joseph senger

well i just need some "yes your right to do it" comments here, haha.

I have decided to not bother with the trailer, after being a bicycle cab cyclist for some time, and really growing to hate that feeling, the trailer although much light still pushes a guy around a bit. Building a wheel with some heavier gauge spokes and replacing hub bearings now and then isnt a big deal to me. so now time for panny's

i am 100% convinced with my decision to go with arkel.
but i thought for the hell of it, what does everyone think?

its alot of money for me, and my comming trip is intented to last as long as i have money, 400+ for panny's is steep. but, ive ridden my whole life, and will the rest of it. i keep saying that while justifying the cost. also the fact im supporting my countries economy is an aspect of my decision, and the fact the customer service is nearly the best i have ever witnessed ever. and therefore TRUST their warranty.

what do you use? and why?

now time for racks, if i could only afford tubus or OMM's/
ill probably go with axiom, any reason not to?

markw

Can't go wrong with Arkel's. I found used tubus racks, got both for $100, cargo rear, and Tara front.
The cost is a drop in the bucket compared to the use you will get from both the racks and the panniers.

Sebach

On my tour this summer, I came across 5 people with broken racks and the two times when it was the front rack, both times they were Axioms. There's one reason (for me) not to ever get that rack. Two things I will not skimp on: wheels and racks.

If you go new, I'd go with Wayne at www.thetouringstore.com, he'll set you up with Tubus Tara (front) and Tubus Cargo (rear) - awesome combo. It's what I got and not a single complaint about either of them. Wayne is a great guy and he'll help you out with any problems you might have.

As for your Arkel decision, they're what I got also. I have the Very Large Handlebar Bag, the T-22 set, the GT-54 set, and a GT-18 (backpack) pannier. I got the T-22's because I really didn't think I needed the extra space and width of the GT-18's over the T-22's up front. I didn't regret it but one thing I did wish I had was a a backpack or something to carry more stuff than I could cram into my handlebar bag when I was off the bike. So I got a GT-18 backpack version which I am currently testing out to see if I want to give it to the Mrs. or get another to pair it up for my next tour.

The GT-54's are huge mofos, good for storing lots of gear and I loved the pockets for organization. I always ended up meeting (and riding with) people who had bucket design panniers and everytime we each needed to get something out, I found myself waiting for them to dig around at the bottom of their pannies. The Thermarest pouch is very handy, not necessary by any means but it was nice to have a dedicated pouch to keep everything neat and tidy.

The very large handlebar bag is huge. It was perfect for me though because I kept my DSLR in there, with an extra lens (in a padded pouch), with my phone, maps, a snack, my mascot, notepad, pen, wallet, etc. Every time I got off the bike, I had 90% of the important/valuable stuff with me. The attachment system is gold.

Whatever bags you get, don't forget to get the raincovers too because it'll rain more often when you're on tour. By the way, where do you live in Canada? What is your rough tour plan?

NoReg

You need to start with facts and not opinions. As a design decision you need to get all your gear together, and start buying any stuff you don't have. Look at the size of the pile, organize it, and depending on whether you are lightweight obssessed or gear obssessed, start adding or subtracting. Make sure you have something to stand in for food.

I want to get four of those waste baskets that are rectangular plastic, and about pannier size, and through the year, as I repair or buy stuff, just throw it in the correct pail. That way it's easy to keep the pannier loads organized. Also if one takes something out, like a pump, or tools, put in an IOU for easy packing.

Once you have the load broken down into front and rear pannier size piles, go looking for bags. I understand the Arkels are well made, but they are gadget madness, and very heavy. I manage in much smaller paniers, but that isn't relevant what maters is for you to determine the load, then the method of carry. Don't just go buy some bag, and then determine what you carry based on the size of the bag, and how many subheadings you carry based on how many pockets. I'm not going to buy your file system from you. Maybe you have tons of file categories that are meaningless to me. Same here. Manufacturers like Arkel are all about price points and features, and that isn't the reality of the road. Also, with so many bells an whistles of course they leak and need covers...

Also, determine what you will carry on rack tops, and make sure the racks are long enough for those pieces. My tent is a microzoid, very small 20" package, so one needs either a pole carrier (don't like), or a long rear rack top.

I feel the same way about racks. I got out there with my low riders and found I couldn't pack them the way I wanted to (paniers where fine, but I wanted some load options). So now I am after different racks. That was obvious within a few hours of loading up and setting off. I only had 2 weeks, but you are off on a long trip , do your homework.

Anyone try out the waterproof MECs? I don't really like the texture, but if they were bulletproof...

toolboy

I love my Arkels. Bombproof. Great "fold-down" design. I often just left them on the bike overnight with the rain covers (essential) on. If using low-riders on the front, I found the mesh outer pocket on the Arkels had a tendency to rub against curbs a bit unless the bag was absolutely full. If you're in Regina, drop in to Dutch Cycle. They have given several club members here a great price. I can check prices if you want - email me.

