Arkel/Ortlieb/Vaude Panniers
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 37
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Arkel/Ortlieb/Vaude Panniers
Hi members,
I am looking to buy panniers for my new Touring bike that i am going to buy very shortly. I heard a lot about the two companies (Arkel and Ortlieb) but not very much about Vaude.
My goal with the touring bike is mainly to go on daily rides (40 to 70km) with a Chariot carrier.
Panniers will be to bring food, clothes, etc. for the kids.
Looking for your advice on the following questions:
Is a Touring bike the right bike for my use or should I consider cyclo-cross bikes ?
What panniers (Arkel / Ortlieb / Vaude) would you recommend and why ?
Waiting for your response. Thank you
I am looking to buy panniers for my new Touring bike that i am going to buy very shortly. I heard a lot about the two companies (Arkel and Ortlieb) but not very much about Vaude.
My goal with the touring bike is mainly to go on daily rides (40 to 70km) with a Chariot carrier.
Panniers will be to bring food, clothes, etc. for the kids.
Looking for your advice on the following questions:
Is a Touring bike the right bike for my use or should I consider cyclo-cross bikes ?
What panniers (Arkel / Ortlieb / Vaude) would you recommend and why ?
Waiting for your response. Thank you
#2
My bike's better than me!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 2,041
Bikes: (2) Moots Vamoots, (1) Cannondale T2000 tourer, (1) Diamondback Response Comp mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Here's a whole bunch of information on panniers.
It's a bit dated, but perhaps the author of this website would be a good contact for you.
Best of luck!
It's a bit dated, but perhaps the author of this website would be a good contact for you.
Best of luck!
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 274
Bikes: Surly Cross Check, Trek 520, Giant VT1, Norco Scrambler, Norco Unicycle, Dirtsurfer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi.
I used Vaude Roadmaster saddlebags during my Round Lake Erie tour as well as commuting. While riding around Lake Erie the attachment mechanism broke causing me to use zip ties to hold the bags on. The bags worked well for commuting since the quick release made removing the bags rather easy. Unfortunately the mechanism eventually broke once again.
Later on I sold them to a friend of mine. On his first tour another mechanism broke.
In each case zip ties have saved the day.
I used Arkel GT bags front and rear for my Round Lake Huron tour as well as all tours since then. Not one problem. Secure attachment. Nice organization of gear. Bags feel heavier then the Vaude although I never did do a comparative weighing. I haven't used these bags for commuting. The attachment mechanism would be slower to unload/load the bags then the Vaude. Lots of pockets to allow you to really organize your gear. Rain covers and internal dry sacks are available.
I have an Ortlieb bag on order. THe quick release mechanism is reputed to be quite good and fast for loading/unloading. Bags are waterproof.
Both Arkel and Ortlieb bags have a very good reputation. On personal experience I definately recommend Arkel. Based on reports from several friends Ortliebs are also definately recommended.
~Jamie N
www.bicycletouring101.com
I used Vaude Roadmaster saddlebags during my Round Lake Erie tour as well as commuting. While riding around Lake Erie the attachment mechanism broke causing me to use zip ties to hold the bags on. The bags worked well for commuting since the quick release made removing the bags rather easy. Unfortunately the mechanism eventually broke once again.
Later on I sold them to a friend of mine. On his first tour another mechanism broke.
In each case zip ties have saved the day.
I used Arkel GT bags front and rear for my Round Lake Huron tour as well as all tours since then. Not one problem. Secure attachment. Nice organization of gear. Bags feel heavier then the Vaude although I never did do a comparative weighing. I haven't used these bags for commuting. The attachment mechanism would be slower to unload/load the bags then the Vaude. Lots of pockets to allow you to really organize your gear. Rain covers and internal dry sacks are available.
I have an Ortlieb bag on order. THe quick release mechanism is reputed to be quite good and fast for loading/unloading. Bags are waterproof.
Both Arkel and Ortlieb bags have a very good reputation. On personal experience I definately recommend Arkel. Based on reports from several friends Ortliebs are also definately recommended.
~Jamie N
www.bicycletouring101.com
#4
senile member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Taiwan
Posts: 351
Bikes: 1 mtb converted for commuting (actually, collecting dust in the garage), a LHT with "durable components"
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
my vaude failed me in spain so i had to tie them to the rack like jnoble. will see how my new ortliebs work this summer.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: North Andover, MA
Posts: 141
Bikes: Peter Mooney (touring), Bike Friday Pocket Rocket (road), Bike Friday Air Glide (touring)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've had great luck with my Ortlieb panniers.
And another consideration - I would not be happy using any panniers that are not waterproof by design. There is absolutely no reason to have to either pack in plastic bags or use rain covers!
And another consideration - I would not be happy using any panniers that are not waterproof by design. There is absolutely no reason to have to either pack in plastic bags or use rain covers!
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 37
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thank you for your advice. What about prices ? If you compare similiar and size panniers in these three companies (Arkel, Ortlieb and Vaude), if there any that are cheaper or more expensive ?
