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Here's a scenario. It’s the end of a long day of bikepacking. You’ve reached your stop for the night, tired and sore. You climb off your bike, wanting nothing more than to relax and have a beer when... you have to spend the next 10 minutes wrestling with your bike-mounted bags, trying to free them through a complicated system of straps, buckles, and vibration dampening foam.
Enter the new Handlebar-Pack QR by OG bag brand Ortlieb, out this week to make your life easier next week and beyond.
Made with expert German engineering, Ortlieb’s waterproof bags have long been coveted by cyclists for their sturdy and reliable construction. We know from experience, having lugged a full bikepacking setup across the entire state of Oregon back in 2017. Their new 11-liter, top-loading handlebar bag utilizes a clever new quick release (hence the QR name) fastening system that uses a serpentine series of paracords and locking mechanisms that may take some time to figure out, but thereafter becomes quite easy when attaching and detaching.
The Bar-Lock fastening system securely attaches the bag to the handlebars, rather than the head tube, allowing room to still use the flat portion of your drop bars while protecting itself from jostling and shaking—even on washboard gravel roads and cobblestone streets.
Once mastered, the unique mounting system is exciting for both bikepacking and everyday use applications around town. Being able to quickly remove your back and bring it with you into a shop, restaurant, bar, etc, while leaving your bike locked up outside, is invaluable.
Made with PVC-free waterproof abrasion-resistant nylon, the top-loading bag is also lightweight, weighing only 18.7 ounces with the capability of carrying up to 11 pounds. Two stretchy exterior side pockets allow you to securely stow and quickly access small items like a wallet, sunglasses, snacks, or a water bottle. On the inside, gear is kept snug thanks to internal compression straps. A roll top closure top with secure CamLock fasteners ensures a a closure that's effectively waterproof (just not fully submersible).
So no matter where your cycling adventures take you, city parks or remote trails, this handy and stylish bag will make it easier. Available in black for $160.
Published 06-02-2021
