic, but what am I missing here... There's no charging electronics built in the bag (it requires the E-Werk or similar). Soo... when they say they have "added capacity for charging", they actually mean, "we included a piece of USB cable. That's an additional USD 60, thankyou."

--J

Apparently, popping the bag off the bike mount half, separates contacts, so all your toys and the E-werk come off in/with the bag.


If money was an issue, people would take a vacation from all that I-crap and leave it at home.

... or (my approach ) Just Not buy all that stuff in the first place. [My dynohub runs the lights, period.]


Still waiting for the squeeze to charge dyno phone hand exerciser.

I got it figured out now. If the map case is mounted as shown in the instructions under "OPTION", it works pretty well. The case is completely unfolded and attached at the front, opening to the rear. Now a map can be loaded, and the case can be folded under itself from the rear if you only need to see half. Hard to explain, but mount as per OPTION and go from there.

hope they changed the clear plastic ,, my bigger map case bought in the 90's rotted rather fast to shards..

Now, I'd just get one from a boat shop instead.. a nav chart cover.
I got Bigger Maps. so I didn't have to refold them as often. draped it over a front rack load over the wheel.

but you wanted it to fit the generation6 bag.;.

older bags used a common snap ... now that is a proprietary cleat to hold a cord over it seems

When you say "Bigger Maps", that sounds like a brand name - if so, do you have a link?

$200 for a handlebar bag? That's a bit steep.

Some people are addicted to their having electronic screens everywhere they go ... a Mobile phone costs even more .

you didn't get one of those 6 figure tech jobs at 25 I take it.. [ I toured with paper maps and sent Postcards]




Re: bigger maps ? Ordinance Survey (UK. Eire) Michelin, Falk NL, Kummerly + Frey, Germany, freytag&berndt, Austria,

Some I got under way on Ferrys between countries from other passengers.

The more I read and hear about all the new tech stuff out there, the more I'm drawn toward paper maps and postcards, myself.

Embrace your inner Luddite!

+1. Recently did a nine-day across PA. It rained two days, including one day for about 60 miles. The "map case" that sheltered my paper cue sheets was a plastic bag that formerly held peppercorns purchased at a local spice shop.

I also read a printed book during the trip.

+ 1 on embracing one's inner Luddite. Still I'm thinking of taking a Kindle reader on my next tour; great battery life, light weight, and lots and lots of books available.

I Have a nice Souvenir collection of Maps, from the places and countries I've been, Now..

handed off an Agatha Christie paperback I was Reading, to the guy working the front door of an International Hotel ,

In Warsaw Poland in 1991. who was working on his English ..and grateful to have it ..

Just flipped through the installation instructions, and IMHO it's a nice fix to the flapping problem I've had with the 5 bar bag and map case. FWIW, the 5's electronics pouch had the cord to route through the loops at the back of the lid, but not the map case. The map would start flapping at 20-25 mph air speed (pretty easy to hit going downhill in the mountains!), to the point I was worried it would fatigue and break off.

My low-tech fixes on the 5 included duck tape to hold the front down and a tall headlight to hold the back, and then I upgraded to 3' of 1/8" shock cord. Loop around the bag + case and tie it off, stretch it a bit to roll it off the side when access to the bag's required.

I still love the bag and map case. Only problem is when you ride off the map or cue sheet while it's pouring down rain -- how do you flip the sheet without getting water in?