Commuting - Arkel Utility Basket, Commuter, & U-Locks

I am still gazing admiringly at pictures of the Arkel Utility Basket and the Commuter

Is there a convenient way to carry a standard u-lock in these things? An outside pocket or flap or something? Are those mesh pockets on the Basket big enough? Would a U-lock kill them?

Enquiring minds want a reason to buy one of these.

i don't know how big your u-lock is but if it's not one of those extremely long ones i would just stand it up inside the bag leaning against one of the sides or the back of the bag. the UB is pretty big and because of the top-loading design you should be able to fit it in that way. it would probably be okay in the mesh pocket, but i imagine it would stretch it out if you put it in there all the time. plus, hey, the UB is one of the cheapest things arkel makes and it's a good, solid bag!
cheers,
tom in osaka

I am still gazing admiringly at pictures of the Arkel Utility Basket and the Commuter

Is there a convenient way to carry a standard u-lock in these things? An outside pocket or flap or something? Are those mesh pockets on the Basket big enough? Would a U-lock kill them?

Enquiring minds want a reason to buy one of these.

I have a Utility Basket and a standard full size U-lock. U-lock fits fine in either of the side mesh pockets. When I have done it I actually slid it down behind the compression strap and then into the top part of the pocket. If your individual setup leaves you with limited heal clearance you probably want to just drop it inside when the bag is empty to keep it from swinging against the back of your foot. Then move it outside as you fill the bag. Certianly no lack of options.

I have also carried a pump inserted vertically down behind the compresson strap and then into the pocket to keep from messing with it when I was going in and out of the store. Worked real well.

I also have a Tail-Rider. I found that the compression straps across the top of it hold a u-lock real well.

Construction on both products is first class. Only possible complaint might be the fastening system on the panniers being bare metal tends to allow it to scratch up your rack (big deal ?) . And since the center lock sticks out a little bit it might catch you in the side while carrying with a shoulder strap, but this hasn't been an issue for me yet.

For those considering a Tail-Rider I would recommend a normal wide rack to attach it to. I have a tubus rack with a narrow top which works fine but a wider (common size) rack fits a little nicer.

The Commuter has a few external zipper pockets, but nothing that would come close to fitting a U-lock. If you carry a laptop in it, the laptop pouch is a nice place to stow a lock.