Originally Posted by
macteacher
Quick question regarding the arkel. The bottom little hook that attaches to the rack. Does that have any give? So over bumps how do stop the bag from hitting the frame of the rack? The top is secure and does not have any side to side swinging motion, but how do you prevent the bottom from doing so? It seems that it has about an inch of movement. Anybody notice any issues with that?
I wanted two bags as sometimes I carry a few things, so I wanted a uniform look. Besides, its balanced a bit more.
There really isn't any give once the bag is attached. The bottom hook is attached by a bungee cord so that you can lift the bag off the top of the rack and then unhook it from the bottom. What keeps the bag from swinging out away from the bike? The hook passes under a simple strap of fabric that holds it down against the bag. It's a very easy and quick mounting/dismounting system. It works better than the mounting system on my Ortlieb panniers. I like the Arkel mounting system much more. It's also easy to adjust how far back the bag sits. When the bag is mounted it does not move. It hugs the rack securely. At least my Nitto rack. If a rack doesn't have anything for the hook to connect with then there will be a problem... but most racks are designed with this type of mount in mind.
As far as dual bags go, you could get two commuters and take the laptop sleeve out of one. Or you could mix two different bags and get a commuter on one side and a utility bag on the other. That's what I do: I use the Arkel Utility bag for groceries, extra clothes, etc; and the Briefcase on the other side. I usually don't carry my laptop though, so most of the time I just have the Utility bag attached. Even when it is the only bag and it is full of groceries that include heavy items like a gallon of milk, I have never had a load balancing problem.
If you will be carrying these bags off the bike a lot, consider the Arkel Bug for one side since it converts to a backpack. Also look at Ortlieb and Carradice. I know they both make laptop panniers. I'm sure there are a few others as well.
Sean