Ortlieb
I just rode my touring bike from Seattle, Washington to Tillamook, Oregon � 409 miles. I was carrying Ortlieb panniers on the rear and Arkell panniers on the front. But there is a disadvantage in not having items readily at hand such as snack foods, sunscreen lotion, money and ID, and a charging cord. This was all handled brilliantly by the Ortlieb top tube frame pack. It holds a ton of loose items, is waterproof, easily accessible, and still allows you easy access to both your water bottles. It's well worth the money and I only wish I had purchased it sooner when I rode from Santa Monica, California to Bar Harbor, Maine.
This is a great bag! Waterproof, spacious, hard plastic liner, magnetic closure, large cue sheet window - everything is thoughtfully designed and well manufactured. The issue is the mount, which is sold separately and not intuitive to install. The mount uses a sturdy wire that you tighten with three different screws, rock solid once you get it installed tightly, but it takes a bit more know-how than velcro straps for sure. Still, an excellent product
This bag is excellent. So sturdy and smart-looking. I like the magnetic closures.
What I do not like is the mounting system. First of all, I do not like that Ortleib no longer includes the mount with the bag, yet they didnt lower the price to reflect that, so that for a $100 bag, you need to spend another 30 bucks. In my case, despite following the instructions to the letter, I just could not get the mount tight enough to not droop during a ride. My friends and daughter also have had the same issue.
The problem was resolved by buying a Klickfix mount for another $35, so for a handlebar bag that should have been well under $100, I wound up spending about $170. Beware of this, and dont get the Ortleib mount.
I use this bag on my 2021 Diverge Expert and it is a perfect fit much like the advert photo. I bring it on rides that tend to be event or overnight based, where having some extra stuff makes sense. Biggest use is daily on Ragbrai, it is perfect. Wallet, food, tube, portable power, rain jacket, and more..... Allows me to remove my saddlebag altogether. It doesn't have to be full to remain out of the way.
The zipper is snug when opening, but it is a waterproof secure design. The profile is narrow and the reason I picked this bag over others that had straps or flaps sticking out. I've got no patience for stuff rubbing my legs while riding. The first bag delivered was split at a seam or glue weld, a replacement was sent right from BTD ahead of my return, so I had what I needed before Ragbrai. Excellent service and great product.
