Review: ORTLIEB Ultimate, the ultimate handlebar bag?

"Ultimate" – doesn't exactly sound modest when it comes to naming a product. However, in times of model suffixes like Ultra-, Giga-, Super-, and Mega-XY, we're quite used to literal superlatives and manufacturer confidence. All the better when a piece of equipment can proudly bear this designation. Because the Ultimate series of handlebar bags from ORTLIEB has relatively little real competition. Alone, the ORTLIEB standards – waterproof, Made in Germany, highest material and workmanship quality – are usually already guarantees for a lot of joy with the product. The straightforward handling in combination with a lot of developer passion, in our opinion, make the Ultimate series a must-have for anyone who sits on a touring, trekking, or city bike for short, longer, or very long periods. 

The secret to success of a handlebar bag 

Seven model variants in different sizes and colors, from the child bike-suitable compact version to the special bag with integrated power charging function – honestly, you don't need more choice than this. Depending on the model, ORTLIEB uses PVC-coated polyester fabric or Cordura fabric coated with polyurethane (PU). In the bc-test this time we've taken a closer look at the models Ultimate6 Plus and Ultimate6 Pro. Both are made from said Cordura, an extremely robust and abrasion-resistant nylon fabric, in the holy ORTLIEB halls in Heilsbronn. "Made" means: The individual fabric pieces are welded together using high-frequency waves. Simply put, the ends of two pieces are briefly softened and then practically fused together under pressure. The resulting connection is incredibly robust. The Cordura fabric is coated with polyurethane, making it permanently 100% waterproof. Speaking of 100: The water column that would be required to penetrate this fabric is at 100,000 millimeters, namely 100 meters. Unlikely that this value ever occurs on a bike tour above the waterline.

Ultimate bags are not made for swimming, anyway, their lid closure, which is nicely and reliably secured with two magnetic buttons, allows "only" the protection class IP54: largely dustproof and protected against splash water from all directions. The latter includes – in our understanding – every type of moisture occurrence in everyday bike use. The genius of the lid construction is the very simple one-hand operation: a short tug at the central finger loop – and the magnets already release the way into the main compartment. To close it: Vice versa, until the clearly audible "sucking" of the two magnetic buttons is heard.

In the model Ultimate6 Pro and the 5-litre variant Ultimate6 Plus S, the top of the lid simultaneously serves as a cockpit: underneath a transparent foil lies an insert pocket accessible from the inside for a smartphone, tablet, or – oldschool – paper map. Absolutely recommended for longer trips on unknown routes or for that eager wait for THE one call or THAT important email.

Included theft protection 

Speaking of closing: All Ultimate bags can be locked to the handlebar mount. This has two advantages: On the one hand, you can briefly leave your bike with the attached bag, and on the other, pickpockets – for example, waiting in a group at the traffic lights – can't just open the lid and steal wallet, phone, or camera. All ORTLIEB Ultimate6 bags are compatible with the Ultimate6 mounting set, especially nice for frequent riders or those who want to retrofit. The adapter itself is mounted during the initial installation with a sheathed steel cord wrapped several times around the handlebars and stem, pulled tight, and fixed with three screws. Therefore, the maximum load of 5 kilograms should not be exceeded. And attaching to carbon handlebars should be strictly avoided to eliminate the risk of potential breakage. 

Well-organized interior of a shoulder- umm... handlebar bag 

Inside, the Ultimate6 Plus offers either 5, 7, or 8.5 liters, and the Ultimate6 Pro 7 liters waiting to be filled. For better organization, ORTLIEB includes "dividers" – for the Plus version a wave-shaped foam for three subdivisions, the Pro version a bit more precise with Velcro partition walls. House keys can be hooked onto a special clip, small items "disappear" in the side zip pocket. Side (Plus version) or front (Pro version) mesh pockets offer additional storage space – for bars, sunscreen, maps... 

Practical in everyday life as well as on trips is the shoulder strap function: park the bike, click the shoulder strap onto the side mounts, take off the handlebar bag – and there you have a shoulder bag with all valuables. Caution: The shoulder strap should definitely be stowed in the main compartment while riding, otherwise it could dangle into the spokes and cause an unintended full stop.

Pimp my Ultimate 

Sure, good stuff can always be made better. ORTLIEB has developed a whole range of useful Ultimate accessories: For example, the handlebar mount for everything that would be obscured by the handlebar bag but urgently or gladly belongs there: bike lamp, GPS holder, e-bike display, espresso machine… E-bikers who prefer things a bit more understated can go for the special E-Bike Mounting Set. Or the camera insert made of foam, which quickly turns the ultimate handlebar bag into the ultimate photo bag. Or the dimensionally stable polypropylene insert for transporting sensitive electronic devices or raw eggs. Or the waterproof map case, which is quickly strapped to the Ultimate and shows the way. Or an extension if space directly in front of the handlebars becomes too tight. 

And finally, an ultimate tip for all bikers with hub dynamos: Check out the Ultimate6 Pro E. With this special version of the Pro model, you can generate your own power for your smartphone and thus endless navigation.