Touring - Arkel Closeouts

This might be of interest to some - I have no affiliation with Arkel.

http://www.arkel-od.com/specials.asp?fl=1&site=

Hmmmm, it looks like Arkel has updated their mounting system. It now functions like the Ortleib system.

http://www.arkel-od.com/tips/installing.asp?fl=1&site=

This might be of interest to some - I have no affiliation with Arkel.

http://www.arkel-od.com/specials.asp?fl=1&site=


Thanks a lot for the link, I just picked up a pair and saved a good chunk of change!

Hmmmm, it looks like Arkel has updated their mounting system. It now functions like the Ortleib system.


I notice the closeout panniers are described as having a 'manual attachment system': is that different from the new 'Cam-Lock' hook system? TIA.

I notice the closeout panniers are described as having a 'manual attachment system': is that different from the new 'Cam-Lock' hook system? TIA.


The old system had a swivel lock, that you need to turn manually, after placing the pannier on the rack. Then new system swings back the locks(both hooks have one) as long as you are holding the pannier by the handle. Once you place the pannier on the rack and let go of the handle, the hook-locks slide into position, not allowing the hooks to jump up and down.

After using the new system today, for the first time, i can say that i don't like it. Arkel made a mistake and sent me the T28s with the new system, even though i asked for the old, and i see now that i was right to tell them that i rather stick with the tried and true.

First of all, the locks seem flimsy and they don't give you a feeling of security, compared to the old manual swivel.

Second, the bottom hook, the one that keeps the pannier from bouncing sideways, is confined behind a strip of cloth, and is very difficult to place and to unhook when taking the bag off. With the old system, the hook was pretty much free,even if attached to the lateral belt, and you would bring it into action only when you lock the buckle of said belt(compression belt?), at the front. Now, it has a very narrow range of motion, and is very difficult to use.

Lastly, the top two hooks are now wider, which is good overall, but make adjustments on racks with busy rails more of a hassle. On the OMMs i ordered(as well) this is a non issue. But on the other, cheaper racks that i use daily, I'll probably not be able to use the T28s.

Change is not always a good thing. And even though i love Arkel's products and customer service and support - this new system, plus the new prices ($189 instead of $164 for T42s???:eek: ) are probably going to push me towards Ortlieb or Carradice for the next purchase.

My two pennies.

Wait...Change is NEVER a good thing, i meant, of course.;)

The old system had a swivel lock, that you need to turn manually, after placing the pannier on the rack. Then new system swings back the locks(both hooks have one) as long as you are holding the pannier by the handle. Once you place the pannier on the rack and let go of the handle, the hook-locks slide into position, not allowing the hooks to jump up and down.

After using the new system today, for the first time, i can say that i don't like it. Arkel made a mistake and sent me the T28s with the new system, even though i asked for the old, and i see now that i was right to tell them that i rather stick with the tried and true.

First of all, the locks seem flimsy and they don't give you a feeling of security, compared to the old manual swivel.

Second, the bottom hook, the one that keeps the pannier from bouncing sideways, is confined behind a strip of cloth, and is very difficult to place and to unhook when taking the bag off. With the old system, the hook was pretty much free,even if attached to the lateral belt, and you would bring it into action only when you lock the buckle of said belt(compression belt?), at the front. Now, it has a very narrow range of motion, and is very difficult to use.

Lastly, the top two hooks are now wider, which is good overall, but make adjustments on racks with busy rails more of a hassle. On the OMMs i ordered(as well) this is a non issue. But on the other, cheaper racks that i use daily, I'll probably not be able to use the T28s.

Change is not always a good thing. And even though i love Arkel's products and customer service and support - this new system, plus the new prices ($189 instead of $164 for T42s???:eek: ) are probably going to push me towards Ortlieb or Carradice for the next purchase.

My two pennies.

Wait...Change is NEVER a good thing, i meant, of course.;)

I agree with most of what you said.

I ordered a city basket pannier from some clown on ebay. He was advertising the old model, but then he shipped me the new model with a zipper top and the new attachment system. I promptly returned it.

I'm sure Arkel changed their mounting system because of customer requests for a simpler mounting system. I'm also pretty sure that the new mounting system will be fine for 90% of people who order their bags. It's the hardcore 10% that may have problems. Like you said, I'm not a big fan of plastic.

What it boils down to is profit. If the majority of their customers demand it, they will produce it.

BTW, I just ordered a pair of XM-28 mountain panniers. @ $112 they are a steal!

Love my Arkels

i bought some gt-45s only a few weeks ago. they are the new version and come with a waterproof inner liner and the new mounting system. the new mounting system is great. i like it even better than the old one and i didnt think that would be possible! the liner... im honestly not too thrilled about. it is sewn in the top but then has velcro along the sides so you can get behind it. then it has its *own* zipper behind the regular side-access zippers. the problem is that it only has one zipper (top-to-bottom) and the zipper doesnt go down as far as the outer ones. if you have the liner zipped closed, this means you effectively *cannot* use the side-access zipper at the bottom. only from the top, which involves unclipping at least one side of the lid. the alternative is to leave the liner unzipped all the time, but it is still much more awkward than without having a liner in place.
also the outer pockets arent waterproofed, so you will probably still find yourself bringing along rain covers.

BUT- the new mounting mechanism is absolutely perfect. so.. yay for that.

Another clueless newbie question: I'm looking at the T-42 (16x17x7) and the GT-18 (16x11x8) and the former is designated only for the rear while the latter is designated for front and rear.

