Commuting - panniers

I am new to the cycling world. Just purchased my first REAL bike (not department store junk) on Sunday. Plan on using it for commuting and cruising around town. Looking for advice on panniers. Considering Arkels Urban Series Backpack and Cargo Bag. Does anyone have any experience with Arkels?

Thanks.

I have a pair of their older small panniers that have held up perfectly for a couple years of heavy use, and for Father's Day I got their briefcase pannier which is a very high-quality product. I love Arkel's mounting system, very easy to mount and dismount.

Also, I had a small customer service issue with the briefcase (a strap hook broke) which was resolved immediately with one e-mail and a replacement part mailed out right away. Very impressive.

This is my touring/commuting bike with the Arkel panniers in place:

I got a pair of the Arkel xm-28 panniers (http://www.bicyclebags.com/panniers/xm28/overview.asp) a couple of months ago and am very impressed. Did a good bit of research before investing in these bags and Arkel provided lots of the right information. Much attention to detail in both the design and the quality of the materials. The company seems to have the right attitude also. I highly recommend their product.

http://gallery.consumerreview.com/webcrossing/images/Commuter.jpg

Do Arkel do a bag specifically for or which would comfortably hold a laptop? *EDIT* Just found their website...

Originally posted by Rigid
Do Arkel do a bag specifically for or which would comfortably hold a laptop? *EDIT* Just found their website...

So I guess you found their briefcase pannier? I use it 100% of the time, on or off the bike, to carry my Thinkpad etc. Very handy to not have to repack my work stuff if I'm not riding.

RichC

Yo RiderX

That's a fat-a$$ bike

BK

Originally posted by Buddha Knuckle
Yo RiderX

That's a fat-a$$ bike

BK Thanks, BK. Here's the story behind it:

1991 Specialized - rescued and rebuilt before it's thoughtless and abusive owner put it in the dumpster. Locked to an uncovered porch for a couple of years before the guy was ready to move and throw it away. Total invested (not counting the rack and panniers): Lots of elbow grease and $20 for a set of slicks. Spare parts bin is pretty much depleted after this one.

BTW, I'm going to try to get up to Philly for an SS rally (www.onespeed.org) this weekend - are you going to be there? I'll be bringing the Surly though. www.onespeed.org

RiderX,

I just checked out the onespeed.org site. What can I say?
I am in there like butt hair. Unfortunately I won't be able to get as sloppy drunk as the promoters would like, because I have to work the night shift. Keep an eye peeled for me - I'll be wearing a red t-shirt that says LOGO in yellow (looks like the LEGO logo, actually) and riding my blue Gary Fisher Aquila ss. Thanks for the heads up.

Cheers,
BK

ps - If it weren't for wasteful bike owners, I would have much fewer toys in my basement. Bless those senseless bastards.