Ortlieb Back Roller Free QL2.1 Panniers
One of the reasons this remains the case more than a quarter century since their introduction is because, while the design of their Roller Panniers remains fundamentally the same, Ortlieb never miss an opportunity to introduce improvements, such as upgrading them with the QL2.1 version of their famous Quick Lock rack attachment system.
Robust QL (Quick Lock) rack hooks are a stand-out Ortlieb pannier feature. They offer total security - these panniers will never jump off the rack - yet their easy-on easy-off action is so intuitive and effort free, one of our customers was moved to described it as “so simple, it’s like witchcraft”.
The benefit of the QL2.1 version is that it can be set up (no tools required) to adapt to near any rear rack configurations and dimensions than the original QL1 system. Coming with inserts, the pannier hooks can fit racks with 8, 10, 12 or 16mm top rails, as described in Ortlieb's own video.
This video perfectly illustrates how Ortieb's QL hooks tenaciously secure each bag to the rear rack, yet offer instant release - simply by lifting the bag upwards by its handle.
More good things about Ortlieb Back-Roller Panniers
- Robust hard-wearing nylon fabric with 100% waterproof laminated finish.
- High frequency welded construction - no stitch holes further ensure Ortlieb bags are 100% waterproof.
- Roll-top closure (hence the name Roller Pannier) - by rolling up the top of the bag three times and securing it with a buckle, water won't get into this bag - even if you drop the pannier in a lake.
- Each pannier's simple one-compartment construction contributes to its waterproofness.
- Also, compartmentalising a bag effectively reduces its usable space: single compartment bags like these Back-Rollers can hold more.
- Shop tip: if you want to organise your luggage, use dry sacks.
- Shoulder straps make these bags more portable off the bike.
- Supplied as a pair.
- Each pannier is 42cm high x 23-32cm wide x 17cm deep (16.5 x 9-12.5 x 6.7 inches) = approx 20 litre capacity.
- Be aware that cycling equipment specifications can change without notice so please regard our published weights as an honest but approximate guide.
- For the full Ortlieb story, visit our blog.