SPRING CHECKLIST – Hit the Road Right
Spring riding is here — and after months of winter commuting, wet roads and cold temps, your gear deserves a quick once-over.
A few minutes of checking now means smoother rides, fewer surprises, and more time enjoying the season.
Use this simple checklist for your bags and attachments.
☐ Hook & strap condition – Inspect your QL1, QL2, or QL3 hooks for cracks or wear. Check straps for fraying.
☐ Lower hook position – Make sure the lower hook of your bag is adjusted correctly for your rack or attachment. It should hold firmly without excessive force.
☐ Rubber pads – These prevent slipping. If they're worn down, replace them (spares available from Ortlieb).
☐ Zippers & roll-top closure – Open and close fully. For roll-tops, check the buckle and strap for stiffness or cracking.
☐ Fabric & seams – Look for small punctures or seam stress. A tiny hole is easy to patch now — harder to fix on a rainy ride.
For rear and front racks:
☐ Rack bolts – Check every bolt where the rack attaches to your frame. Tighten if needed. Loose bolts = wobbly bags.
☐ Rack tubing – Look for cracks near welds, especially on aluminum racks.
☐ Hook contact points – Where your bag hooks attach to the rack, make sure the rack tubing isn't worn thin or bent.
For handlebar holders (e.g., Handlebar-Pack, Ultimate6, E-Glow):
☐ Handlebar clamp – Ensure the clamp is tight and centered. Check for any rotation or slipping.
☐ Mounting screws – Tighten all screws on the holder mechanism.
☐ Quick-release lever – Test that it locks securely and releases smoothly.
☐ Weight limit – Double-check you're not exceeding the recommended load for handlebar mounting.
For frame packs, fork packs and other attachments (e.g., Fork-Pack, frame straps):
☐ Straps & buckles – Inspect for fraying, cracking, or weak tension.
☐ Mounting points – Check that all straps are threaded correctly and holding the bag firmly against the frame or fork.
☐ Contact points – Look for wear on frame paint or fork coating where straps or brackets rub.
☐ Screw-on mounts – If using fork cages or bolt-on attachments, verify all screws are tight and threadlock is still active.
General for all attachments:
☐ Heel clearance – Mount your bags and spin the pedals backward. Make sure your heel doesn't hit rear bags or rack hardware.
☐ Handlebar clearance – Turn your handlebars fully left and right. Ensure no bag or cable interference.
☐ Load test – Add weight to your bags, then shake the bike side to side. Nothing should rattle, shift, or bounce.
Find anything less than optimal?
If you find a worn strap, a cracked hook, a loose screw or a missing rubber pad — don't worry. Ortlieb spare parts are available, and most fixes take five minutes.
Ride confident. Ride spring.