Page 1 of 1

Where to buy Arkel GT-54 pannier in England?

Posted: 6 Jun 2007, 1:29pm
by Shanners
If you can't, anyone know where the best place to buy them if importing is the only option?

Posted: 6 Jun 2007, 1:51pm
by jam05
Hi

Although, they do not have them on their website, Bikefix http://www.bikefix.co.uk/ are an arkel dealer in the UK. Perhaps, if you ring them, they will order you some in.

Otherwise, you can get them by import from Arkel's own site, here is the link:

http://www.arkel-od.com/specs.asp?fl=1&site=uk

If you can get them from Bikefix, can you let me know- I'm considering getting some. Don't forget to get waterproof covers too if you're planning to cycle in the rain!

Cheers

Posted: 6 Jun 2007, 1:53pm
by Shanners
Cheers. Will do!

Posted: 6 Jun 2007, 2:02pm
by Shanners
Bikefix don't have them. They told me that they have just placed an order with Arkel (they order about once a month) and you can add to the order if you wanted, this means you will avoid the shipping costs from ordering from their site (im assuming this because when i asked if i could just order straight from their site he stated you would have to pay shipping costs).

Presume you would be able to add to the order today/tomorrow I guess. Anyway might see if i can get in on this. Arkel charge £12 for shipping and handling.

Posted: 11 Jun 2007, 9:10pm
by steve71ni
I recently ordered a set from


http://www.arkel-od.com/specs.asp?fl=1&site=uk

Have to say even thought they came from Quebec, shipping was very quick.

regards,
steve.

Size

Posted: 11 Jun 2007, 11:23pm
by jam05
Hi Steve

Are they too big? Are they decent? Is it worth spending the money on these panniers?

Thanks

James

Posted: 12 Jun 2007, 2:40pm
by steve71ni
Hi,

IMO they are excellent panniers for what they are designed for, i.e., serious self-contained expedition touring. The GT-54s may be a little more than what is required depending on what you plan to do.

I have found that I don't really need to use the thermarest tube as I can get a trail-comfort thermarest, my sleeping bag and a pillow into the main compartment of one pannier. I can fit a spare pair of shoes and all my clothes in the other one. My wash kit goes in the removable pocket of one of the panniers and the spare pockets take various other bits and pieces.

The great thing about the arkels is that there really is no need to strap anything to the rear rack.

The only downside IMO is that they are quite heavy compared to a lot of other panniers, the GT54s are something like 3KG a set empty. If trying to go lightweight is the plan then maybe these aren't the best buy but I really love the convenience of them and I think they are definetly worth the money the build quality is excellent.

regards,
steve.