Well, here it is — my new messenger-pannier. Thanks to everyone who gave me suggestions. You’ll notice that I did not go with the one most people suggested. That’s not to say that I didn’t take your suggestion seriously. I did. In fact, checking out the Ortlieb helped me make my decision to go with the Arkel Metropolitan (not that there was anything wrong with the Ortlieb).
Ecovelo wrote a review of this bag that I found very useful (much better photography).
I’m planning to use this bag mostly for my short commute to work — all of .75 miles now that my office is back on campus. And I’ll also be relying on it in hot weather because my daypack just really isn’t comfortable on a 90-degree day.
I’m pleased with the general concept of the Metropolitan, the amount of space, and the easy and secure way it fits on the rack. There’s a flap in the back to fold down over the mounting hardware, which makes this bag easy to carry off the bicycle.
I’m less pleased with the lack of extra pockets. There are two — both small and suited mostly for flat items (although my DV and general-purpose tool fit just fine). I think the Arkel people can do away with the decorative cords on either end of the bag and add pockets instead.
One cool thing: You can choose to wear this like a messenger bag using the shoulder strap. Or you can use the two hide-away handles and carry it like a shopping bag.
So far so good.
Comments 5
Andy, that bag looks fantastic! Do you plan on always removing it when you park the bike? Is it easy enough to remove it and re-attach it on a regular basis?
I saw the same review at EcoVelo that you mentioned and was really interested in this bag as well.. but I was a bit turned off by the price. I instead bought a small waterproof bag at the Army Surplus store for 8 bucks (for my old bad weather/clunker bike). Not as fancy, and it’s not as ‘removeable’ but it gets the job done for that particular bike.
But this bag would work nicely on my ‘nice’ commuter. I need a nice side bag for my laptop, etc.
Thinking full Ortlieb panniers will be in order for my new touring bike though..
Posted 21 Nov 2009 at 11:53 am ¶Brad… It pops on and off in about 2 seconds — very easy. No need to leave it on the bicycle. The Arkel website explains how the attachment works. You can do it with one hand! It has plenty of padding for a laptop. I’ve already carried mine in it with no trouble.
Posted 21 Nov 2009 at 3:56 pm ¶how many bikes do u have now?
I mean where’s the brompton?
Posted 22 Nov 2009 at 3:01 pm ¶I have Arkel touring panniers. I really like the attachment system — the way they pop off the rack with one hand but are secure when attached.
Posted 22 Nov 2009 at 7:03 pm ¶Alex… Three bicycles: 1) Redline R530 (pictured), 2) Brompton, and 3) Marin Pioneer Trails mountain bike hybrid. Maybe a cargo bike will be next
Keri… Yep, I like that system.
Posted 22 Nov 2009 at 7:06 pm ¶