Considering Arkel Trailrider Expedition

[SueMargaret]

My first commute is tomorrow morning. I'm still trying to figure out the clean up before starting work. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Catrin]

I have the Tailrider, not the Expedition. I love my Tailrider and look forward to learning what you think of the Expedition. The Expedition is pricey (well, so is the plain Tailrider), but the quality and design is probably worth it. Do let us know how this works for you over time. At some unknown future time I want a dedicated commuter and will consider something like the Expedition at that time. The Tailrider's magic expansion ability never ceases to amaze me.

As far as cleaning up before work I have a container of wet wipes in my office and keep deodorant and I bring in a change of clothes/undies earlier in the week so I don't have to carry them. I don't have panniers anyway so there isn't a choice - and I am not going to purchase more bike stuff since I only bike commute once a week right now as it is (and my seat-post mounted rack is limited to what it can carry). I've a 10-14 mile commute depending on route, but it is down-hill pretty much all the way for the morning commute. It is dark when I ride out the front door so I don't break much of a sweat and am in the big chain most of the way. Going home, depending on my route, is a different story - but THAT direction doesn't matter

My hair is quite short and since I am not focusing on intensity on my way in I don't have a problem with "helmet hair". I have to say that this has been a surprise, I figured an hour ride would cause some problem with my hair but it hasn't. Perhaps because I don't use spray or other products? Unsure, but there it is.

Congratulations again and let us know how your commute goes!

[SueMargaret]

First of all I have to say that the Arkel Tailrider Expedition rocks! I took a weeks worth of clothes, work shoes and toiletries along with lunch and regular stuff with no problem whatsoever. The drop down panniers are completely waterproof, incredibly easy to use and caused no heel clip at all. When I got to work I just unclipped them from the bag and the clipped together sides(I'm not sure how else to describe them) form an easy handle. I left my lunch in the insulated main pack with an ice pack and it was perfect. I left all that stuff at the office, rolled the panniers up and stuffed them into the side pockets. Brilliant! Expensive? you bet. But the sheer design genius is awe-inspiring. (No, they are not paying me).
My ride is 8 miles one way. It was lovely. I pass a golf course with a view of Maine's coastal mountains (well, hills) all lovely and green. Rain did threaten but did not manifest. I took the long way home -- an extra three miles that way. Maine in the summer...well, it's magic. As long as you keep going fast enough to stay one step ahead of the black flys. My Jamis (the commuter bike) needs some brake work since a front wheel brake was rubbing on this trip. But...all I hoped for? Yes!

[Blueberry]

I really hope Arkel will make the pannier pieces available for separate purchase for those of us who already bought the tailrider. Those would be handy!

I'll call and ask - when my budget would allow me to purchase

[Catrin]

I really hope Arkel will make the pannier pieces available for separate purchase for those of us who already bought the tailrider. Those would be handy!

I'll call and ask - when my budget would allow me to purchase

Good idea Blueberry, perhaps they will allow us to do that. We already have the Tailrider, after all. I would only be concerned about attaching the new parts securely enough...but do post what you find here whenever you contact them. I dare not for now, even for informational purposes.