Ortlieb QL3 quick release system for urban luggage

Ortlieb are showing off their new QL3 locking system at Eurobike, which is designed for urban use. It's a three-point fixing system but most of the stuff which actually does the fixing is permanently attached to the bike. That means it's not as versatile as a standard pannier system but the thinking is that most commuters will be using the same bag from day to day.

The main benefit is that the amount of paraphenalia on the bag itself - and the amount that it sticks out - is drastically reduced. All that's left are three small fittings that marry to pegs on the bike-mounted fitting system and lock securely into place. It takes a bit of practice to seat the bag but once you get the hang of it it's easy enough, and the system feels solid enough to not ship your bags on the inevitable potholes. When you need your bag back it's a quick tug to release it. QL3 looks like it'll need some careful setting up though, you need to get the positions of the three fixing points just right for them all to engage.

The QL3 system is currently on panniers and some city bags, though there's still plenty of the city range that still uses the more standard mounts. We were quite taken with the basket panniers, and also the rack-top basket with a drawstring cover, perfect for the shopping.