Bicycle bag? Ortlieb. The answer appears to be a reflex, and not just in this country and not just in the minds of the customers who are treated by first-class marketing. The waterproof bags from the market leader are also the standard offer in stores. There are a number of other providers with good names such as Agu, Basil, Haberland, Thule, Topeak or Vaude. And they by no means just do what countless other nameless people do on top of that: namely, busily copying what is shown to them in Heilsbronn. But Ortlieb has perfected the luggage bag, made of robust plastic, waterproof, welded, with roll closure and universal suspension, both functionally and stylistically. So why look for something else? Maybe because of the price?
In the simple version called Classic, a waterproof bag for rear luggage racks from Vatum Bikes costs around 45 euros, found on the net. There the provider presents a rather small range with wanderlust photos, texts full of mindfulness and sustainability and with a decidedly relaxed approach to an obviously young clientele: two different-sized bags that can be climbed under the saddle, tools on the go and an air pump. Another large luggage bag, the Premium model, is around ten euros more expensive than the basic version. Its main differences: a flat front pocket with a waterproof zipper and a removable inner pocket, also flat. A comparable bag from Ortlieb, such as the Backroller Classic model in black, is available in pairs for around 130 euros. The question is:Is it worth it to want to spend 20 or almost 40 euros less?
While at Ortlieb you can choose between different sizes, colors and material structures, which is also reflected in the price, Vatum bags such as Henry Ford's Tin Lizzy are available in every color, provided it is black. That fits every bike paint, but it is quite impractical: Muesli bars and salami sandwiches, like some other items, heat up beyond recognition within a summer day in a black bag. The smooth material of the 20 liter bags (depending on the model up to 900 grams) is stiff, especially in winter temperatures. The famous file folder or a 14-inch laptop fit in without any problems, but completely unpadded. A shoulder strap is included. The stupid thing is that the two buckles of the roll top closure cannot be brought together,to form a particularly stable handle.
Because they are of the same kind, they do not fit into one another, but only on their side. A long belt has to be taken care of there if it is not supposed to dangle around. The bags have an uncomfortably narrow handle in the center. The three-point fastening system, which is slightly different in the two models, is similar to Ortlieb's Quicklock 2, but is not so universally adjustable. The carrying capacity of the pockets with reflective stickers on three sides is given as ten kilograms.
The answers to the question about the repairability of the bags, which may sometimes simply fade away, made people a little suspicious: Vatum Bikes generally refers to his support online. Ortlieb, on the other hand, has also set standards when it comes to the repair of older bags and clearly communicates how defective bags can be sent in via specialist shops.