ARKEL BICYCLE PANNIERS / FIRST IMPRESSION

[@annh.8290]

We have had a set of these, front GT 18 pack, and rear GT 54, since 2009, they are still going strong, and we still love them.

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

That's good to hear :) I'm pretty convinced the building quality is on a very very high level!

[@truckertom3323]

At 5:15 that i think is for when you are going to use Handle bar bag as a shoulder bag, roll down the protective flap over the handle bar mounts, to stop them rubbing against you? causing some serious GBH to your side. Stay safe, and keep on Trucking. All the best to you.

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Yeah right, that's a good reason to put this flap there. Looking forward to try the bags properly

[@brianbassett4379]

I choose the Arkel bags for the Cam-Lock system, it's so smooth, easy to use and secure... I love it. Although the bags are "waterproof" I use a liner roll-top bag inside all the panniers. After a year or so they start to take a beating and the extra protection is well worth it. The bags fade rather quicky... at least the red do and my bar-bag and taken a few hard hits and is showing the wear. I wish Arkel would sell a cover for the bar-bags that aren't seizure-inducing yellow but they probably never will. When it is raining for days at a time I snap sil-nylon back-pack covers over the panniers to keep them cleaner and dryer...ish. If you look at the pics you will see I put some rope through the loop on the front of the bar-bag top and down to the sides so it can be used to place items when it's hanging open... it comes in pretty handy. Stay safe man. photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOXoGNFVDEpXT-29gQpZEuibCrtFYimrnnW700qN2N-vMdYbYzqRpMLsaO7Aw0e7g?key=WnJUVnoyUDNyNURPUzVTejhodlZMYXNKRm9hM19n

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Awesome tips Brian! So far my panniers look still good ;) let's see for how long. Ahh and yeah I thought about using a backpack cover for the handlebar bag but til now I was to lazy and didn't had any problems at all. Cheers !

[@teopini]

I have an Arkel backpack/ pannier that my sister in law gave me, she used it both for commuting and touring for about 5 years. I've had this bag for another 6 years or so, therefore this bag has seen at least 10 years of extensive use, for purposes it wasn't even designed for, and it's still going, so... yeah... these bags will probably last you forever.

[@terenceedwards514]

Perfect timing for me to see this! My Ortliebs are falling apart at the seams and I have been wanting to learn about alternative travel bags. Thank you.

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

You're welcome :) happy to help

[@indixe71]

Thanks for your review man. It was quite useful for me to make a decision 👍 Wish you happy riding wherever you are! 🚴

[@keksand]

I have them too. mine was about 12 years old and the are like Tank. I still use them and love them. Good product!!

[@RS-rh9kp]

Excellent review!! Been loving my Dolphin panniers for years - also learned I've been rolling the top a 'wrong' way😂

[@Whightley]

The strange flap that covers the metal slot brackets when, you want to carry your Arkel handlebar bag with a shoulder strap. Protect you from having the metal slot hardware rub against your body when, carrying it like a shoulder camera type styled bag. By the way, I enjoying your videos, and your review of the Arkel line of panniers, and handlebar bag.

[@luckychap7646]

Arkel , the best Panniers at this moment.

[@alutious]

plastic closure, transparent can be called a "zip lock". I think the front flap over the mounting brackets on the bar bag, to cover the mounts, is for when you are carrying the bag over your shoulder so the brackets don't catch on your pockets or rub on your hip. And it looks neater. So you would move the bottom hook on the pannier to make the pannier tip at an angle away from your heal? Is that what the 3 loops are for? It would be great to see these on your bike and also a measuring tape and frame size so we can put some scale on how much space they need. tyvm!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Love my Arkel rear panniers. Good luck with your upcoming ride. Take care and safe cycling, Al

[@CanadianTexaninLiguria]

We call it ziplock (as in ziplock bags). Flap is so the mounts don't damage your jacket when using the shoulder strap.

[@CaseyStrouse]

I have had two sets of the Ortlieb Backrollers now and the primary issue I see with them is how sensitive the waterproof material is to abrasions. I've had my bike fall over a few times and scraped the bags up pretty badly.

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Yeah wholes can happen always. I had a few in my last Ortliebs as well. So let's see how the Arkels gonna last ;)

[@jamesporter5630]

Nice “first look”. The idea of asymmetric rear set-up seems smart. One side dedicated to the bike and one that converts for hiking and exploring once you have reached your destination would appear to offer versatility. I’ll be interested in feedback from the road. How well will they pack, how well will they hold up, will the bags hold fast as you ride offering quiet and problem-free trekking? Thanks for the gear intro.

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Thank you :) exactly that's what I wanted to have. I absolutely enjoy the convertible function. Gonna keep you updated how they hold up ;)

[@jeetjagir3484]

new bag... congratulations brdr.....

[@AlaskaPirates]

Zip lock. Excellent review. I appreciate the effort

[@curbowman]

Have you made a more recent video about these bags? It would be nice to see how they have behaving over time.

