Touring - Arkel Pannier

Does anyone use Arkel Panniers? If so, do you like them?

http://www.arkel-od.com/

Based on net recommendations I bought Arkel panniers for my commute. I've only been using them for about a month, but so far I like them just fine. I don't remember the model off of the top of my head (T-42?), but one nice thing is that my Targus laptop bag just fits inside one of them, which was an added bonus for me. Of course, your mileage may vary...

Does anyone use Arkel Panniers? If so, do you like them?

http://www.arkel-od.com/

greets,

looked at arkels for a real long time but while in the UK i ended up getting 2
sets of altura bags. got the 26 inch and the 50 inch bags. they have a real
nice clip on system that's one button lock down. when you need to remove them same button and pull up they come right off the racks. while attached though i've never had them slip. not sure if the arkels have that ability or not but i been really happy w/ the alturas. they even come w/ rain covers. the arkels you have to pay extra for 'em. can't say enough about them. i've been really happy w/ mine.

any other bags i've seen has that silly little hook on a string you have to play w/ to get the bag locked onto your rack and if you need to quickly remove the bags you pretty much end up having to remove all the contence just to get at the hooks in the back. i'd recomment looking into the altura's. i'm sure you could fine a company willing to **** to the us.

cheers
kat

and i forgot the link didn't i... silly me
http://www.devercycles.com/accessory-bags.htm

Does anyone use Arkel Panniers? If so, do you like them?

http://www.arkel-od.com/

I have a pair of the T-42s also, and have found using one or both of them for days trips to be just fine. Haven't tried an overnight trip yet. They fit fine on my Jannd Expedition rear rack.

In fact, I'm currently debating on which front pannier to get in anticipation of multi-day tours this year.

I have A set of the TT-84 's and a set of the GT-30's I've used them now for about 3 years. Not one complaint with the bags, or the mounting system,

My ex rides with a pair of GT-54's, she's had hers for close to five years with out any complaints or proplems.

Great bags, made by people that ride bikes.

Thanks for the info. I just order a pair of GT-54's, GT-30's and a Lagre Handlebar Bag.

got to check out some new bags at the bike expo in seattle yesterday, arkel has finally come out w/ a new recumbent bag that is looking pretty interesting. thinking i'm going to get one but i'm going to wait until they have more than one color. currently they are only in black and although i do so love the color, i've noticed that EVERY thing of mine is black... think i'd like to try yellow for once.

and i still am not impressed w/ the attachments on the arkels. guess i'm just spoiled.

cheers
kat

I used them and I like them. Contrary to Kat, I'm impressed with the attachments. It's fast, simple and solid.

Kat,

What is it that you don't like with Arkel's attachment system? I find it simple, yet solid and easy to use (on an upright bike, anyway). The only minor complaint I have is that the hooks marr the paint of the rack. But then, I find metal hooks to be more reliable than plastic hooks, especially in Winter.

Regards,

I bought Arkels and they are the real deal. I love them.

I used them and I like them. Contrary to Kat, I'm impressed with the attachments. It's fast, simple and solid.

the panniers themselves are great, nothing better. i just have been spoiled on my one button attachment/lockdown. when i get a flat and need to take everything off the front/back it's one button pull up and the panniers off. man i've really grown to love that feature. no unloading everything in the bag just so you can get to that little hook on the underside of the pack. that just drives me to distraction.

but yes the bags themselves are ace.

cheers
kat

I've got the GT, front and rear. GT54 and GT30, I think they are.

I love the bags. One of my best bike accessory purchases ever.

I bought the rain covers, too. I recommend those highly. It is true, though, that you have to pay extra-- close to a $80 US, I think-- for covers for all four bags. I'm glad I did it. The covers fit into pockets in the bags, so I always have them with me. If the heavens open up when I'm out on the road, out come the covers and everything in my bags-- clothes, chinese food, whatever-- stays dry.

I use the bags *all* the time. Errands, groceries, going off into the woods to watch birds, bringing my inflatable kayak to the river, an occasional camping trip, anything. The bags hold a *lot*. Yet, the zippers always close and hold even with the bag stuffed full.

I like the design of the bag and pockets-- in particular, their tent pole/air mattress pocket. I can easily fit my tent poles and a full size thermarest into that pocket. Nice. The other rear bag has a smaller pocket for a fuel bottle. Very nice.

The mounting hardware is terrific. I've never even had the clips work loose, much less had problems with a bag staying mounted. Yet the bags are easily removed, even when full.

The handles are stiched on right, so the bags can be carried without damage even when they're full.

In sum, these bags are made *right*, by a company that knows what it's doing.

Some other bags are good too, from what others say, but I'm sure you'd never regret buying Arkel bags.

Kat,

What is it that you don't like with Arkel's attachment system? I find it simple, yet solid and easy to use (on an upright bike, anyway). The only minor complaint I have is that the hooks marr the paint of the rack. But then, I find metal hooks to be more reliable than plastic hooks, especially in Winter.

Regards,

ok this is hard to explain i guess, but the panniers i have (altura) have a one button push job that locks the panniers to the rack. they can't slip or fall off. you don't have to squeeze your hand in between the rack/tire/mudguard to get the packs off. you just push the button on the top of the handle and the whole thing lifts off. if you could see how totally awesome that is then you'd understand why i don't like dealing w/ hooks on a string.

and i do love the design of the arkels i just don't like the way they attach. just a matter of opion and preference i suppose. but i just hate having to reach in between a dirty wheel/mudguard and the rack to try and fight the thing off. (and i do keep my bike immaculately clean but i also ride on cow roads... ick!)

cheers
kat

I bought an entire set of their mid-grade.
Done lots of 4000-5000 mile tours with Performance panniers which held up as well. The rear large panniers are overdesigned - too many little pockets and doo-dads - the handlebar bag is tough to mount - the attachment is cumbersome and hard to get pack on and off of, but sturdy as all get out. Its major drawback is a LACK of pockets!!
I'd definitely ask them to alter the too-long tent pole portion of one of the rear panniers if you buy them.

Hi kat:
I've purchased my set of recumbent bags (the rainscovers are backordered). Email the company and ask- they will answer (almost always the same day) and give you the scoop on if/when they'll planning them in other colours.

Regards
from Ottawa
Harvey


got to check out some new bags at the bike expo in seattle yesterday, arkel has finally come out w/ a new recumbent bag that is looking pretty interesting. thinking i'm going to get one but i'm going to wait until they have more than one color. currently they are only in black and although i do so love the color, i've noticed that EVERY thing of mine is black... think i'd like to try yellow for once.

and i still am not impressed w/ the attachments on the arkels. guess i'm just spoiled.

cheers
kat

I jst got all my panniers and I already love them. They are awesome!