Considering Arkel Trailrider Expedition

[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.