Contec Luggage Solutions with Ortlieb Quick-Rack + Mudguard

Our four-day bikepacking adventure through partly challenging terrain had been planned for months. It was also clear that we would have to carry all our luggage ourselves. The gravel bikes? Also long decided: two TREK Domane+, a comfortable TREK Checkpoint, and the more race-oriented TREK Checkmate.

As for the route planning, equipment, and accommodations - well, we kept putting that off. After all, there were more important things to do in the summer! So we let the preparation slide quite a bit and only took care of the details 14 days before departure...

When inspecting the bikes, it was noticed that both the Domane+ and the Checkpoint had side pannier rack mounts on the dropouts, but the Checkmate did not. Apparently, the gravel racer was more intended for light mudguards than heavily loaded side bags. Our modified plan: Equip three bikes with frame and pannier bags, while the rider of the Checkmate had to make do with an "ass rocket" (monstrous saddlebag), frame bag, handlebar bag, and a backpack.

Fortunately, we were able to quickly find the ideal partner with Contec. With their Mile Grinder Bikepacking Collection, numerous waterproof luggage solutions for gravel, road, and MTB applications that can be mounted without tools, no wishes were left unfulfilled. The series includes not only bags for handlebars, saddles, and frames but also side bags, backpacks, and extensive accessories for mounting - ideal for multi-day tours or overnight trips.

Unfortunately, due to our late planning, the Contec luggage racks were just sold out, and restocking would have taken too long. So we initially ordered all available luggage pieces directly from the Contec online shop almost "blindly" and found a suitable rack/fender combination with Ortlieb's Quick-Rack. This is by no means a stopgap, but a super-flexible and high-quality premium solution. Even during the hectic setup a few days before departure at the Loisium Bikewelt, we realized that the luggage specialists from Franconian Heilsbronn understand their craft. In no time at all, the frames were adjusted and mounted for all three bikes. Two days before our departure, the Contec side bags finally arrived. With that, our setup was complete - everything was ready, and nothing could go wrong.

Conclusion on the Contec Mile Grinder Frame Bag: TOP!
Design, workmanship, and waterproofing are great - compatibility with both large and small frames is given. The Velcro straps are sufficiently long, but the flap can stick out quite far depending on the position, so you might brush against it with your knees or thighs while pedaling. Tip: Trim the flap with scissors if necessary or secure it with gaffer tape if aesthetics are not a concern.

Depending on the frame size or preference, the bag can be additionally attached at the front, back, or both front and back with the included straps. We chose to position it at the rear end and fix it to the seat tube. This made it easier to remove the water bottle from the down tube, and the items were still easily accessible during the ride. Installation and removal are generally very quick; however, we always left the bag on the bike.

Conclusion on the Contec Mile Grinder Back 10: TOP!
Design, workmanship, and waterproofing are great; the saddlebag should be able to be mounted on almost all traditional seat posts. We advise against using it with dropper seat posts, as the coating of the stanchion could suffer - unless you protect it in advance with gaffer tape.

The "butt rocket" is very spacious and performs excellently, whether the luggage is packed particularly neatly or just quickly and sloppily. Heavy items do not affect the handling as long as they are placed low and close to the frame. An additional advantage that should not be underestimated: The fully packed bag provides excellent splash protection, which even works better than the widest fenders.

Conclusion on the Contec Mile Grinder Race 3: TOP!
Good and affordable: The practical handlebar bag can be easily opened and closed even during the ride and offers plenty of space for essential items like tools, smartphone, money, or a rain jacket despite its compact size.

With traditionally shaped or normally wide (gravel) handlebars, there are probably no issues, but with particularly narrow aero handlebars, like those on the Checkmate, the grip area on the upper handlebar becomes very tight. In this case, the two Velcro fasteners can be bothersome when gripping - depending on hand size and sensitivity. Additionally, the head tube should be carefully covered with foil or gaffa tape, as the handlebar bag - at least in our case - rubs against the head tube during the ride.

