Today, Ortlieb announces the arrival of their Thru Axle M6 Connectors, the Quick-Rack L, and the Quick-Rack XL to the USA and UK.
Ortlieb developed all of these as a system that expands on the Quick-Rack’s compatibility for modern bikes, especially those without fender eyelets.
Let’s go over ’em.
Thru Axle M6 Connector
This is a secure solution for riders on bikes without fender eyelets. They were developed in-house by Ortlieb. They allow a rock-solid attachment point at the axle for the Quick-Rack system.
Thanks to the adjustable length range of 165/168 mm up to 180 mm, the Thru Axle M6-Connector can be used for a variety of bikes. Both ends of the axle have M6 threaded mounts, allowing the attachment of pannier racks or trailers. Weight is 54g.
The thru axle is made of high-quality aluminum, machined in Germany, and is available in three thread pitches: 1 / 1.5 / 1.75mm. If you are unsure of which thread pitch you need, there are some great axle finder databases out on the interwebs that can help, like the one at the Robert Axle Project.
Retail & Specifications:
Retail: $35
- Universal plug-in adapter axle for mounting luggage carriers or trailers
- Made from high-quality aluminum
- Made in Germany
- Integrated M6 threads at both ends
- Can replace axles up to 180mm axle length
- Spacers included in the scope of delivery for adjusting the length of the 165 conical/168 – 180mm thru-axle adapter
- Adjustment range.
- Short axle lengths are compatible if the axle can be screwed through the frame (out of the thread).
- Available in three thread pitches
Quick-Rack L
This is a slightly taller rack than the original Quick-Rack. It has been optimized for use with gravel bikes and mounting the rack at the axle.
Retail & Specifications:
Retail: $130
- Lightweight luggage carrier with quick release system for fast mounting and dismounting on the bike
- 5/15 method, 15 seconds for mounting, 5 seconds for dismounting
- Quick change from a sporty bike to a commuter bike
- Leaves a clean bike, no fixed luggage rack
- Can be used on carbon seat posts and carbon frames with M5 or M6 threads
- Can be used on full-suspension bikes
- Universally adaptable thanks to different strut lengths
- Touring rack with two mounting levels, e.g., for simultaneous use of basket and side panniers
- Enables direct attachment of all bags with QL1/2.1/3.1 and Top-Lock system
- QL3/3.1 mounting elements can be removed
- Suitable for wheel sizes up to 28“/50mm (2”) when mounted via an adapter axle, up to 2.9“/3” when mounted directly or with Seat Stay Adapter
- Horizontal and vertical struts with 10 mm tube diameter
- Incl. mounting kit; no additional mounting parts required
- Preparation for optional rear light (light not included)
- Maximum load 20 kg
Quick-Rack XL
This one is, you guessed it, even taller and wider. It’s made to accommodate larger MTB tires and frames.
Retail & Specifications:
Retail: $140
- Lightweight luggage carrier with quick release system for fast mounting and dismounting on the bike
- 5/15 method, 15 seconds for mounting, 5 seconds for dismounting
- Quick change from a sporty bike to a commuter bike
- Leaves a clean bike, no fixed luggage rack
- Can be used on carbon seat posts and carbon frames with M5 or M6 threads
- Can be used on full-suspension bikes
- Universally adaptable thanks to different strut lengths
- Touring rack with two mounting levels, e.g., for simultaneous use of basket and side panniers
- Enables direct attachment of all bags with QL1/2.1/3.1 and Top-Lock system
- Integrated threads for direct mounting of QL3.1 snap-in knobs
- Suitable for wheel sizes up to 29“/(2.6”) when mounted via an adapter axle; up to 2.9“/3” when mounted directly or with Seat Stay Adapter
- Horizontal and vertical struts with 12 mm tube diameter
- Luggage carrier platform with 10 mm tube diameter
- Incl. mounting kit; no additional mounting parts required
- Preparation for optional rear light (light not included)
- Maximum payload 27 kg