What's the difference? Would the extra 6" in the T-42 width (front to rear dimension) interfere with the frame? Have a negative effect on handling?

What I'm really asking is if the T-42 would work OK on the front... ;)

Thanks again.

Another clueless newbie question: I'm looking at the T-42 (16x17x7) and the GT-18 (16x11x8) and the former is designated only for the rear while the latter is designated for front and rear.

What's the difference? Would the extra 6" in the T-42 width (front to rear dimension) interfere with the frame? Have a negative effect on handling?

What I'm really asking is if the T-42 would work OK on the front... ;)

Thanks again.


I have a pair of T42s and as of yesterday, a pair of T28s. I can't imagine putting the T42s in the front - too wide to be safe. Theoretically, if you adjust the mounting hooks such that they go without problems on the front rack, you could get away with it. But i think pedal strike would be an issue.

Then again, these bags have a cutout where your heel passes them - if you mount them left->right and right->left, you could, possibly, pedal without striking them.

Best advice i can give you - call Arkel. They are the nicest people and are always happy to help. Ask for Yves or Kevin - they'll listen to any crazy idea you may have.

I have a set of GT-54 with the 1st generation hooks (fixed position) and T-42s with the 2nd generation hooks (on a rail, but with a centre lock). I bought these T-42 a year ago... to replace 8-years-old T-42s that were worn out, as they were used 365 days a year for commuting and touring.


About using T-42s in front

That's what I do for touring. No problem. I use them on a racks like the MEC Lowrider and the Bruce Gordon Lowrider without any problem. The tricky part is to centre the panniers so the load is about centred on the rotational axis of the wheel, These panniers aren't wider than the GT-18 so they won't hang on the ground any more – or any less – than the GT-18. Obviously if/when you use them in front, make sure you don't hang anything on the outside loops, and make sure you balance the load on both sides.


Question and concern about the new hook system

If I read correctly, the hooks themselves are aluminium coated (dipped) with plastic. Did I read it correctly?

How easy is it to use the lock system?

Do you need lots of finger access to use it? If so, it might be a problem on racks that have a steel plate at the top like the MEC lowrider.

Question and concern about the new hook system

If I read correctly, the hooks themselves are aluminium coated (dipped) with plastic. Did I read it correctly?
How easy is it to use the lock system?
Do you need lots of finger access to use it? If so, it might be a problem on racks that have a steel plate at the top like the MEC lowrider.

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3488/218200710339pm0001ct2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

it couldnt be easier--
when you are mounting them, assuming you have a few pounds of weight in the panniers, the cams for the hooks will pivot open just by lifting the bag by the handle, so all you have to do is rest it on the rack and release... locked!
taking them off is just as easy as picking them up by the handle. you dont even remember there are hooks at the top anymore. just unhook the bottom like normal, then lift off the bike.
also, as you can see in the pic, you can easily adjust the hook placement for any rack by just loosening the bolts and sliding them to anywhere you want on the *very sturdy* metal plate. and lastly, the hooks are made fully out of metal but then the plastic is molded onto them. the design is the closest to perfect ive ever seen.

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3488/218200710339pm0001ct2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

it couldnt be easier--
when you are mounting them, assuming you have a few pounds of weight in the panniers, the cams for the hooks will pivot open just by lifting the bag by the handle, so all you have to do is rest it on the rack and release... locked!
taking them off is just as easy as picking them up by the handle. you dont even remember there are hooks at the top anymore. just unhook the bottom like normal, then lift off the bike.
also, as you can see in the pic, you can easily adjust the hook placement for any rack by just loosening the bolts and sliding them to anywhere you want on the *very sturdy* metal plate. and lastly, the hooks are made fully out of metal but then the plastic is molded onto them. the design is the closest to perfect ive ever seen.


Indeed, there's no need for finger access, as there's no swivel lock anymore.
One more problem i found today, though, was that if the pannier slides fore or aft while you're riding, and hits one of the (two or three) stays of the rack - the cam lock slides open, being pushed from the side. This is a huge oversight on the part of Arkel.

I tell ya, some things should just stay the way they are.

Thanks Ephemeralskin.

And FidelCastrovich, could you solve the problem you're describing by moving the hooks a bit? Since panniers tend to creep forward, you might find a position where the hooks are placed in such a way that panniers can't move. Therefore "problem solved". Right?

Thanks Ephemeralskin.

And FidelCastrovich, could you solve the problem you're describing by moving the hooks a bit? Since panniers tend to creep forward, you might find a position where the hooks are placed in such a way that panniers can't move. Therefore "problem solved". Right?

You can work your way around most anything life throws at you. But when you pay ~$200 for panniers, you expect them to work at least as well as last year's model, that cost less. I don't have this creeping problem with my older T42s. Only with the new T28s.
But hey, i'm a retrogrouch, and don't appreciate change when it's not called for. If you like the system, good for you.
:beer:

You can work your way around most anything life throws at you. But when you pay ~$200 for panniers, you expect them to work at least as well as last year's model, that cost less. I don't have this creeping problem with my older T42s. Only with the new T28s.
But hey, i'm a retrogrouch, and don't appreciate change when it's not called for. If you like the system, good for you.
:beer:

As I had said earlier, I have lots of experience with their first (7-10 years ago) and second (up to last year) mounting systems, but not with the third current one. My idea to solve the problem was based on what worked with the previous hook systems and could almost be seen as a question regarding the new model. Sorry if I wasn't clear and sorry that it doesn't work. At least, I will know better.

P.S. I agree with you that 200 $ panniers should fit adequately.