Rack Trunk/Panniers find

[Catrin]

Lookee what I found (http://www.rei.com/product/780461)

It has panniers that can be folded up when not in use, and the weight doesn't seem bad, just a little over a pound empty. Is there a concern with the length of the panniers since I have 26 inch wheels or is that a non-concern?

It states that there are 500 cubic inches of storage that is expandable to 1,430 (I assume this means when the panniers are in use). I cannot seem to visualize what might fit in 500 cubic inches...but it is likely large enough for use in a brevet or century rides.

I do like the fact that it would be very visible, especially in the fall/low light/possible rainy conditions and it has a rain cover. Would love to find something equally visible that would better match my bike - but yellow is far more visible than blue...

This Arkel Tailrider (http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categories/seat-bags-trunk-bags/tailrider.html)is the most expensive of the two....but am starting to lean in this direction. Arkel seems to have a good reputation and it might fit my needs better than the other two - and red is quite visible :) Red trunk + blue bike? Hmmmm

Does anyone have opinions on the quality of Arkel Tailrider vs the Novara Commuter Trunk? I am going to contact Arkel to make certain that I don't HAVE to use their rack for it - but it doesn't look like that should be necessary.

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Added: No special rack required, and here is a link to a video/review of the Arkel Tailrider (http://marty-thejerseypedaler.blogspot.com/2008/02/arkel-tail-rider.html)

I have pretty much sold myself on this bag - and right now Arkel is including a free membership to Adventure Cycling Association for a $100 purchase. I was going to do that anyway :D

[Biciclista]

put the panniers on your bike and see if they interfere with your feet or anything else.
It took me less than 10 feet to eliminate a set - to my great disappointment.

[Blueberry]

Does anyone have opinions on the quality of Arkel Tailrider vs the Novara Commuter Trunk? I am going to contact Arkel to make certain that I don't HAVE to use their rack for it - but it doesn't look like that should be necessary.

Haven't tried the REI product, but can vouch for the tail rider. I adore it! I've not been disappointed with anything from Arkel. They go above and beyond IMO with their workmanship. It's just not like what you usually see. The rain cover in the tail rider is really neat, and the straps allow you to attach a jacket to the outside of it. Lots of mesh pockets along the sides. Reflective velcro - they thought of everything. Add a small handlebar bag, and I think you'd be good to go for all but maybe a 1200k (and you get drop bags on those IIRC).

[Catrin]

put the panniers on your bike and see if they interfere with your feet or anything else.
It took me less than 10 feet to eliminate a set - to my great disappointment.

Sadly I can't try it out and there are no local REI stores.... I must admit that the small trunk/panniers have become less attractive since running across the Arkel.


Haven't tried the REI product, but can vouch for the tail rider. I adore it! I've not been disappointed with anything from Arkel. They go above and beyond IMO with their workmanship. It's just not like what you usually see. The rain cover in the tail rider is really neat, and the straps allow you to attach a jacket to the outside of it. Lots of mesh pockets along the sides. Reflective velcro - they thought of everything. Add a small handlebar bag, and I think you'd be good to go for all but maybe a 1200k (and you get drop bags on those IIRC).

Thanks for your experience with this! It is expensive, and I can get something far cheaper on eBay, but I would rather get something that will last than just go on price alone. I cannot find any bad reviews on the Arkel trunk and I have tried! I also like this will get me a free $40 Adventure Cycling membership if I get it direct from Arkel. Which I will :D

They do have slightly used models from the Olympics for a small discount, so I guess Mr. Explorer is going to get a bright red trunk :)

They seem to have a pretty nice map holder that folds out to 8.5 x 11 - that is better than what I have. The fact my cycling glasses doesn't have bifocals means my cue sheets must be in a pretty large font :o

[Catrin]

I pulled the trigger on the Arkel.... meeep...I hope it is the right size and Mr. Explorer will be happy with it...

