Arkel OverDesigns. A Wonderful Bike Accessory Company!

[pardes]

If you have not looked into Arkel.COM, you should.

They are a Canadian company that ships in the US from Vermont.

I ordered lots of things from them over the weekend and also sent a list of questions about their panniers and racks which Yves (don't you just LOVE that name) replied immediately with extensive answers that included photo descriptions of my questions. Bless his heart.

On top of that my bank declined the transaction by the anti-fraud unit who got suspicious by numerous credit card transactions from multiple places. Bless their heart, they are really on the ball. And obviously they have never dealt with the mania of a new bike owner.

So Yves sent a friendly letter to call the bank, I did, straightened it out, and emailed him back to charge and ship.

Oh, and you'll love this, .....

"Yes! The Cold Springs front is design to mount on the axle via the quick release and to the v-brake bosses or brake pivots. If ever your fork doesn’t any brake bosses, you will need to add a set of C-Clamps, sold $6 per set. The C-Clamps are available in many different sizes so it will be important to measure the circumference of the fork leg right at the level where the brake bosses would be if your bike was equipped with v-brakes. I've also included a picture that shows where to take the measurement. To do so, simply wrap a piece of string around the seat stay and then measure the length that was needed to go all the way around. You can simply add this info in the online order form's comment box. With this info, we'll be able to send the proper size clamps."

I replied that I wouldn't know what a brake boss was if it bit me and that I didn't have the bike yet and couldn't measure it even if I knew where to look for the seat stay....whatever that is......

Of course he included photos with arrows of where to measure but it was lost on me.

I also added that I was a very impatient 62 year old WHO WANTED TO RIDE HER NEWLY DECKED OUT BIKE BEFORE SHE WAS 63.

So I'm waiting for Yves.....

And no, I really don't want to know what a brake boss is or where the seat stay is....I just wanna ride my new bike.

So check out Arkel. You'll love their panniers and you'll love Yves.

[oxysback]

I ordered an Old Man Mountain Sherpa rack and a set of T-28 panniers from them two summers ago. I also talked to Yves on the phone and he was great at answering my questions. Once I got my panniers and rack installed I sent them a picture. My bike is the first one. This is a great company!

http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/t28...asp?fl=1&site=

[Zen]

Oh that Yves, he does get around...

[withm]

I bought 2 sets of Arkel panniers this winter T-28s and T-42s for the C&O Canal trip that I didn't do but I've used them for groceries, trips to the library, post office, the occasional ride to work etc. Easy to install or remove, and the TailRider trunk pack is the most fantastic bag I've ever owned. Eventually I need to get rain covers for them, and maybe the front handlebar bag but until I have a real trip in the works those items can wait.

The workmanship on these things is absolutely perfect.

[Zen]

But did you get to talk to Yves?

[withm]

I have 3 emails from him does that count?

[Zen]

Three emails?
That makes him a boyfriend!

[pardes]

Oh Yves is going to love this. I sent him a link to this thread.

[malkin]

I love Yves already.

[Velobambina]

Hands off girl! He belongs to Zen

[beccaB]

I can speak a tiny bit of French, not well and with incorrect pronunciation. Will that qualify me as a girlfriend? You ladies might have some competition.
Seriously, I had been thinking about getting some panniers for my college kid, and I'm glad I didn't buy them yet, because those are the best I've liked so far.

[bmccasland]

I have a pair of Arkel panniers for my cruiser that I bought three years ago. Successfully shipped to the post Katrina mayhem that was New Orleans. Just a quiet order. But at that time I was surprised when anything actually arrived at my doorstep. So maybe Yves pulled off a magic trick.

[Mr. SR500]

Great Products!

[spindizzy]

You should read the descriptions and nicknames of the team..very entertaining!

[emily_in_nc]

My DH and I each bought two sets of Arkel panniers, plus front bags, rain covers, and Tailriders, for a cross NY state self-supported tour in 2004. Arkel was absolutely fantastic! We initially bought panniers that we decided were too large, so needed to send them back and get different ones, and Arkel folks worked with us and made the entire process very easy.

All items we purchased were wonderfully made and were completely problem-free on our tour. We couldn't have been happier. We use them now for market runs since we haven't done an actual tour since 2004. They work great for hauling food too.

LOVE this company and product. Two thumbs WAY up!