I bought what was supposed to be Arkel GT-54 panniers from a guy on Craigslist for a very good price. When I recieved them it turns out they were TT-84 panniers, I guess that explains the good price.

My son will be big enough by next summer to go on some short tours with me, but isn't a strong enough rider to carry much gear (at the moment anyway). I was thinking if these wouldn't cause too much trouble on a regular bike, I might keep them and use them when he is with me to carry the majority of the gear. Has anyone tried using TT-84 panniers loaded on a regular bike? Should I try it or just try to get my money back and get something different?

Arkel TT-84 Site

Different strokes, but lugging a pair of panniers that weigh 7 pounds empty seems like a bad idea to me. Personally I avoid all of the Arkels.

If your bike has 700c wheels and your rear rack is not a low rider (for example Tubus Logo compared to the Cargo) you will have no problems. If you have 26" wheels and / or a low rider rear rack or you aren't comfortable with your clearance from the ground you can easily remount the pannier hardware a couple of inches lower, which raises the mounted pannier.

Your biggest problem will be keeping yourself from taking too much junk because of TT84's enormous capacity - 84 liters (obviously). If you do take enough stuff for two people and you are a little heavy to boot, you will want to make sure that your real wheel is up to the task. I can't imagine that you'll need front panniers though.

But Arkels are indestructable.

+1 on the weight. Too much for a bag.

And the T-84's are very heavy because they have lots of pockets, including a "Thermrest pocket" which is obviated / made obsolete by better pads that roll up much smaller. Exped Downmat / Synmat and Thermarest Neolite, for example.

Yeah, I"m not psyched with my GT54's because they are so heavy.

Still have those? I'd like to buy them if so. I can't track down a set anywhere.

Lol, this might be far-fetched but I have a pair of tt-84 in mint condition and I'm looking to get rid of them

Might be your lucky day. I'll PM you.

D'oh! We need 10 posts to be able to send each other PMs. Maybe I'll just rattle on here a bit.

Lol, i guess we'll have to!

So here's post 4 for me. Sorry admins.

Curious, where are you? I'm in California.

I'm in Canada. I'm sure we can figure out a way to get them to you!

You can send me a pm through Kijiji.ca just look up "Arkel TT-84"

Just messaged you. Man, I love the internet.

This is hilarious! I couldn’t believe it when I got a notification on this thread.

So, yeah, mine are long gone.

Huh? FOUR years! I guess the internet can be patient. WOW!

Hey, so I sent you 2 emails, I'm not sure if you've received them as I have not heard back from you. I find it weird as you seemed pretty keen about them. Anyway let me know if still interested.

Yes, I'm impressed as well. It might be due to the rarity of the TT-84 as they've been discontinued for many years.

I was and am pretty keen on these. I had spine surgery and haven't been on a bike for months. Please let me know if you still have these, and sorry to go dark on you like that

Agreed. That is what attracted me too them in the first place.

This July will be Ten Years After