Build the USBRS with Ortlieb USA

May 26, 2015

Ortlieb USA has seen the great success of the Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It. campaign and the growth of the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) and is sponsoring a $1,000 match challenge to keep the momentum going. Donate now to have your contribution matched by Ortlieb USA! 

We recently sat down with Ortlieb USA to learn more about the company and what they believe in.

Please tell us about your company and its history.

Ortlieb has been designing and making waterproof bicycle bags and accessories since 1982. Everything we make is waterproof and we truly make everything we put the Ortlieb name on. Our headquarters in the village of Heilsbronn, Germany is where more than 150 dedicated team members design, manufacture, and market our more than 500 individual products. Ortlieb was the first to apply the technique of 3D welding to bicycle bags and we continue to innovate and advance the process every year.

Talk about your company's mission and how it relates to your decision to support the U.S. Bicycle Route System. 

As a European-based brand, Ortlieb has always been about moving people safely and more comfortably on their bikes. We brought Ortlieb to the US in 1998 with the hope that by making great waterproof gear available, Americans would spend more time on their bikes: more travel time, more recreational time, and more commuter time.

Parallel to these goals, we have also continually supported the advancement of safe places to ride bicycles both locally and nationally. Let’s face it, without safe and well-developed routes, great gear is useless. Ortlieb bicycle bags have been crisscrossing the US for decades. We love to hear from our fans and see the photos and videos as they share their experiences with us. The USBRS is a great initiative that will only make cycling in the US a better experience for all and allow more options to see this great country while pedaling along on two wheels. More riders, more places, weather, or not. Ortlieb.

What 5 cycling-related things are you most excited about now?

1. The continued rise of commuting.
2. Major cities improving cycling infrastructure.
3. The emergence of new, go-anywhere, do-anything bikes.
4. Bike packing.
5. Bike overnights: short weekend vacations.

Where would you like to see cycling in the United States 5 years from now?

More, more, more.

What one product of yours would you like to be sure touring cyclists know about?

Our line of Handlebar bags are some of the most sophisticated and versatile bags of this type to ever be developed. Check out the Ultimate 6 line of Handlebar bags from Ortlieb.