Looking forward to the longer term review. Another reviewer expressed some concern about wear on the bag from the support system after what sounded like one trip/outing.
I've been riding for a year and a half with this pain of saddle bag and just figured out why I was getting saddle discomfort when bikepacking. The rack on these will add a structural element to your saddle by rigidly clamping both rails and by resting on the seatpost. Add the weight of the bag and you got yourself a nice brick to sit on. Saddlebag with straps are less stable but they don't compromise the saddle ability to absorb shocks. It might work better with Brooks leather saddles as their rails are welded to the frame.
Let me know if you want to come by and take it out for a few days. We are going to be out of town for the next two weeks and won't get to play with it.
I'm considering this vs the alpkit (half the price!) for commuting with a change of clothes. Can you fit a casual set of clothes in it with / without shoes? Also, could you load it and rock the bike to see if it sways?
I sure wish that you would review the Specialized Burra Burra Stabilizer Seatpack 20 and 10. They also use an aluminum stabilizing support, but supposedly ARE waterproof AND cost less than the Arkel. BUT, there is no available information on how much clearance between the top of the rear wheel and saddle rails is needed for proper sizing/fit. Like you, I don't have all that much exposed seatpost due to a relatively short inseam, so reviewing the Burra Burra Stabilizer Seatpack 20 and 10 would be awesome. Any chance???
Bruin Doc The Specialized is cheaper bit side by side and functionally the Arkel is a significantly better bag. Maybe there is a difference in waterproof but the Arkel design seems to follow the waterproof model.
+THE BIG TOFF they both work well. I'd say that Arkel at the moment fits a bit better BUT we did get a chance to preview a new iteration by Ortlieb and it will work the best for small frames.
how would you compare it to the apidura bag. I had that one set of bags on my bike tour down the PCH. The saddle bag did rub so now i am looking at trying to make my own bag set...
Haven't tried the Apidura personally so can't make a great comparison. I would say that I didn't get any saddle rub. The bag was far enough behind me and narrow below me that my thighs weren't hitting it. Also, I tried a fair amount of standing climbing throwing the bike from side to side and it was really rigid and didn't wag.
The top pocket of the seat bag - to me anyway - doesn't inspire a great deal of confidence regarding longevity. I anticipate it stretching a bit and some of the stitching wearing out over time. I think Arkel should develop some type of plate that's inside the top of the seat bag that attaches to that aluminum frame for added sturdiness and hopefully longevity of the entire pack.
How much clearance was on your frame that you use when fitting it? How much from rails to base of the bag when full? I also run small frames with clearance issues, so like the idea of it being able to fit my bike.
About 7.5 inches from the seat rail to the top of the tire. Will test out with a fuller load in a few days. But with a light test load I had about an inch and a half clearance. So might bounce and rub on a rough trail.
limited volume compared to others, Relevate (12L), Apidura (17L), Ortlieb (16.5L) and Salsa (14L) at roughly similar pricing - Blackburn offers same bag with same capacity but a lot cheaper
It's 100€ more than a big Ortlieb saddlebag which is a couple of steps up in terms of the bag, 150€ more than most other saddlebags that still seem to be nicer bags. Yes, this comes with the neat rail but charging roughly 150€ for that is just stupid.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Looking forward to the longer term review. Another reviewer expressed some concern about wear on the bag from the support system after what sounded like one trip/outing.
Any info on the long term? Its been a while, hope it was used.
I've been riding for a year and a half with this pain of saddle bag and just figured out why I was getting saddle discomfort when bikepacking. The rack on these will add a structural element to your saddle by rigidly clamping both rails and by resting on the seatpost. Add the weight of the bag and you got yourself a nice brick to sit on. Saddlebag with straps are less stable but they don't compromise the saddle ability to absorb shocks. It might work better with Brooks leather saddles as their rails are welded to the frame.
I love arkel bags made it a joy to ride again
This is quite literally the first Arkel bag I'm interested in checking out in person.
Let me know if you want to come by and take it out for a few days. We are going to be out of town for the next two weeks and won't get to play with it.
I'm considering this vs the alpkit (half the price!) for commuting with a change of clothes. Can you fit a casual set of clothes in it with / without shoes? Also, could you load it and rock the bike to see if it sways?
My new favourite bag, thanks for all the info you share.
This is promising as I may try out the "9" as I'm 5'0". Am wondering if you've done a longer ride with it and what did you carry?
I sure wish that you would review the Specialized Burra Burra Stabilizer Seatpack 20 and 10. They also use an aluminum stabilizing support, but supposedly ARE waterproof AND cost less than the Arkel. BUT, there is no available information on how much clearance between the top of the rear wheel and saddle rails is needed for proper sizing/fit. Like you, I don't have all that much exposed seatpost due to a relatively short inseam, so reviewing the Burra Burra Stabilizer Seatpack 20 and 10 would be awesome. Any chance???
