Ortlieb Downtown QL2 Pannier Review

Reviewer: Mia Kohout

PRICE $150

FIND IT AT ortliebusa.com

Bike briefcase with variable flap closure; rotating fixing rail allows use on left (standard) or right side of bike rack. Padded, removable shoulder strap; carry handle; four pocket organizer (two zippered pockets, two internal pockets); pen holder; snap hook for keys; suitable for legal length documents and 15.4” laptops; base feet, edge protectors. Optional accessories: notebook sleeve, anti-theft device.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS

This is a top quality pannier! It’s a well-designed, fully waterproof bag that has plenty of room for your laptop, workout clothes, and lunch. Useful inner pockets can carry your phone, wallet, and a bottle of aspirin. And like any Ortlieb bag, the Downtown QL2 has one of the easiest and most reliable fastening systems of any pannier that I have ever tested. The rack mounting system is designed so that the bag sits on your back rack on a slight angle, providing leg clearance for pedaling.

WISH LIST

Although there are a lot of interior pockets I would like a few more shallow ones. I would also like to change the clips that open and close the bag, they are not the fastest to use. It must be stated that the clips are resilient and are not going to break anytime soon. More color options would also be great.

IDEAL RIDER

Anyone who rides to and from work with a laptop and documents and is looking for a high quality and long lasting fully waterproof pannier that doesn’t look dorky.

OVERALL

Ortlieb has always produced the best waterproof pannier on the market. With the simplest and best rack mounting system they have taken their product to the next level. The Downtown is one of many of Ortlieb’s new bags that are more stylish and practical for city riding as they include more useful features