New Ortlieb Ultimate Pro handlebar bag on the way

[il padrone]

A new handlebar bag by Ortlieb looks very different and has some new features for the modern cyclist.

Photos here



A description of the handlebar bag's features is here

[Aushiker]

I like the idea of a a lockable magnetic lid closure but disappointing to see that there does not appear to be any option of attaching the map case.

Andrew

[Baalzamon]

I like the idea of a a lockable magnetic lid closure but disappointing to see that there does not appear to be any option of attaching the map case.

Andrew

If that transparent section can't be used for hooking a map up, disappointing indeed. Because them I'm suss that they are just using it for touch screens.... Maps dont' require power etc

[just4tehhalibut]

Fear not, there is a map case for this new bag although it is also a redesign and won't be available until 2013 when the bag itself comes in. Found this via the Thorn forums
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=nl&u=http://ortlieb-tassen.nl/ortlieb-kaartentas-voor-ultimate6-stuurtas.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dortlieb%2Bultimate6%2BPro%26hl%3Den%26tbo%3Dd%26biw%3D1173%26bih%3D610&sa=X&ei=sxSpUOPYEc34sgb30YCQAQ&ved=0CDoQ7gEwAg
Pricey bag. I could do without the stiff cover but wouldn't mind a better closure system, front pocket, actual Rixen&Kaul mount and the existing side pockets. Patience and hope that that'll be the 2014 model?

[just4tehhalibut]

The Ortlieb website has been updated, all the current model handlebar bags The Ultimate 5 in Classic, Plus and Compact all say 'discontinued product', variously as 'still in stock' or 'sold out'.
The Ortlieb replacement isn't just the Ultimate Pro (actually now called the Ultimate M Pro), there's also an Ultimate M Plus. The Plus is like the earlier model Plus except for the magnetic closure and lid that locks when the bag is locked to the bar. Still has the side pockets, same cordura canvas material and 7 litre capacity.
http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=ultimate6m_plus
http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=ultimate6_pro
So you don't have to buy an insanely ugly humpbacked bar bag, there's still a regular-looking bag with a few improvements (and a little extra weight).

[just4tehhalibut]

Was checking if this has come out yet, nope and no due date. However Ortlieb have again updated their website, the Ultimate 6 now comes in Pro, Plus, Classic and Compact. But will we ever see one?

[RonK]

Bike24 is offering the Ultimate 6 Classic in several colours and the Plus in red.

The images posted look just like the Ultimate 5.

[just4tehhalibut]

Except that the old bags used brass studs on the lid to hold the map case and secure the lid, these pics show something different. I checked the new mounting bracket and Bike24 have re-used the pic for the old bracket
http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;menu=1000,5,75,307;product=45483
The new bracket locks the lid and possibly will work with my non-Ortlieb bags (hence my interest)
http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=ultimate6_mountingset&parent=ultimate6m_plus

[RonK]

The new bracket locks the lid and possibly will work with my non-Ortlieb bags (hence my interest)

Well the wire attachment used by the Ortlieb bracket is a pita anyway, and the locks are pretty useless. I already use a Rixen Kaul bracket with my Ultimate 5 Plus. And it is compatible with most brands of bags.

[rifraf]

I already use a Rixen Kaul bracket with my Ultimate 5 Plus. And it is compatible with most brands of bags.

+1
On a side note, I've just realised that wiggle no longer sells Ortlieb to Australia, so where is the next least expensive site to grab their panniers from.
Is it Ze Germans with their pedestrian postage?
I'm going to grab some Rear Roller Classics to match my front set, attached to a Tubus Cosmo already on my wish list.
I'm happy enough with my Ultimate 5+ so not ready to upgrade it after only a year and one big tour.

[Tim]

I bought all my Ortleib gear from PBK last year. They had the best prices at the time and still delivered to Australia. Not sure about the current situation.
I was a little bit disappointed that the occy straps wore holes through my Ortleib dry bag that I placed sideways on top of the panniers. I thought the dry bag material was indestructible. My fault though, it was the steel hooks that wore the holes, not the strap itself.

[rifraf]

I bought all my Ortleib gear from PBK last year. They had the best prices at the time and still delivered to Australia. Not sure about the current situation.
I was a little bit disappointed that the occy straps wore holes through my Ortleib dry bag that I placed sideways on top of the panniers. I thought the dry bag material was indestructible. My fault though, it was the steel hooks that wore the holes, not the strap itself.

Thanks Tim,
good to be aware of some alternatives.
Cheers
Aidan

[il padrone]

I was a little bit disappointed that the occy straps wore holes through my Ortleib dry bag that I placed sideways on top of the panniers.

Seamgrip is the good stuff to repair it

[elStado]

Meh. I've got a brand new (replaced) Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Plus-M with a map case still in the box. The last one had both of the bottom fasteners for the lid fall out, and the plastic map case ripped in half after only 2 weeks worth of usage. I like having a large, water resistant handlebar bag but for the price I paid I did expect better quality. I think I'll ebay the current gear and get the new version.

[il padrone]

Meh. I've got a brand new (replaced) Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Plus-M with a map case still in the box. The last one had both of the bottom fasteners for the lid fall out, and the plastic map case ripped in half after only 2 weeks worth of usage.

Crikey

Never heard of this happening. I've had mine for over 12 months now and it has done many days of touring, at least 8-10 weeks in total, with no signs of any failures. How did the map case tear?

[elStado]

Meh. I've got a brand new (replaced) Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Plus-M with a map case still in the box. The last one had both of the bottom fasteners for the lid fall out, and the plastic map case ripped in half after only 2 weeks worth of usage.

Crikey

Never heard of this happening. I've had mine for over 12 months now and it has done many days of touring, at least 8-10 weeks in total, with no signs of any failures. How did the map case tear?

The map case tore right near the velcro, just from being opened up once a day for 2 weeks while I was on the road. I'm very careful with my gear. It's just not durable enough.

[HappyHumber]

The sub-contracted Chinese production must've off-shored back to Greece?

Globalisation Tch...

[Aushiker]

The map case tore right near the velcro, just from being opened up once a day for 2 weeks while I was on the road. I'm very careful with my gear. It's just not durable enough.

Bummer. I have had a good run out of mine. Have you contacted Ortlieb? They will probably send out a replacement.

Andrew

[elStado]

The map case tore right near the velcro, just from being opened up once a day for 2 weeks while I was on the road. I'm very careful with my gear. It's just not durable enough.

Bummer. I have had a good run out of mine. Have you contacted Ortlieb? They will probably send out a replacement.

Andrew

Hopefully the replacement will be better. A fellow bike nut, cyclo tourer I stayed with in France was pretty surprised as well. I did try to contact Ortlieb direct, to no avail. Thankfully Evans cycles were pretty cool about it once I explained what happened and sent them some pictures. They hooked me up with brand new replacements and refunded all my postage costs too.