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Not yes but I'll think about it. Have just done about 8k with them by now and nothing much to complain. But for touring I would go with the Orcas (most robust and best build quality I have ever seen) ;)

[@gonzotravelling]

Great reviews. I think I'll be picking up a pair of 35's, look ideal for me.

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

You won regret. Super tough bags. Maybe a little more heavy but indestructible.

[@AlaskaPirates]

The top “cams” into place.

[@markallen4458]

Jandd Panniers. Run 4 mountain. Bomb cordura. Metal hooks. Used for 21,000 miles.

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

I had a look, the mountsystem looks simple but durable. Great to hear they survived that. I had problems with 2 Ortlieb bags in 16000 km... So I'll see how the arkel panniers will perform. So far they are just absolutely great. Anyways, I think the key is metal hooks, a sturdy fabric and simplicity. Cheers

[@AlaskaPirates]

I was interested in the orcas, thanks for the review

[@peterhewitt7247]

Caution on the Dauphin pannier “water bottle” outside pockets -- a bottle in the anterior pocket is likely to protrude forward enough to contact a bicyclist’s heel. The bottom’s of these pockets are quite tapered, such that I doubt that Arkel had water bottles in mind for them.

[@AlaskaPirates]

Peter Hewitt I figured that out from using mine. I keep snacks in those pockets, the rear pockets are fine for smaller bottles, stove fuel bottles fit just right.

[@AlaskaPirates]

He had the mandolin. 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@AlaskaPirates]

Good job

[@alexmorgan3435]

Metal can fatigue and crack as well. Aluminium is not the most robust metal. It is pretty soft and light. I never had a problem with Ortlieb or Vadue hooks on my panniers. I ride every day with them often carrying heavy loads. Maybe you were unlucky with yours.

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Of course, everything can crack but I'm hoping that the aluminium hooks are more durable. On my Ortlieb I broke a hook in Nepal/India on bumpy roads and on my Vaudes the whole backplate broke. I guess plastic can loose its flexibility aswell when it gets really cold. So I'll test the the metal hooks and see if they'll last or not ;)

[@jerbilkonai5081]

Scheinen von der Befestigung sehr stabil zu sein. bin gespannt wie die lenkertasche sich macht. beim abnehmen musst ja 2 Hebel drücken. das andere Was ich etwas schade finde ist das zwar die Halter am Radl aus Metall sind aber die Tragegurte auch nur wieder Plastik "karabiner" usw haben. bei dem Preis sollte das dann locker auch noch aus Alu oder Edelstahl machbar sein find ich.

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Könnte man ganz bestimmt aus einem anderen Material machen, aber ich persönlich hab D-Ringe noch nie benutzt :D sie fühlen sich zumindest haltbar an. Ich werd bei Gelegenheit die D-Ringe mal verwenden und schauen wie sie sich nach 1-2 Jahren machen ;) an die lenkertasche gewöhnt man sich sicherlich. Cheers

[@antoinelestoquoy3946]

Nice presentation! And great bags, but why are you hitting bags at every movements haha !! They are still new :-D !

[@houditv]

These bags are awesome, i would love to put them on my bike 😀

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

I totally agree :D pretty damn good bags

[@robertkowton5875]

Great review. Woudl these work for gravel bike in a single track riding?

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

If you can mount a rack then for sure. The orcas are top notch in terms of durability.

[@CrownJewelzMusicGroup]

My 1st panniers had metal hooks waterproof too. Cheap an made by pro action

[@tucsonoldguy]

Nice review. I hope these bags prove to be very durable. Any update on building the new bike?

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Thanks :) the new bike is only waiting for the wheels, which should I should get soon. Another video about the build will come in a few weeks ;)

[@Banstargue]

It's now been 2 years.....how are the panniers holding up? I'm thinking of buying the Arkel ORCA 45. What did you end up thinking of the Arkel Dolphin 48?

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Definitely orcas are the best. So robust and such a good build quality. Have done now 8000km and no sign of wear. They will last forever. The dolphins are good to but I prefer the ruggedness of thee orcas :)

[@rajeshv7931]

hello my friend so happy to see you in video and I'll follow your videos in bicycle tirp .I like to know how can you get visa every country how can you balance the formalities to get visa for every country.

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Thanks Rajesh ;) the visa procedure varies from country to country and you nationality. For visa you mostly approach an embassy or apply online for an e-visa.

[@Jamtara_vlog_tech]

Ur video is awsm what is the cost of back pannier nd m waiting for ur tour video i would like to meet u

[@chamakhyoussef1677]

Welcome to Morocco

[@pennyroyal3813]

Excellent review. Very detailed.

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

I wish the aluminium clips were metal, as metal you could bash back into place, alloy i suspect will if it does break be dun probably not repairable.

[@olf42bur]

Good luck to break them. They are pretty robust for the load that you can carry on the panniers.

[@stephenwilliams8775]

Hi. I seen this advertised several months ago and I would like to know where I could possible get a set from? Thanks

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Hi Stephen, have a look here ;) www.arkel-od.com/

[@adamleggero7817]

3:07 ziplock lips

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Awesome, thanks :D you solved my question.