Radar Roundup: New Ortlieb Bags, EVOC Bikepacking, Ronnie Goes Roadie, and Repurposed

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…

Ortlieb Fuel-Pack and Handlebar-Pack Plus

Ortlieb announced a variety of new products this year at Eurobike and the Fuel-Pack and Handlebar-Pack Plus both caught our eye…

Fuel-Pack $60

Part of Ortlieb’s bikepacking line, the waterproof top tube bag is the ideal place for keeping everything that you need to access quickly while you ride. The compact bag can be mounted on the top tube using perforated rubberized straps.

Any drilled holes already present in the top tube can also be used to fasten the one-liter bag with screws. It is also suitable for mounting on carbon frames. The sturdy nylon fabric combined with the stiffened material inside ensures that the bag retains it shape at all times.

An integrated cable outlet on the lid closure means that the Fuel-Pack can also provide a safe and dry space to charge a smartphone during the trip. The lid is fitted with two magnetic points so that the cargo remains secure even on rougher terrain. Opening the bag and accessing its contents with one hand during the ride presents no problem at all. And the lid of the 160-gram Fuel-Pack then shuts again under its own weight, with the two magnets automatically closing it securely.

The Fuel-Pack is PVC-free is produced sustainably in Germany.

Handlebar-Pack Plus (Pricing TBD when the product is available later this year)

Inspired by the bikepacking line, the Handlebar-Pack Plus closes the gap between bike trips and bikepacking. Depending on the specific purpose, the waterproof handlebar bag can be used with all five separately available handlebar mounting systems. No matter whether the decisive factor is rough terrain and easy mounting, whether the bag is intended for use on an e-bike, or whether locking the mounting bracket is important, the bag is compatible with every handlebar mounting system.

With its volume of 11 liters, the Handlebar-Pack Plus is the ideal companion for the next tour. Two hooks with CamLock closure on the front side provide opportunities for compression. Weighing in at only 500 grams, the HandlebarPack Plus is loaded from the top and uses a roll closure to achieve a waterproof seal. Its slim design of 32 centimeters also makes it ideal for gravel and road handlebars. Outer side pockets provide space for stowing small items or snacks that need to be accessed during the ride.

The PVC-free bag made of abrasion-resistant Cordura fabric is of course produced sustainably in Germany. The maximum payload is five kilograms. The optional accessory Handlebar-Pack QR Inner Pocket helps to organize the contents and creates space for important requisites such as cash, maps or a smartphone. And a detachable shoulder strap also makes the bag an ideal companion away from the bike.

EVOC’s New Bikepacking Range is On The Way

From Spring/Summer 2023, the new range will not only offer a wide array of volumes (SEAT PACKs up to 16 liters) but handling and ergonomics have also received a substantial upgrade. For example, the renowned mounting system with the BOA® Fit dial which was developed in collaboration with EVOC has been further optimized. It offers excellent stability and is very easy to use. Hidden ventilation orifices now enable the bags with roll-up fastening to compress the contents and improved cable channels on the HANDLEBAR packs make mounting them even easier to different types of handlebars. In addition, the entire range is waterproof, has been fitted with welded seams and waterproof zippers. The Velcro straps have been replaced with the highest quality cut-to-size hypalon Velcro straps. All bags are also equipped with reflective logo prints that enhance the riders’ visibility in the dark.

EVOC’s new range is hitting dealers this Autumn, so stay tuned!

Ronnie’s Bending Bars for His 1986 Grandis

Our buddy Ronnie is bending some Nitto Noodles and presenting some cinematic cinemas of my current road bike. Summer is roadie season when it’s too sultry in the woods. Road bikes at speeeeeed are FREE air conditioning etc. Ride faster than the mosquitos etc. Hope you enjoy!

Repurposed: Gravel Riding in British Columbia

British Columbia’s vast network of forest service roads is now seeing a growing number of gravel cyclists using them for recreation and adventure. Once used for commercial logging, these roads are being repurposed for gravel riding. Through this network of roads, riders are now able to access places that were previously thought unattainable.

In the face of climate change, the need to make tourism and recreation more sustainable has never been more pressing to the local community in BC. Repurposed is a short film that takes a closer look at the discipline of gravel riding, what it means to the community, and how it is transforming the way these logging roads are used to interact with the land.

Repurposed was filmed in the unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat Nations.