Conclusion on the Contec Mile Grinder Commute 25: OKAY!
What we underestimated: The name "Commute 25" says it all. Since we had never seen the backpack in person before ordering, we were not aware that the straps are unpadded and it completely lacks a back structure. Overall, it is very minimalist, spacious, and lightweight - ideal for commuting, especially if you're already wearing a jacket. If it gets wet, the packed items stay dry, and the backpack can be easily washed and dries very quickly.

However, it is not optimal for longer gravel tours. The unpadded straps press with higher loads or cut in, the backpack wobbles back and forth on technical downhills, and the lack of ventilation on the back causes more sweating than one would like.

Conclusion on the Ortlieb Quick-Rack + Mudguard: TOP!
The Ortlieb Quick-Rack was completely convincing from start to finish. It is of high-quality workmanship and comes with extensive mounting material and a truly excellent manual. The delivery also included two massive aluminum rods, which need to be cut to the optimal length depending on the frame size, geometry, and mudguards, so that the same Quick-Rack can also be used on multiple bikes.

The quick releases on the seat post and the adapters on the dropouts proved to be extremely practical and allowed for comfortable removal and reattachment, which was very helpful during daily stage stops.

Even during the ride, the rack impressed with stability and indestructibility: The quick releases worked flawlessly even after multiple daily uses and when dirty, offering significant time savings. The adapters, which we screwed on completely without medium-strength Loctite, remained firm until the end, and the other connections did not loosen either.

Conclusion on the Contec LIM Double Panniers: FLOP!
For the panniers, basically the same applies as for the backpack. Intended for the city or trekking excursions, the LIM Double Panniers have their weaknesses in technically demanding terrain.

While they offer generous storage space, are water-repellent, and universally applicable, in the terrain it became apparent that without a stable attachment like a rail or click system, they sat far too loosely. It might have been due to an unfortunate combination with the compact Ortlieb luggage rack, but downhill the bags moved far forward without additional fixation, causing the heels to hit them while pedaling - an absolute no-go. In addition, they wobbled back and forth and could only be securely fixed with the leather strap when fully packed. However, this has no adjustment option, which is why NoPain tied a knot in it and NoSane threaded the strap through the luggage rack in a roundabout way.

Fortunately, we had the saving idea to fix the bags with robust cable ties at the top of the luggage rack and at the side struts, ensuring the necessary stability. Instead of taking the panniers off every day, for which the attached straps were actually intended, we simply removed the entire Ortlieb Quick-Rack. Regardless of our improvised cable tie solution, this would have been the best idea anyway. This way, we could place the panniers in the corner of the hotel room, easily pack and unpack them, and the Ortlieb attachment system worked so quickly that we wouldn't even have opened one of the four straps in the same time.

All's well that ends well. However, the bags are definitely not suitable for long and tough tours, but really only for the city or light trekking.

On our four-day gravel trip, which took us over fog-shrouded alpine pastures, through wild descents, and lonely gorges, the (partially modified) equipment made a very solid impression.

The Ortlieb Quick-Rack impressed with its stability and practical handling, while the Contec bags remained safe and stable even on rough terrain, thanks to additional cable tie fixation. Through the firm connection with the Quick-Rack, we were able to use the Ortlieb quick-release system to quickly bring the luggage into the room and just as promptly attach it back to the bike. The water-repellent function of the Contec bags also proved itself in light rain. For longer tours or heavier rain, however, truly waterproof panniers with removable inner pockets and a practical mounting system like the one from Rixen & Kaul would be more advisable - so the bags can also be easily removed individually.

The rest of the setup proved its worth completely and shone with great functionality, high-quality look, and a convincing price-performance ratio. Nevertheless, it should be noted that we simply made the wrong choice with the backpack and side bags and generally dealt with the topic of "luggage & Co." too little and too late. Next time we'll know better - and there will definitely be a next time, maybe even from Langenlois to Champagne ...