backpack/pannier/trunkrack

[bouncybouncy]

OK...there are several threads on racks and panniers and such...but i wanted to be more specific (maybe ....at least to me it is specific)

anywho...Arkel has a pack/pannier combo which i love the thought of cause i am looking into a combo-type commute (bus/bike)
anyone familiar with arkel or any products like this???

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

...and what are your thoughts of having a pannier on only ONE side of the bike (rear)???

[DeniseGoldberg]

I ride with a single pannier on the rear rack when I commute to work. It has not caused me any problems (that is, I don't feel unbalanced), but I think it depends on the weight. I carry just what I need for the day (work clothes, toilet articles, shoes, lunch & snacks). On days when I think I'm going to stop at the grocery store on the way home, I add a 2nd pannier.

On the pannier converting to a daypack... I use Ortlieb panniers, and I have an attachment that converts a pannier by adding backpack straps. It works, but I wouldn't be happy carrying that for any length of time from a comfort standpoint. The Arkel design looks a little better since it appears that the straps are built in to the pannier.

--- Denise

[Blueberry]

Hi Bouncy-

Hope you're still enjoying Asheville!

I don't have experience with the particular Arkel product you're asking about but...

I have a set of their T-42 panniers from several years ago. I was a bit hesitant to order them (didn't know much about the company at the time), and the panniers are awesome! Very well made, with lots of thoughtful touches. Shipping was quick as well.

I frequently just carry one - particulary grocery shopping (and have thought about ordering their utility basket - which would meet my needs well - but it hasn't been in the budget...). I probably carry more weight than I should to just have one (always leave the store with more than I came for...). The only time I notice it is taking off - you have to make sure to balance the bike. Once you're moving, no problems with only one pannier. I do it all the time. If you have less weight in it, you don't notice it at all.

There is a lbs in Winston Salem that I think used to carry arkel products - Neighborhood Transportation I think is the name of the shop. Worth checking out if you're ever that direction - they have all sorts of cool bikes (fridays, greenspeeds) and lots of commute/errand running gear.

Carrie Anne

[Surlygirl]

Hey Bouncybouncy,
I don't have the bug but I do have the tailrider and it is a great piece. I think arkel makes a great product. I especially like the fact that it has its own built in raincover I can pull over it. I think one of the girls at girlbike.com did a review on the bug at one point. You might have to search her archives to find it or do a google search.

[bouncybouncy]

Thank you all for your input...for some reason i knew Denise would chime in on this one (you touring guru you!!!)

I am gald to here about Arkel products...i do wonder how it holds up on a bit of singletrack (an option on part of a route i have mapped out) and how being lopsided on a dirt path might be...but i guess on those days (if it is an issue) i could just pop it off and put it on my back!

the other option i saw was a trunk/pannier combo (another "shorty" out there discussed it on another thread) found at REI: (alot cheaper i might add)

http://www.rei.com/product/47802472.htm

but i really like the idea of a backpack (i am partial to backpacks!!!) especially with helmet holders!

***Carrie Anne....i do not think it has sunk in yet of what a wonderful place i ended up...i keep feeling like i am going to wake up in #@!! again we are landscaping...i cannot get over what fun it is to watch grass seedlings struggle to pop out of there little shells...and every morning waking up to new little green things that will show their pretty little faces soon (daffodils, tulips, crocus', and some other little white flowers that close up each night as to shut their little eyes!!!) i know FL has beautiful foliage, but there is just something so special about seasons and how the flowers appear to wake up from long winters naps that is so exciting
where i work is supposedly a black bear "the town mountain bear"...i can't wait to maybe get a glimpse of him...it is all a stir in the neighborhood "when is he gonna wake???"
OK...i have babbled enough for now...hehe...can you tell i love this place?

[Melody]

the other option i saw was a trunk/pannier combo (another "shorty" out there discussed it on another thread) found at REI: (alot cheaper i might add)

http://www.rei.com/product/47802472.htm

I use that bag and like it alot. I've got the MTX QR Beam Rack on my Bianchi which I use to commute. Only real problem is that I have to be careful how much weight I put into the bag since the beam rack has a max weight of 20 pounds.

but i really like the idea of a backpack (i am partial to backpacks!!!) especially with helmet holders!

I do too. I own a Deuter Hydro EXP 8 hydration pack (http://www.deuter.com/cms/front_cont...roducts_id=554) . I'm a big fan of the cooling air pockets in their hydration pack design. I carry the hydration pack (sans bladder) when I need some extra space or with bladder on longer rides (like the upcoming Cindy).

If I really need more space than what the Deuter can hold it gets shoved into my Chrome Metropolis messenger bag (http://www.chromebags.com/metropolis.php)

Ultimate, however, I think I'm going to find a way to get bosses added so I can have a good rack added to the back of the Bianchi so I can truly weigh down the bike

Mel