In this video I compare two small size handlebar bags that are designed for bicycle touring. Arkel makes a quality product but does Ortlieb have a better design?
The lock on the Ortlieb does deny access to the contents when used as designed - the "square" plastic loop you use to pull the bag lid open fits under the lock tab. Won't stop a determined thief, of course, but prevents casual opening of the bag.
The Ortlieb mounting system is cumbersome if you need to regularly remove your handlebars. For example when boxing the bike for plane travel the mount has to be removed so that the handlebars can be taken off and prepared for boxing. The cables begin to fray after repeated mounting and unmounting requiring a cable cutter to tidy up the end so it can be rethreaded. The mounting procedure is awkward, particularly if having to mount or unmount in challenging circumstances. Otherwise I have been very happy with my Ortlieb for those reasons identified in the video.
I bought some Arkel panniers and the small handlebar bad about a year ago for my Surly LHT, very impressed with a design and quality of the Arkel products. As a Canadian it just felt good supporting a Canadian company too. I like the small bag so much I may buy a 2nd one for my city bike. The elastic pouches on the side of bag are great for quick access to smaller items/snacks. I use one of the pouches to hold a small blue tooth speaker when I want to hear some tunes or listen to an ebook for extended rides. Thanks for your review.
Hey Smokey, thanks for commenting! As a fellow Canadian (although I've spent most of my life SOTB) I was proud to purchase my Arkel bag. It's a quality piece of gear and mine has served me well over years of use. However, recently I've been wanting to try something a little smaller, lighter and zipper free. I'll see how that works out later this Spring. Happy Pedaling!
Came back to your review and now have some time and miles on my Arkel. Still think it’s a great bag. I hear what you’re saying about the zipper access and can only say that generally speaking, I only zip 1/2 of the bag to keep the lid from flopping open while riding. I find just unzipping the one half gives me quick access at a light or stop sign, etc. I’ve noticed Arkel has discontinued the larger 10 L bag, I guess I’m not surprised about that, it was very large, and perhaps cumbersome by some standards. Happy trails.
I didn’t know that Arkel has discontinued their large HB bag. A friend of mine uses one and it is huge, so not too surprised. They make a quality product for sure. Thanks for the update!
I just remembered the other day I have the same Arkel bag (in red) that I bought back in 2015 for a bike tour that I never managed to take, hence never used the bag. Now, with a renewed interest in randonneuring and hopefully qualifying for PBP in 2023, it might finally make its' way onto my bike for that ride. This much larger size over the bag I had planned on taking should suffice to load up on food in between controls, as well as give me the ability to grab food out of the bag and eat while riding. Edit: Just realized I have the large (10 liter) Arkel, not the small one lol
I guess it means that an engineer has designed something very well to solve a problem (typically strength or precision or durability) that doesn't exist. I love over engineered stuff but typically there is a price to pay in terms of weight or er price😀
Ortlieb strictly designs their products for functionality and, then, continuously improves them over a long period of time. There must be a reason why they use this mount but I still don't get it.
I saw a forum where they were saying newer bags are compatible with the Klickfix mount, so maybe that could be an option to test out/ask around about? Edit: Official Ortlieb website confirms that the Ultimate Six models are all compatible with the Rixen & Kaul Klickfix mounting system, so that could be another option for people to explore.
The lock on the Ortlieb does deny access to the contents when used as designed - the "square" plastic loop you use to pull the bag lid open fits under the lock tab. Won't stop a determined thief, of course, but prevents casual opening of the bag.
The Ortlieb mounting system is cumbersome if you need to regularly remove your handlebars. For example when boxing the bike for plane travel the mount has to be removed so that the handlebars can be taken off and prepared for boxing. The cables begin to fray after repeated mounting and unmounting requiring a cable cutter to tidy up the end so it can be rethreaded. The mounting procedure is awkward, particularly if having to mount or unmount in challenging circumstances. Otherwise I have been very happy with my Ortlieb for those reasons identified in the video.
I am trying to decide between these two bags right now and am having a hard time making a choice. Appreciate the information you provided.
Glad it was helpful!
Though I don't need this type of bag, I appreciate your thorough examination of both.
180$ for a bag is absolutely insane. I'm getting the VALKENTAL FrontPack instead. 50€, with the same functions more or less.
awesome review thanks!
I bought some Arkel panniers and the small handlebar bad about a year ago for my Surly LHT, very impressed with a design and quality of the Arkel products. As a Canadian it just felt good supporting a Canadian company too. I like the small bag so much I may buy a 2nd one for my city bike. The elastic pouches on the side of bag are great for quick access to smaller items/snacks. I use one of the pouches to hold a small blue tooth speaker when I want to hear some tunes or listen to an ebook for extended rides.
Thanks for your review.
Hey Smokey, thanks for commenting! As a fellow Canadian (although I've spent most of my life SOTB) I was proud to purchase my Arkel bag. It's a quality piece of gear and mine has served me well over years of use. However, recently I've been wanting to try something a little smaller, lighter and zipper free. I'll see how that works out later this Spring. Happy Pedaling!
Came back to your review and now have some time and miles on my Arkel. Still think it’s a great bag. I hear what you’re saying about the zipper access and can only say that generally speaking, I only zip 1/2 of the bag to keep the lid from flopping open while riding. I find just unzipping the one half gives me quick access at a light or stop sign, etc.
I’ve noticed Arkel has discontinued the larger 10 L bag, I guess I’m not surprised about that, it was very large, and perhaps cumbersome by some standards. Happy trails.
I didn’t know that Arkel has discontinued their large HB bag. A friend of mine uses one and it is huge, so not too surprised. They make a quality product for sure. Thanks for the update!
I just remembered the other day I have the same Arkel bag (in red) that I bought back in 2015 for a bike tour that I never managed to take, hence never used the bag. Now, with a renewed interest in randonneuring and hopefully qualifying for PBP in 2023, it might finally make its' way onto my bike for that ride. This much larger size over the bag I had planned on taking should suffice to load up on food in between controls, as well as give me the ability to grab food out of the bag and eat while riding. Edit: Just realized I have the large (10 liter) Arkel, not the small one lol
Great review
I’ve used Ortlieb gear for 25 years in a marine environment. My stuff stays dry. Both gear bags and bicycle bags.
Muy interesante y muy útil.
Saludos desde Argentina.
gracias por comentar
Sun glare is a great thought.
It’s a thing. Glare off of the lid from the sun. But manageable.
I am fascinated by the term “over engineered.”
I guess it means that an engineer has designed something very well to solve a problem (typically strength or precision or durability) that doesn't exist. I love over engineered stuff but typically there is a price to pay in terms of weight or er price😀
What handlebar wrap is that on your bike? It looks really nice an comfortable.
Its Brooks bar tape with Fizik gel pads underneath. Yup, pretty comfortable.
I never use a zippered handlebar bag, I made that mistake once
Would be nice if ortlib would use a arkel style mount . Then we would have a perfect handlebar bag.
Yes indeed, that would be ideal for me too.
Ortlieb strictly designs their products for functionality and, then, continuously improves them over a long period of time. There must be a reason why they use this mount but I still don't get it.
I saw a forum where they were saying newer bags are compatible with the Klickfix mount, so maybe that could be an option to test out/ask around about?
Edit: Official Ortlieb website confirms that the Ultimate Six models are all compatible with the Rixen & Kaul Klickfix mounting system, so that could be another option for people to explore.