I can also vouch for Arkel. A few years ago I got an Arkel commuter pannier (briefcase style, not a backpack) that came with a laptop sleeve. My antiquated laptop was too big to fit, so I e-mailed to see if they could help me. They took the laptop measurements and custom-sewed a new sleeve for me -- for free.
I would say they have a customer for life, but as Robbie says, the panniers seem to last a lifetime, so I don't know if I'll ever need to buy another. At least they have a fan for life. ________________________________ From: RobbieWebber <[email protected]> To: India Rose Viola <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected]; [email protected] Sent: Fri, November 20, 2009 10:46:12 PM Subject: Re: [Bikies] Bicycle Bag- Long-winded Question This is not exactly the version I have - mine is older and lacking a few features that the news ones have - but I use the Arkel pannier that turns into a backpack - the GT-18BP: http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/gt18/overview.asp?fl=1&site= Arkel makes an excellent product, and I carry very heavy loads - folders/papers and my laptop - and it has held up very well. It converts to a backpack in a second. You can either take out one strap and sling it over your shoulder, or both straps if you will be walking farther. I wouldn't suggest using it for a 10 mile mountain hike, but for the city it's great. I think Machinery Row carries Arkel. Granted, they aren't cheap, but they will last forever, and the company guarantees them for life. Robbie Webber Bike Walk Madison Steering Committee www.bikewalkmadison.org Join our group on Facebook! On Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 1:53 PM, India Rose Viola <[email protected]> wrote: > Last spring, due to a complicated injury, I decided to stop wearing a > messenger bag on my back while I ride my bike. I have been experimenting > since with bag options/combos. > > My first attempt at this was to buy an open-top pannier-tote that I have > outfitted with a shoulder strap. It fits a brown bag perfectly so it can't > be beat for groceries. It is lightweight, and folds up when not in use. It > is no good for general commuting, though as it has no pockets, cover, etc., > so right now I am shoving my beloved Timbuk2 messenger bag (this is truly a > bag of the past- I bought it used from a friend in '96 and it is still going > strong!) into the tote. It barely fits (not easy to stuff in or get out), so > by doing this I am losing the functionality and convenience of both bags- it > is cumbersome and basically a big hassle to try to access anything that is in > my messenger bag once it is shoved into the tote. I do own traditional > panniers, but really want a bike bag that I can sling over my shoulder and > dart into the bar/work/library (hopefully not in that order) with. > > I am now thinking about purchasing the Timbuk2 Bullitt Pannier. It is a > pannier and messenger bag in one. I think I'll be happy with it, but am > looking for a second opinion/last minute suggestions before "bite the > bullitt" and shell out $100. > > <http://www.rei.com/product/797673> > > I was wondering if anyone else has seen/tried this product, and what they > think about it. > > I am prepared to compromise- I know it won't be a perfect pannier, or a > perfect messenger bag. > > I am looking for these features: > > -a decent pannier- i.e. easy to place onto/take off rack, stays put on the > rack and doesn't rub against my heels while riding > -easy access to things placed inside - while the bag is on or off the bike > - Comfortable to carry over the shoulder, not too heavy, bulky, etc. > -Enough pockets to store my smaller crap (glasses, keys, gloves, wallet, > etc), and enough cargo space to fit extra clothes or books > -Weather/water-resistant (I don't expect miracles here- I'm not comparing it > to an Ortlieb) > > Thanks fellow bikies, > > India > > _______________________________________________ > Bikies mailing list > [email protected] > http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org > _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
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