Roll-top welded seams and a zip are two different levels of waterproof · review
A rolltop pannier pair from Ortlieb with 40 liters of volume and hooks that fit rack tubes up to 16 mm with 8 and 11 mm inserts in the box.
Our conclusion The pannier others are measured against.
Ortlieb built its name on keeping things dry, and the Back-Roller City is the entry into that range.
A capacity of 40 liters, a fit for rack diameters up to 16 mm, 8 mm and 11 mm inserts in the box, and an easy-to-clean surface. The weight field says 1.6 ounces, which is clearly wrong for a bag of this size. We read nothing more on the listing than that.
A rolltop has no zip, so no zip can fail or leak. You fold the top down and clip it. This is the design that keeps rain out over years of use, and it is the main reason to pay more than for a zip bag.
Fit the inserts for your rack before you ride. A loose hook rattles and wears the rack paint. Check also whether the listing option you pick is one bag or a pair.
| Capacity | 40 L |
|---|---|
| Closure | Rolltop |
| Rack tube | Up to 16 mm |
| Inserts | 8 mm and 11 mm included |
| Cleaning | Easy to clean |
| Model | F5002 |
| Weight | Listing shows 1.6 oz, which cannot be right |
The listing shows the 40 liter capacity. Back-Roller City is usually sold as a pair. Check the pack size on the listing before ordering.
The hooks suit rack tubes up to 16 mm, with 8 and 11 mm inserts in the box.
8.9/ 10
The pannier others are measured against.
Same category, nearby prices, between bike gear. What remains is the specifications every one publishes — half empty, a column is no use.
| Model | Price | Capacity | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ortlieb Back-Roller City, 40 L pair | $170 | 40 L | F5002 |
| ROCKBROS 17-45 L Trunk Bag with panniers | $90 | 17 to 45 L | A6-6 |
| Rhinowalk Waterproof Saddle Bag, 13 L | $34 | 13 L | Y5110 |
| BAIGIO Double Pannier Bags, 34 L | $32 | 34 L in the title, 36 L in the table, 25 L in the bullets | CG-TRUNK-BAG2 |
Daily commuters and tourers in wet climates.
Specifications: the manufacturer sheet for bike gear and the matching Amazon product page. Prices and availability: Keepa. Every figure on this page names its source.
13 L · PVC polyester · four-point fixing · tail light hook · reflective strap
A 13 liter bikepacking saddle bag in PVC polyester with four-point strap fixing, elastic cords and a tail light hook. No rack needed.
Best for: Bikepacking and light touring on a frame with no rack mounts.
≈ $33.99
17 to 45 L · hard shell · zip-out side panniers · 2 shoulder straps
A hard-shell rack trunk bag that opens from 17 to 45 liters with zip-out side panniers, with a padded interior and shoulder straps.
Best for: Commuting with a laptop or a camera.
≈ $89.99
34 L listed · 300D polyester with PU · 30 × 28 × 14 cm per side · reflective stripes
A low-cost double pannier in 300D polyester with PU nylon fabric, quick-release buckles and reflective stripes, with a capacity given as 34 L, 36 L and 25 L on one listing.
Best for: Occasional trips with a light load.
≈ $31.99
Prices quoted in these summaries are dated readings. The live price is shown next to each product.