If I understand correctly, it seems that the Ortlieb and Vaude are waterproof which is not the case with Arkel ?
If I understand correctly, it seems that the Ortlieb and Vaude are waterproof which is not the case with Arkel ?
#7
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
Originally Posted by paolo
Thank you for your advice. What about prices ? If you compare similiar and size panniers in these three companies (Arkel, Ortlieb and Vaude), if there any that are cheaper or more expensive ?
If I understand correctly, it seems that the Ortlieb and Vaude are waterproof which is not the case with Arkel ?
If I understand correctly, it seems that the Ortlieb and Vaude are waterproof which is not the case with Arkel ?
Aaron
Last edited by wahoonc; 03-05-05 at 09:30 AM.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Ortleibs are proven performers on long expeditions. the mounting systems is strong and reliable.
Its nice to have waterproof panniers in the wet but the downside is that in hot, humid climates they can encourage mildew. Anything that goes in damp stays damp.
A touring bike is great as an all-purpose do anything machine. Tourers vary from full exp bikes (Bruce Gorden BLT) to fast, fun day-riding bikes . In the middle are club tourers that are good for either use (Trek 520).
The cx machines you are talking about are not racing cx but are modified for touring with all the brazeons etc.
Its nice to have waterproof panniers in the wet but the downside is that in hot, humid climates they can encourage mildew. Anything that goes in damp stays damp.
A touring bike is great as an all-purpose do anything machine. Tourers vary from full exp bikes (Bruce Gorden BLT) to fast, fun day-riding bikes . In the middle are club tourers that are good for either use (Trek 520).
The cx machines you are talking about are not racing cx but are modified for touring with all the brazeons etc.
#9
Faster than a SwiftTurtle
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 67
Bikes: Thin Blue Line Hardtail Mtb, Giant OCR Touring
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I dont think you can go wrong with any of them.
I purchased the Arkel GT panniers mostly cause i liked the idea of the many compartments available to me. I like to organize everything and have everything where i want it. That being said, you nearly need a site map for all the compartments in the Arkels. It took me several days to find every nook and cranny. I have a MEC cycling backpack that has one main compartment, and I hate having to dig to the bottom to get something, so I knew I wanted something with alot of compartments.
For Waterpoofing, I place everything in see-thru plastic bags, I might pick up the rain covers soon, I'm still undecided.
I've heard alot fo good reviews for the other panniers mentioned, i think it comes down to personality and needs.
roo
I purchased the Arkel GT panniers mostly cause i liked the idea of the many compartments available to me. I like to organize everything and have everything where i want it. That being said, you nearly need a site map for all the compartments in the Arkels. It took me several days to find every nook and cranny. I have a MEC cycling backpack that has one main compartment, and I hate having to dig to the bottom to get something, so I knew I wanted something with alot of compartments.
For Waterpoofing, I place everything in see-thru plastic bags, I might pick up the rain covers soon, I'm still undecided.
I've heard alot fo good reviews for the other panniers mentioned, i think it comes down to personality and needs.
roo
#10
senile member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Taiwan
Posts: 351
Bikes: 1 mtb converted for commuting (actually, collecting dust in the garage), a LHT with "durable components"
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
one thing i like about vaude (even though the attachment mechanism broke) is that it only has one compartment, itīs true that itīs not that convinent, but during my tours i learned to pack what i would need on the road somewhere i could reach easily(handlebar bag, backpack bungeed to the rack on top of the panniers).
#11
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,082
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I looked at both Ortlieb and Arkel before going with Arkel. Here are some of my thoughts on the two:
The Arkel mounting system is far superior to the Ortlieb. No little plastic inserts, or any plastic at all, as Ortlieb needs to fit the mounting system to your rack tube size.
Arkel has well thought out designs with seperate compartments. Ortlieb has one big pocket.
I use an Arkel for daily communting in wet, snowy, and rainy weather. With the rain cover I've had no problems with the contents of my pannier getting wet.
I mount and unmount my Arkel pannier no less then six times a day. It's a snap. It takes less then ten seconds.
Arkel has great customer service, some of the best I've had anywhere. Period.
Good luck choosing, and happy riding!
The Arkel mounting system is far superior to the Ortlieb. No little plastic inserts, or any plastic at all, as Ortlieb needs to fit the mounting system to your rack tube size.
Arkel has well thought out designs with seperate compartments. Ortlieb has one big pocket.
I use an Arkel for daily communting in wet, snowy, and rainy weather. With the rain cover I've had no problems with the contents of my pannier getting wet.
I mount and unmount my Arkel pannier no less then six times a day. It's a snap. It takes less then ten seconds.
Arkel has great customer service, some of the best I've had anywhere. Period.
Good luck choosing, and happy riding!
#12
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 37
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Any ideas where I could find Vaude panniers in Montreal ? I looked at their web site and did not find a dealer in Montreal. I am probably going to buy Arkel panniers but is curious about Vaude.
Thanks
Thanks