July 16th, 2008
Arkel Bug
If Marshall Flinkman, Q, and MacGyver got together to design a pannier, it would probably resemble the Arkel Bug - this thing has more bells-and-whistles than any other pannier on the market. Its many features include an integrated helmet holder, integrated U-Lock holder, rain cover pocket, quick access top pocket, “air-dry” mesh pockets front and rear, “stealth” pocket for stashing valuables, “mushroom” opening for easy access to the main compartment, multiple hi-vis reflective strips, and an internal slip pocket for carrying papers. If that wasn’t enough, it quickly converts into a backpack for carrying off the bike and, of course, it uses the excellent Arkel “Cam-Lock” hook system for attaching to a rack.
I recently picked up a Bug to use in conjunction with a Metro Basket grocery pannier (see my Metro Basket review here). I’ll use the Bug for carrying all of my work related stuff: change of clothes, lunch, transit pass, papers, glasses, keys, wallet, meds, DVDs, memory sticks, etc. Because it will function as a briefcase/daypack and house my valuables, the Bug will stay with me at all times when I’m off the bike. The Metro Basket, on the other hand, will stay on the bike as a catch-all for picking up mail, groceries, etc., on the way to-and-from work. Between these two very different bags, I should have all the bases covered for my weekday commutes and errand runs.
The Bug’s large number of pockets are probably overkill for touring, where it’s often better to organize items into smaller waterproof bags to be stored inside large pannier pockets. But the Bug is not designed for touring. Instead, it’s intended to serve as an all-purpose bag for the multi-modal commuter or student who rides to a destination, then carries the bag with them. The Bug’s large number of pockets make it easy to organize everything that’s needed for a day at the office, effectively replacing a briefcase, courier bag, or daypack.
It’s the Bug’s quick-change backpack functionality that really makes it unique. By simply pulling open a pair of panels that are held in place by Velcro strips, the backpack straps are exposed for use. On your back, the Bug is as comfortable as any high-quality daypack and functions in much the same manner. And when you arrive back at your bike it takes just a few seconds to stow the straps and turn the Bug back into a pannier. Pretty cool.
Arkel’s “Cam-Lock” attachment system is clever and easy to use (and arguably the best on the market). The spring loaded attachment hooks are on cams (hence the name); pulling up on the carrying handle opens the hooks, releasing the handle closes the hooks. It couldn’t be simpler. Because they’re cam actuated, the hooks will fit any rack with tubing from 8mm - 15mm in diameter without adjustment.
The quality of materials and workmanship that goes into all Arkel products is superb. The Bug is no exception. Arkel uses heavy-duty Cordura nylon, alloy hardware, and heavy-duty YYK zippers throughout. You won’t find a more well-made bag. The only downside is that you pay a premium for such quality - at $165 the Bug is quite expensive (that’s for one pannier). But if you do make the investment, you can rest easy because all Arkel bags are covered under a fully transferrable lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship (including seams).
Only time will tell how well the Bug holds up under daily use, but if it’s anything at all like the other Arkel bags I’ve owned, it should perform exceptionally well. I’ll write a follow-up report later in the year once it’s seen some wear-and-tear.
Specifications
Capacity: 1500 cu. in.
Dimensions: 17″ x 12.5″ x 7.5″
Weight: 2.6 lbs.
Price: $165 (USD)
23 Responses to “Arkel Bug”
Nice choice and excellent review ;-) . Very versatile that´s for sure and it´s also very good looking. Unfortunately they still haven´t any dealer here in Portugal :(
Thanks for the review. Does it have a handle to grab the bag from the top?
@Alex
Yes. The carry handle at top also serves to open the attachment clamps - it’s a clever system.
Alan and all,
I’ve been looking at this bag for a long time now thinking that it would make the perfect Multi-modal bag . Anyone try this bag on a Dahon with the touring rack?
thanks!
Mike
What about a laptop pocket? Does it have room for a laptop with a 17in or other large format screen? My laptop I think has a 12.1 inch screen, but it can sometime be hard to fit into smaller pockets.
@Phil
The Bug doesn’t have a laptop pocket. The Arkel “Commuter” pannier has a suspended laptop pouch (but doesn’t convert to a backpack):
http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/commuter/overview.asp?fl=1&site=
@ Alan Great review Alan! I also have the Bug, and it is indeed a really well-made and well-thought-out item.