Bruin Doc The Specialized is cheaper bit side by side and functionally the Arkel is a significantly better bag. Maybe there is a difference in waterproof but the Arkel design seems to follow the waterproof model.
Thanks for this review. Do you think the bottom clamp would attach to an aero style seat post?
Tony Insua it MIGHT work depending how deep the shape. But the clamp is really optimized for a rounded post.
so which is it ? the Arkel Seatpacking 15 or Ortlieb seat bag for small frame road bikes......
+THE BIG TOFF they both work well. I'd say that Arkel at the moment fits a bit better BUT we did get a chance to preview a new iteration by Ortlieb and it will work the best for small frames.
That's a terrific presentation, thanks. By the way, nice tires, what brand/model are those?
Soma Supple Vitesse. Love those tires!
What is the cost ?
I would like to change out from an old Transit trunk on a seatpost mounted rack.
Also, where do I order it from ?
+Manuel Fuentes cost is around $200. Can be purchased through local bike shops.
Path Less Pedaled Thank you very much !
I could use one , I like that setup
Thank you!
Great review and great content on the channel, I have subbed.
Do you happen to know if they sell the bracket separately?
I don't think so. RIght now only packaged with the bag.
Does it seem like the bag will be far enough back to avoid contact while pedaling?
Yes. Did a few rides and no thigh rub or running into it with the behind.
I had mine packed to or beyond capacity. No rub. Was very happy with the whole system. “Wag” was not noticeable to me.
how would you compare it to the apidura bag. I had that one set of bags on my bike tour down the PCH. The saddle bag did rub so now i am looking at trying to make my own bag set...
Haven't tried the Apidura personally so can't make a great comparison. I would say that I didn't get any saddle rub. The bag was far enough behind me and narrow below me that my thighs weren't hitting it. Also, I tried a fair amount of standing climbing throwing the bike from side to side and it was really rigid and didn't wag.
I have the Apidura (have a video on it) and that is really moving sometimes..not so fun. This setup seems better.
This is pretty rock solid with no wiggle!
Is this bag built as well as the Ortlieb? thanks
It is not waterproof like an Ortlieb, but it is a nicely constructed bag.
Does it come with an adapter for aero seat post?
Did you do your long term review?
Is it waterproof?
Not waterproof but highly water resistant.
looks like it doesn't clamp onto the post, would this work OK on a carbon seat post?
Yes. It would be carbon friendly.
Nice review but can you please also include some footage while riding in the next videos.
Excellent review bro!
The top pocket of the seat bag - to me anyway - doesn't inspire a great deal of confidence regarding longevity. I anticipate it stretching a bit and some of the stitching wearing out over time. I think Arkel should develop some type of plate that's inside the top of the seat bag that attaches to that aluminum frame for added sturdiness and hopefully longevity of the entire pack.
Thanks
also how about a backpack as well something you can wear when it's not on the back of the bike
+Karen Lee not a fan of backpacks while riding.
Path Less Pedaled OK why not
+Karen Lee dislike that hot and sticky feeling on the back while riding.
How much clearance was on your frame that you use when fitting it? How much from rails to base of the bag when full? I also run small frames with clearance issues, so like the idea of it being able to fit my bike.
About 7.5 inches from the seat rail to the top of the tire. Will test out with a fuller load in a few days. But with a light test load I had about an inch and a half clearance. So might bounce and rub on a rough trail.
dig there stuff but this bag is very expensive.
Put your goose down sleeping bag in it and put in the bath ... then we see if waterproof .. if it works I would buy
limited volume compared to others, Relevate (12L), Apidura (17L), Ortlieb (16.5L) and Salsa (14L) at roughly similar pricing - Blackburn offers same bag with same capacity but a lot cheaper
theres a 9 and a 15L
Share the links please of some of the better value for money bags. Looking at many different brands at the moment
4:04 Panniers > pronounced " Pan nee ers", not "Pain ers".
Wrong. ruclips.net/video/BUWdlEHzt7E/видео.html
Actually pronounced...Pan_yayz
P.G. Reitsma maybe in Jersey Shore?
@@PathLessPedaledTV Everywhere but the US apparently, where they choose to intentionally mispronounce words.
It's how its pronounced in our dictionary, so that's how I'm saying it.
Taibag been around
looks too small
Great bag and review...but overpriced...!
Alfredo Perez Actually less than comparable bags. Yes more than something like the Burra but significantly better bag.
It's 100€ more than a big Ortlieb saddlebag which is a couple of steps up in terms of the bag, 150€ more than most other saddlebags that still seem to be nicer bags. Yes, this comes with the neat rail but charging roughly 150€ for that is just stupid.
PRICE.....TOO....EXPENSIVE........