Originally Posted by sauerwald
I use, and like Arkel bags (T-42, Briefcase, Large Handlebar bag, Tailrunner), but would agree that their design philosophy is bombproof first, convenience second.
This thing (excluding the shoulder strap) is definitely bombproof, and that's a good thing. And if I were touring I be glad that Arkel had struck this bombproof to convenience balance. Yet, when designing a commuter bag, perhaps the balance should not be quite the same as for a touring bag.
When commuting, for me, convenience is a big issue. I would like to toss the bag on the bike, ride to my destination, and throw the thing over my shoulder and head to my meeting or office. That's unrealistic, of course, but that is the way my ideal commuting bag would work.
Still there's a lot to be said for bombproof. I like the construction of this bag so much, that even with the attachment issues, I am still tempted by the Utility Basket.