@ Phil & Alan Arkel sells a suspended laptop pouch as an optional accessory for the Bug. The Bug has the attachment points for this accessory inside. SOme dimensions are here:
http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/olp/overview.asp?site=&fl=1
@Suzanne
Thanks for the info!
I like that it looks like a pretty normal backpack and not just a pannier that you threw over you shoulder.
P.S. @ Alan
My girlfriend thinks you’re handsome.
arkel-my belated favorite and next time i’ll get r40’s (recumbent). and their modular hook system looks excellent.
Did you get the optional rain cover? I wonder how waterproof it is…?
@yangmusa
Yes, I purchased the rain cover - the bag itself is not waterproof without the cover.
This being California, I guess we’ll have to wait until December or so before we get to hear if the rain cover is leak-proof!
To me, it’s another case of a great product spoiled by glitzy, gaudy red-and-yellow logos and doodads. If it were plain black I’d like it.
@Jim H
Yeah, it’s funny how some of their models are plain black or gray and others are colorful. The Bug was originally targeted directly at students, so that might explain the bright colors. I guess the positive spin would be that the bright colors are more visible in low light and might provide at least a small amount of additional visibility.
Is there any way we can get pics of the inside? I want to see if it has dividers.
Thanks
Disappointed with the Bug. I think I might have a previous version, because it does not have the Camlock system.
Got the bug: first problem, won’t fit on my rack (Zefal, the most widely available rack in Spain).
Got another rack. The edges of the aluminium hook system are so sharp that they literally destroy the rack at the points of contact. Plus, the rack mounting system (with the elastic band and the hook) makes for a not very solid sensation.
Another problem, because of the wedge shape of the bottom, the Bug simply won’t stand when left on the ground, it just falls down, really inconvenient in wet/dirty floors.
Another problem…it’s great to have a pocket for raincover, but the Bug does not come fitted with it (amazing for that price).
Another problem, the elastic band (and hook) used to mount the bag on the bicycle rack are not easy to keep aside when you are “wearing” the backpack, they keep interfering, making the backpack not comfortable to wear.
Conclusion: very well made bag (the quality of materials is truly impressive, fabrics, pieces), but very poor outcome; awful mounting system (I’ve had many panniers and this is ba far the worst…the idea is dated and doesn’t work), a partially-useless bag (you can’t leave in on the ground), uncomfortable to carry as a bagpack, and a bag that can get wet (doesn’t come with a rain cover). In short, I don’t use the bag!!! (sometimes because it does not fit my bike, some other times because it rains, some other times because I’m going to be moving around and find it annoying that my bag is going to be lying flat on a dirty surface).
I’ve had several Ortlieb panniers (differente sizes) mounted on more than 5 different bikes (i.e. different rack types) and never ever had a problem with their mount system (way better than Arkels). Pity that Ortlieb’s backpack system is so dodgy.
On the price: for less than half the price you can get a Vaude bag/pannier “Cycle 25″ http://www.vaude.de/hps/client/vaude/public/hxfront/index.hbs (in fact, for that price you could get 2!). Vaude is a German company renowned for their quality.
Sorry if it sounds a bit negative, but was very disappointed by this product and wanted to give you another opinion (always based on facts).
Greetings from Spain.
Hi Iban,
Thanks for your comments. I’m sorry to hear the Bug hasn’t worked out well for you.
I’d like to address a few of the points you made.
–It does sound as if you have the old mounting system. The current system has hard nylon bushings at all contact points with the rack - there are no metal-to-metal contact points with the current mounting system. It works very well for me.
–I don’t quite understand the comment regarding the lower hook; when I use the Bug as a backpack I attach the hook at the top of the backpack and it stays out of the way without issue. I’m assuming an older design again possibly?
–I agree, it would be nice if the bag sat upright on the ground, though for myself, the only time it’s on the ground is when it’s in front of my feet on a train or bus, so it hasn’t been an issue.
–I agree, it would be nice if a rain fly was included, but for the many people that don’t commute in the rain it would be an option they’re paying for that they won’t use.
–I’d be very interested in looking at Vaude’s cycling bags, but as far a I can tell they’re not available in the U.S.
Arkel is well-known for their return policy - you might consider contacting them to discuss a refund, credit, or upgrade to a newer model.
Best,
Alan
@Jim H
Arkel does seem to be offering the bag now in a gray/black combo.
@Alan
Thanks for the review!
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