GiantDave

I second giving Wayne at the touring store a call. He patiently went over everything with me and was cheaper in price for a package deal than anyone else. He can answer any questions about any concerns.

Map tester

+1 for Wayne and the TouringStore. I got a set of Lone Peaks last year and have been very happy with them. I use them mostly for my daily commute: crappy roads, heat and cold, rain, and me packing way too much into them. Recommended.

erikasberg

I´m gonna go with these https://www.carradice.co.uk Not sure where you can get them in the US. also, the tubus racks feel really solid.
/erik

cyccommute 

Personally, I go with the smallest bags I can get. I avoid bags with lots of pockets too. If you have large bags with lots of pockets, you end up feel like you need to fill them which, of course, means carrying more stuff then you really need. I use Ortlieb Classic Rollers. Very simple open bag without dividers or any unnecessary stuff. Also the attachment to the rack is simple, easy, rugged and rattle proof. They are slightly expandable for those times when you have to carry more food, etc., by simple rolling them a little less tightly. And they are absolutely waterproof! Now water gets in and none gets out...which can be a problem if you have wet clothing inside.

For internal organization, I put everything in ziplock bags. One day's riding clothes in each bag. That way I don't have to rummage through stuff to find what I need. I begain doing that when I was using less waterproof bags to keep my stuff dry but it's so convenient that I just kept doing it. It also solves the problem of having wet stuff in the bags.

Just about any rack will work. The Tubus are first rate but I've toured for years with Blackburns and an absolutely fabulous rack that came on my Miyata 610 that has taken everything I could throw at it. I've never had a rack failure of any kind. It happens occassionally but most of them are tough. I've not had any experience with the Axiom but it looks like they use a similar attachment to the Tubus. Adjustment to fit the bike should be easier than the usual flat metal stays that nearly everyone else uses. You could do worse.

Toml

Make sure racks are wide enough to keep panniers away from canti brake arms.

Shiznaz

These are my first choice at the moment. Once I buy my rack I'm bringing my bike into MEC, jamming the panniers full of newspaper or whatever, and checking clearances with them mounted on the bike. I'm in a tossup between getting the rear set and 2 front panniers, or just go with 4 identical front panniers. The front panniers are 18L each (78CAD+ tax each) and the rears are 23L each (179CAD+ tax for a pair) and have a little external pocket (doesn't seem all that useful).

I think I prefer them to the arkels and ortleibs given their pricepoint and features.

I will give a review if I get them. From just handling them they seem heavy duty and durable. They use a different material than the ortleibs which is thinner and less rubbery, but I do not see them failing any sooner than the ortleibs. The connection system seems alright but its a little fiddly. I had a hard time getting the panniers on and off of a rack they had sitting around but that may well have been because it was not connected to a bike and was empty.

Erick L

You can get the Arkel T-42 and T-22. Much cheaper and lighter than their GT series. IMO, the GTs have too many pockets while the Ts are perfect.

skookum

Ortlieb

I've owned Kirtland, serratus, Lone Peak, Overlanders

Ortlieb is the best.

Wayne at the touring store has the best prices.

joseph senger

wow, now thats what im talking about. what a bunch of great reply's!

the one reason im going with the Arkels are the lack of pockets and gadgets. i chose the xm's because there thin nature designed for shorter chain stays (my trek 8000), yet deep capacity, and with the x brace rather then just one comp brace. it means alot to me when i phone a company and not only have they researched rack options that day, but have tons of info my particular setup in my. I like the idea of planning out all the things you will need in buckets then buying bags to fit that. however i plan on making and finding things along the way aswell. right now my list, would fill about 95-105 litres. without tent & bag. which will be put on top of the rear rack. i want to leave wit a bit of room. this trip will most likely last about half a year or more.

it kinda pains me about the negative comments on the axioms, i have actually just recently installed one of their rear disc racks and thought the cosntruction looked pretty good. and with over 150lb capacity thought it was fairly impressive. I really do try to support canadian companies, and axiom being a norco product and having really good experience with them in the past. i still might give them a shot. the choices i have for racks, are anyting norco or lambert carries (haha get it). so that means voyager and toppeak as well.

tool boy, you have mail!

wayne looks like a great guy, im just really not interested in buying across the boarder. two options with insane broker fees. lie, or pay out your ass. i dont feel like doing either anymore. (for example i am getting the 4 panny's from arkel shipped for about 10usd, cheapest ship i could find from states with 42+broker [65ish]).

tubus racks look so damn well thought out, hmm. i wonder if i have it in me to splurge anymore.

thanks everyone, keep them comming. and have a great day.