[withm]

I have Arkel tailriders for 2 of my bikes. They are wonderful, and hold a surprising amount of stuff. I also have 2 sets of Arkel panniers. Haven't done any touring yet, but they do quite nicely on my trips to the Farmers Market or just to the grocery store, or to the beach. I do not regret my investment in Arkel products. I have the red tailrider on my orange bike, and a black one for my white bike. The only complaint I have is that the insides are black - so it's easy to miss something in there. A lighter color would be much better, though with heavy use I guess it might get dirty. Still I'd take that over black interior any day.

Arkel, are ya listening?

[Catrin]

Now I can hardly wait for it to arrive :)

I can't seem to find the dimensions of the Tailrider. There is a link to it on the webpage, but there seems to be some problem and I can't seem to pull it up. Blueberry or Withim (or anyone else who has one), when you get a chance please let me know how long this is so that I can be sure to get the proper size rack from my LBS on Friday. I doubt it will be in by then, but I don't know how long it takes to get UPS Ground from Canada...

[tulip]

I love the Trailrider by Arkel, but I can't justify it at the moment. I do have their laptop pannier from about 7 years back, and it's wonderful.

Arkel will last you a lifetime.

[wnyrider]

...I can't seem to find the dimensions of the Tailrider. There is a link to it on the webpage, but there seems to be some problem and I can't seem to pull it up. Blueberry or Withim (or anyone else who has one), when you get a chance please let me know how long this is so that I can be sure to get the proper size rack from my LBS on Friday.

16.5" long
9" wide
one end is 6.5" high, the other end is 3.5" high

[Catrin]

16.5" long
9" wide
one end is 6.5" high, the other end is 3.5" high

Thanks! Just want to make sure the rack I purchase is long enough :)

[wnyrider]

I also like this will get me a free $40 Adventure Cycling membership if I get it direct from Arkel. Which I will :D

Did they provide you with a special link in your order confirmation for a free One-Year Membership with Adventure Cycling Assoc.?

[Catrin]

Yes they did - and frankly - this was what helped me to justify the cost. Added value is always a good thing, and the reported quality of their products didn't hurt :)

[Blueberry]

Glad someone got your the specs:) I've used mine on my bike friday folding rack, and the standard rack on a trek 520. Both worked great!

[Catrin]

It shipped from Canada FAST, just asked for UPS Ground.

I purchased the "Olympic Test" option - which means it has been lightly used and only available in red. I also saved about $15. There is just one mark on the bottom that appears to just be cosmetic.

I do not have my rack yet, but I love the number of pockets on this bag, both inside and out! There is plenty of room to take what is normally in my seat post bag as well as lots of other things. I will try it out on my 70-75 mile ride I've planned for tomorrow, assuming that my LBS has the rack I need in stock - though I don't see them being sold out of it.

I also got the rather spendy Arkel map-case, and like it much better than the less expensive version from TE. The TE version is fine, but for someone who doesn't have a bifocal in her cycling glasses I need as much room as possible to allow me to print things in a large font :o

[Dog]

Catrin, Have you had a chance to use your Arkel trunk bag yet? I'm looking at the Topeak, Novera and the Arkel. I like the idea of the expandable panniers on the Topeak and Novera. I don't like that you need to have the Topeak rack for their trunk bag though. I have a B.O.B. trailer for multi-day touring, so I'm not sure I really need the pannier option. I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts and input. Thanks, Dog.

[Catrin]

Yes, I used the Arkel Tailrider quite a bit before my leg injury slowed me down. It was perfect for me, and it is quite expandable! I also got a free membership to Adventure Cycling since I purchased it directly from Arkel which increased the value of my purchase. I do not know if that promotion is still on or not.

[emily_in_nc]

I also have the Arkel Tailrider (since 2004), and it's a wonderful piece of luggage. DH has one too. It expands to hold an amazing number of items, the rain cover is very cool (though I rarely use it since I avoid riding in the rain). In six years of use, it has developed no defects at all, other than a slight fading of the the red color from riding in the sun. It's nice and bright and visible, though. We also have Arkel panniers, and they are wonderful as well. Just can't say enough about these quality products -- and the folks who work at Arkel couldn't be nicer or more helpful!

No affiliation, just a very satisfied customer.