I think I'd go with the RC because I've always found zips to be the weak point of any bikepacking bag I've owned. But maybe Ortlieb zips really are bombproof.
I own the zip closure and prefer it to the roll closure. However, the zipper can catch things inside the bag as well as outside. I use bags (nylon or plastic) to separate some of my gear inside the bags, and the zip closure on the frame bag has caught on the bags I stuff inside it. I found I must be very mindful of any bags or fabrics I put inside the zip closure frame bag or it will catch with some staying power. That is the only downside of the zip closure frame bag I've found, otherwise it's 110% recommended. The easy access to tools and protection gear is fantastic.
Never get a zippered frame bag. They ALWAYS break when the surface get a little rough and a bit of strain is put in the zipper. I've had them all, the Ortlieb, Apidura and Revelate Design. It's all the same. Get the roll top and save yourself the money and headache of having it fall apart 2two weeks into the bikepacking trip.
Great video. Very informative and well covered. I have a 56 cm Salsa Cutthroat. What size frame Cutthroat is being used in your video? I am trying to confirm if the Ortlieb Frame Pack RC Toptube 4L bag will fit. My top tube spacing/length is approximately 454.4 mm (18"). Thanks very much.
Hi Marco, you could find a template to print and cut to test the real shape and size against your frame. See description at Frame-Pack Toptube (Tizip version, it has the same size as per specs) page.
hello! my bike frame is just a couple of cm too small for this Ortlieb top tube bag according to the template, do you think I could fit it if I squeeze it lengthwise a bit, or is it fully rigid? I won't mind the volume lost like this, I just want to know if I could fit it - I have nowhere to test this, thank you!
How the heck do you install the RC bag to the frame???? The instructions aren’t too helpful about how exactly to install the straps. We have a GT Grade, but that shouldn’t matter.
I think I'd go with the RC because I've always found zips to be the weak point of any bikepacking bag I've owned. But maybe Ortlieb zips really are bombproof.
Thank you for this very helpful comparison!
I own the zip closure and prefer it to the roll closure. However, the zipper can catch things inside the bag as well as outside. I use bags (nylon or plastic) to separate some of my gear inside the bags, and the zip closure on the frame bag has caught on the bags I stuff inside it. I found I must be very mindful of any bags or fabrics I put inside the zip closure frame bag or it will catch with some staying power. That is the only downside of the zip closure frame bag I've found, otherwise it's 110% recommended. The easy access to tools and protection gear is fantastic.
Never get a zippered frame bag. They ALWAYS break when the surface get a little rough and a bit of strain is put in the zipper. I've had them all, the Ortlieb, Apidura and Revelate Design. It's all the same. Get the roll top and save yourself the money and headache of having it fall apart 2two weeks into the bikepacking trip.
That's really a helpful and quick insight. Thanks!
Thanks! Great review.
Great video. Very informative and well covered. I have a 56 cm Salsa Cutthroat. What size frame Cutthroat is being used in your video? I am trying to confirm if the Ortlieb Frame Pack RC Toptube 4L bag will fit. My top tube spacing/length is approximately 454.4 mm (18"). Thanks very much.
Hi Marco, you could find a template to print and cut to test the real shape and size against your frame. See description at Frame-Pack Toptube (Tizip version, it has the same size as per specs) page.
hello! my bike frame is just a couple of cm too small for this Ortlieb top tube bag according to the template, do you think I could fit it if I squeeze it lengthwise a bit, or is it fully rigid? I won't mind the volume lost like this, I just want to know if I could fit it - I have nowhere to test this, thank you!
My zipper broke after a year and there’s been no way to get it fixed. Super frustrating. I love their products generally but this one is a fail.
How the heck do you install the RC bag to the frame???? The instructions aren’t too helpful about how exactly to install the straps. We have a GT Grade, but that shouldn’t matter.