Critterpace

I have the Arkel XM-45 and XM-28. Both are very nice. I don't know how they compare to other bags, but what I like is the full-length zipper that allows you access the gear you need, which seems to always be in the bottom of the bag. No unloading of the bag. Pricy, yes, but I liked their design.

I agree with cyccommute about using ziplocks for internal organization. Not only do you get the waterproofing, but it is awfully nice to just grab a bag and head to the shower instead of rummaging through your bag looking for the shirt, the socks, the shorts . . . .

skookum

I have heard good things about Arkels but no direct experience.

The Ortliebs were still way cheaper buying from wayne than getting something in Canada.
I can't remeber what I paid, but I think I was only assessed GST, no duty. It was a good deal.

markf

Just my $.02 worth:

I'm really happy with my Ortlieb rear panniers, seat bag and handlebar bag (w/camera insert). Sturdy, waterproof, nicely thought out, goes on and off the bike easily. From now on if I want to buy touring luggage for a bicycle it's going to be Ortlieb.

I will keep using my Vaude front panniers until they wear out, then get Ortliebs. They do the job but they are just not as nicely thought out as the Ortliebs.

The Carradice products that I've seen and used are nicely made too. There are situations like touring in the desert where a breathable fabric is useful, and where totally waterproof bags like the Ortliebs will not let wet clothing inside the bag dry out, like they would in a canvas bag. For these situations Carradice canvas panniers would be a better choice than Ortliebs. Carradice seat bags like the Nelson longflap are great for around town, commuting, and credit card tours.

I'm sure there are other good products out there, these are just bags that I've found to work well.

flipped4bikes

I love Arkel and OMM. However they don't love each other. The Arkels scratch up the OMMs powdercoat. Boo...

Map tester

I have been using an Axiom Journey Disc rear rack for about 18 months, and it is still rock solid. The finish on one of the seat stays supports has faded into a dark copper, but all the connections and bolts are holding up fine.
This is the one I have:

cyclintom

Arkels and Ortliebs are really top of the line.

But I'll tell you - the latest Performance panniers both front and rear and pretty darn good and REALLY cheap. I don't think it makes much sense to get anything better unless you're going to be a 10,000 mile a year tourist.

Sebach

The "negative" comments I made about the Axioms were just about their front racks, and were from observation and not personal experience. It's just that on this last tour alone, I met two people who broke their Axiom front racks. One of them was right next to me when it happened too. We were riding to a campsite we were going to share, in the dark, when we both hit a 6" dip (old stream washout) in the road which we couldn't see. Boom!
-"Ugh! Man that sucked."
-"No kidding, I think I broke something!"

Sure enough, the outer frame on his front rack separated from the cross bar which bolts into the mid-fork eyelet. Same as the other person I met who broke her rack just a week earlier (she was riding with us at the time too).

I don't know of anybody who broke an Axiom rear rack, I don't think of the three people, actually 4 now that I think about it, who busted their rear racks had Axioms in the back. Theirs were generally the lower-end "no-name" racks which had flimsy horizontal struts break (not surprising given the weight we were all carrying) so that their whole rear assembly, panniers included, rotated behind the wheel and got dragged on the ground. I only met these people after they got a new rack or got their rack repaired in some way.

I've attached an image of the rack (I'm pretty sure) I saw that busted. I've indicated the spots where the welds broke. I don't know about any of the other Axiom racks, so I thought I should identify the specific one before I make it sound like all axiom front racks are dodgy.

blue steal

I've used my Arkel T-22's for many years now without any problems. Great product and excellent customer service. There is a website I think is called RushLansings.com, that rates and compares all the different panniers. Had some good tips when I was first looking around for panniers.

blue steal

Sorry that's lancerushing.com for pannier comparisions

joseph senger

the ortliebs were a second choice. i worry about there breathe ability tho. im going to be swimming alot on this trip. so i will have some damp things.

my trip planned is sitting at about 10g km. thats why i just want to get the best i can and not worry.

i forget what the front panny i was thinking of going with looked like, it may be that one. and honestly it doesnt look like it would want to break there, but i dont doubt you saw it, maybe some procedure saved time but isnt really standard for that type of bond.

and ya that was the rear disc one i put in the other week, like i said aswell, looked top notch.

joseph senger

the ortliebs were a second choice. i worry about there breathe ability tho. im going to be swimming alot on this trip. so i will have some damp things.

my trip planned is sitting at about 10g km. thats why i just want to get the best i can and not worry.

i forget what the front panny i was thinking of going with looked like, it may be that one. and honestly it doesnt look like it would want to break there, but i dont doubt you saw it, maybe some procedure saved time but isnt really standard for that type of bond.

and ya that was the rear disc one i put in the other week, like i said aswell, looked top notch.