KD5NRH

I'd call it Ortlieb not earning their price. Loctite isn't hard to use, and the product is supposed to be designed for a lot of rattling around.

KD5NRH

Generally yes, for Axiom.

I have the Seymour DLX 20L for commuting and light utility use, and left them out in the rain for about 3 hours after an hour commute a few nights ago. (Was going to go out for dinner, but dozed off and woke up to the drizzle having turned into a steady rain.) Most of the stuff inside was damp, but not soaked. Not bad for panniers generally advertised as water resistant but not waterproof. The outer fabric will soak right away, but the inner layer will hold off most of the water for quite a while. Since I usually put my work clothes in grocery bags inside the panniers, (one bag per day's clothing) they stayed completely dry.

If I ever get around to buying a front rack, these will likely go on there for touring, (carrying rain gear, snacks, street clothes, etc. easy to get to) with larger, waterproof ones on the back for the heavier stuff.

djb

I am certain the issue here is used error, ie not setting up the upper hook positions and the lower tab so that there is no movement or rattling.
I have a friend who did this and was critical of the bolt system, but I've used them for years now and no issues if set up with no play and proper "counter force" setup so that there is never any movement.

fietsbob

I'd call it a lazy owner not checking their gear often enough. no sympathy.

djb

Set up properly, the opposing forces means there is no rattling whatsoever.
I just finished a 3000km trip over some rough roads and no rattles.
This means the attachment points don't get loosened, or worked back and forth with forces that can gradually loosen or loosen more the bolts.
I checked mine at times but stayed snug ask trip.

Ty0604

Don't be sorry. It's true and a sad reality. It's pathetic.

I no longer run competitively. After years of dealing with stress fractures and a case of plantar fascia in my right foot, which still exist today, I pulled the plug. Because my cycling shoes are rigid neither bothers me too much when I'm on the road. That requires me to take an Ibuprofen and Meloxicam when I'm on the road but it makes the pain manageable.

So no, the gear wasn't replaced due to my relationship with Nike. I still work there but that's all. Arkel had emailed me asking about my trip because I offered to email them photos for them to use. When I told them what happened they offered to replace them. I accepted. As for Fuji... An acquaintance of mine knows someone in upper management at Fuji and she reached out to them without my knowledge. They surprised me with the Jari about 6 weeks after I returned home.

I am yeah, thank you! We're hitting the road on June 16th again. We'll see how this tour goes. I've noticed since the accident my head is on a swivel more and I ride paranoid but in an odd way I feel like I'm in better shape today than before the accident. I think it's the new bike though. And yeah, that's Pebs in my avatar but an old photo. 6 or 7 years ago.

jefnvk

Good on the both of them, then

Aerohip

I've been using Arkel Dolphins for three years now. Great bags!