jfortier

I'm looking at getting a set of front panniers. I have the Arkel gt-54's on the rear, and I'm looking at either the GT-18 @ $200+ or the T-28 @ $110.

Are the 18's twice as better than the 28's?
Does anyone have the backpack version of the 28? Is it worth the extra money?


I'm really tossed. I like the size and extra pocket of the 18's, but the 28's are half the price!


Jon

funbun

I had a pair of t-28 once. I didn't like them because they were too small.

saanichbc

Hello Jon..

Firstly, I'm a very keen fan of Arkel bags. I've owned many different models over the years. They're great bags.

I just bought a pair of their new GT-18's. Note that this model is sold as a single bag, hence the GT-18. If you look at them in the way the old GT-30's were sized, then these would be GT-36's.

I had mine custom made with two extra pouches, just like the one on the top, sewn to the sides, so that I'd end up with two extra external storage pouches per bag.

These bags would compliment your GT54's very well, as the old GT-30's were the mate for front bags matching the GT-54's prior to the new GT-18's replacing them.

If you would like a pic or two of my GT-18's, just let me know, and I'll be happy to forward same along to you.

Hmmmm... can we post pix to this sight as a file attachment?

mtnroads

I think the T28's are a far better value for front pans, just as well made, and a bit cleaner looking than the GT18, with all those side pockets. The T28 has the pocket you need on top, where you want it.

jfortier

How much did they charge for the extra pockets? What do you carry in them?


Jon

jfortier

I will be carrying my sons clothing as well as all mine, plus camping gear and bike repair. He is carrying just his sleeping bag. Will the T-28's be able to carry the load?


Jon

mtnroads

It seems a lot to pay for a small increase in volume, but they do have the integrated raincovers, so the price diff is less, but still significant. I have no idea of the particulars of your trip, but if you are going for a week or more, with full camping, and carrying all the gear in just your four panniers, you better go as large as you can. If your son has a rack on his bike, why don't you get the T28's and use the diff to buy a less expensive set of pans for the back of his bike, so he can carry his clothes, jacket, raingear etc? REI has the Novara panniers on sale, or did last week for around $50.

Michel Gagnon

I looked at the specs and saw the T-22 (the ancestors to the T-28) and the GT-30 and TT-38 (ancestors to the GT-18). Here are a few considerations:

– In the older versions, the backpack option used some valuable space; I though it made the pack bigger and heavier. So if you don't plan to use the backpack, keep it simple.

– The fabric is the same, but unless they changed something very recently, the T series (T-28 and T-42 rear pannier) use smaller zippers than the GT series (GT-18 and GT-54 rear pannier). Mind you I have a set of T-42 panniers I have used and abused for 7 years before I retired them last year (IOW they are very very good), but if you overstuff and overfill your bags, the zippers on the GT-18 and GT-54 are more bullet proof.

– I have no experience with their inside liner bag. It seems to be a good addition, especially where you place clothing, but I don't know if I would find it too bulky in actual use.

– Another option: I have neither of these bags. I tour with either GT-54 or TT-84 bags on the rear rack and T-42 bags on the front rack. By themselves on the rear rack, the T-42 are very good bags for commuting, shopping, dayrides and even short tours; for longer tours they become my front panniers.

saanichbc

They charged me $15 bux each for them. 4 x 15 = $60 bux extra.

I carry small stuff that I would like to get at without having to pull the bag apart to get to them. My tool kit, patch kit, etc.

They also come stock with the small pocket on the top of the bag as well.

There is one very large interior top load pocket where the zips open the bag right up, plus another pocket in front of that one. Then, there is also the mesh net pocket where you can keep stuff that might be a tad damp, such as a towel or the like.

I love em. If you would like to see pix, let me know and I'll see what I can do for you.

saanichbc

Which side pockets are you referring to on the GT-18's? They don't come stock with side pockets. I had the side pockets added on mine as a special order. However, they do come stock with a small pocket on the top of the bag. They are a nice compact bag that will carry a tonne of 'stuff'.

Magictofu

If it is not too much trouble, I'd love to see them... your description just made me more curious about the whole set up.

mtnroads

That one.


I agree, I have the GT30. However, I like the single large compartment on the T28 better. My GT 30's weigh a pound and a half more than the T28 and the only difference is that large outer pocket, extra zip, etc. Plus it adds more width. I just think it's unnecessary, but I do like the top pocket a lot - means I don't need a handlebar bag.

saanichbc

Whatever floats your boat I suppose. At least they're the same great brand name.

saanichbc

Okay, will do. I'm reading this rather late tonight, but, I'll try to get a couple pix up to the list here tomorrow when I get off work.

saanichbc

Here are a few pix of my GT-18's that I promised you.
I tried to show you the top pocket, the left and right side pockets (the special ordered ones), the front larger pocket, the main interior pocket, the web meshed pocket, the great aluminum adjustable hooking system, and the zipper size. Here is the location of where to view them...

https://saanichbc.net/misc/IMG_0002.JPG
https://saanichbc.net/misc/IMG_0003.JPG
https://saanichbc.net/misc/IMG_0004.JPG
https://saanichbc.net/misc/IMG_0005.JPG
https://saanichbc.net/misc/IMG_0006.JPG
https://saanichbc.net/misc/IMG_0007.JPG
https://saanichbc.net/misc/IMG_0008.JPG
https://saanichbc.net/misc/IMG_0009.JPG
https://saanichbc.net/misc/IMG_0010.JPG
https://saanichbc.net/misc/IMG_0011.JPG

Hope these are of use to you.

Magictofu

Wow! Thanks for the pics! I am still surprixed that Arkel did that custom job for you. It looks quite well done too. Do you know if they are willing to customize their panniers for other customers or did you get a special treatment from them?

By the way, how do you use them? Front or back? If you use them in front while using the GT 54 at the back, do you really fill them? Does the extra width cause occasional problems? In other words, are you happy with your choice?

Sorry for all these questions but when I see something unusual i tend to be extremely curious about it.

saanichbc

Well, if you point your browser to the Arkel website ( https://www.arkel-od.com ), and ask them, they will probably be happy to do something similar for you. However, I will tell you that it took about 2 months to wait though. You may not have to wait so long.

When I started to have heart problems, I decided to sell off all of my cycle touring equipment at the time. I used to have LOTS of stuff, like several differing models of the Arkel line. So, I must admit that at this time, my GT-18's are the only bags I currently have. I will be getting another set of GT-18's, just like the set I have now, as I feel that's all I really need anyway. I'm going to be getting myself a Burley Nomad trailer anyway.

I'm very happy with my choice with Arkel bags now, and in the past. They stand up very well. As I always say about this kind of stuff, you gets whats you pays for.

Not at all. Anytime - I love to answer (or try to) any questions tossed my way.

mtnroads

I have to admit those do look nice, Harv. I misunderstood what you meant by "side" pockets originally, thinking there was more added to the width of the bags (making the bike profile wider) and I already find my GT30 wider in that direction than I prefer. Thanks for the photos and explanation.

saanichbc

Hey, is okay! We're all aiming for the same thing, that's the important thing.