Ortleib Backroller Lite Pannier

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Local outdoor shop

Favorite Ride:
Any sunny summer road

Bike Setup:
Rigid and relatively cheap mtb-look-a-like with Acera componentry but it's seen 11 000 miles of road without problems so...

Summary:
Like Rufus, I too have the Classic-version, model 2005. They come with a simpler, yet functional, clip system and no inner pockets. These panniers are simple, sturdy, waterproof and you don't need to worry about them falling off.

The cost is bigger than that of some competitors, but in comparison with my old cheap panniers these Ortliebs have relieved me of all pannier-related stress so I consider them worth every penny. After all, this is about as much as you might pay for a quality back pack of equal size.

Strengths:
Waterproofness, simple and sturdy structure, great clips, shoulder strap, good reflectors back & front.

Weaknesses:
The lack of inner pockets. The roll closure system is not ideal if you need to open and close them often during the day. Perhaps if you coupled these with lowrider front panniers that open more easily you would reach perfection? :D

Similar Products Used:
Halti panniers.

Price Paid:  $150.00 at REI

Favorite Ride:
with the wind

Bike Setup:
2003 trek 520

Summary:
i love em. i have matching front rollers, which are basically just a smaller version to these. they are tough, and have a ton of room. they clip on and off the bike in a jiffy. there's just one big compartment, so you'd better be organized. i think having lots of little nook and cranny pockets is more of a pain. you can easily move stuff back and forth, left and right to get everything balanced out more easily, not to mention the "bulky item stuff" factor. as i noted with the front rollers, you need to have them on the bike before you start to REALLY stuff the bags. the backs will bow and then you can't get them onto the bike. they could use an alum or carbon reinforcement along the top to help out with that.

Strengths:
strong, fairly lightweight, look nice, easy clip on, cliff off system.

Weaknesses:
the backing, but only in extreme stuffing situations

Similar Products Used:
trek