Favorite pannier attachment hardware?
 

I recently bought some vintage Arkel panniers that match my other bags (burgundy) because I couldn't find anything more modern in the right color.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...22876a43a4.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...72c91d65f2.jpg


Anyways, the panniers have some very outdated hardware that I'm considering replacing with something more convenient, lightweight, secure, and adjustable. I only have experience with the current Ortlieb mounting method, but I understand a number of other options exist (including a modern Arkel solution).

Just wondering if people have any opinions one way or another. The modern Arkel is most likely to be a direct replacement, the Ortlieb is a tried and true design that matches other panniers I have, but I also see there are some very inexpensive options on the web too.

​​​​​

I do like the modern Arkel stuff (or the stuff I got in 2013 which is now 10 years old). Ortlieb would be another choice that I would recommend. The Lone Peak stuff has been fine on my Rando bag but in the end I hardly ever remove the bag if I was removing daily I wouldn't choose them.

The Rixen and Kaul "KlickFix" products are an easy retro-fit. The "Twist Hooks" work well. Here is a single unit on an old set of Madden panniers ...

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...42e1cc88a0.jpg

The "Vario Hooks" with center lock are also good if you can find them in stock. Standard on some of the Axiom panniers ...

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5e8722f557.jpg

no matter what you go with, measure things properly to see if the width of the panniers is long enough for an Ortlieb or Arkel rail to fit.

Also take into account your racks, front or rear or wherever these are going, as some old style front racks may have issues with the Ortlieb lower tab system.

both Ortlieb and Arkel are very well made, but you may prefer the super tough Arkel system that uses traditional lower hooks and bungee, but still has their specific upper design that is effective in stopping panniers hopping off the rails on bumpy roads.

My by far favorite mounting system is the original Robert Beckman (which Bruce Gordon copied) pannier locking system that uses just one or two (depending on front or back) web straps that loop down below a Bruce Gordon rack (has a square bottom) then back up. It uses a cinch buckle to loosen/tighten the strap.and hooks positioned exactly to fit a BG rack. The pannier was extremely secure. I could literally pick the bike up by a pannier. As long as you cinched the web strap (easy to do), it is not going anywhere, regardless of the road surface or condition. I still have several pairs of panniers of his that I need to sell but you need to match them with a BG rack. The only downside to his packs are they were a bit on the small side and not waterproof. Later on, Robert came up with a newer system which I do know much about.
I have tried Beckman, Ortlieb, Kirtland, Arkel, and others but IMO, the Beckman are still the most secure. Unfortunately, I do not think they are made any more.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...eb2b852390.jpg

I think it would be impossible to make something better than Ortlieb, but mine are 14 or 15 years old so I do not know if mine are the same as the newer ones.

funny how ideas always migrate, in all fields.
I had, and still have, some other panniers that obviously were inspired by this. I bought mine well over 30 years ago, and they were marketed for mountain biking off road trips (nothing new eh?)
Solid system once you get the velcros done up well, putting your hands through the spokes in the wheels, a pain in the arse to do with the second pannier.
Not really suitable for commuting due to the pain in the arse aspect, but a good idea for bouncy roads and trails. I've kept mine all these years, and still occasionally use the front ones because they are so compact and narrow, more fun when riding fast.

Sounds like my old "Kangaroo Baggs" DJ! Genuinely bullet proof, made of ballistics nylon in California for the 90s MTB crowd, with lower straps similar to John N's Beckmans. I still have mine front and rear! Yes those lower mounting straps were a real fumble to use. I would try to leave my bags on the rack for the duration of the trip!

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4757c5a7d6.jpg

I have Beckman panniers on my Bruce Gordon, and they are everything John said.
On the negative side, they are about 3-4 decades old and if made today would weigh probably half what they do. That being said, if they were made of modern cloth, they might not be around 3 or four decades from now. Also, modern waterproofing is better, but the covers work fine.
The other bike wears Ortliebs and they, too, are superb.