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This briefcase pannier is simply terrific.
Why so?
I have been using my 1983 Pakit panniers to transport clothes, books, spares.... all the usual bits-and-bobs the well dressed cyclist needs to transform at work and repair-at-roadside if need be.
Suddenly, I needed to add a laptop also and there was no way I was going to squeeze that into another pannier, even with a lot of foam added.
No, this Arkel bag was the only non-back mounted bag I felt comfortable with using.
I hate backpacks for any use, although I do concede they are very popular.
Into this bag goes most of the junk I used to carry, I took stock and reduced a few items, with ease and in a somewhat better arrangement in that I no longer have to pull every last item out to get to the bottom. All those different compartments are great.
My wallet/keys/phone sit outside within easy reach.
Unfortunately, the model I was sent was not the one advertised on the Arkel site, with the rain-cover 'secret' pocket in the back near the clamp mounts, but no-worries, as they say in Oz, there is a suitable longterm position for it at the front. Arkel tell me mine is the previous model, identical apart from that.
The mounting system works, although the Pakit system was never a problem, no Pakit bag has ever fallen of my trike or tandem yet.
Is it worth buying? Definitely, if you need to transport a laptop safely and other junk too.
A word of warning: my Toshiba Satellite Pro only just manages to get into the special laptop envelope, and I did use the Arkel measurement method to guesstimate whether or not it would fit. It does, but take care here and if need be Arkel say they can make an envelope to fit your needs.
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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