New Products from Arkel
Later this fall, Arkel is coming out with two new bags specifically designed for commuters: the Metropolitan (Metro) and the Metropolitan Handlebar Bag (Metro HBB).
The Metro is a convertible bag, along the lines of the popular “Bug” (see my review here). On the bike it’s a pannier that uses Arkel’s excellent Cam-lock attachment system, but off the bike it quickly converts to a brief/messenger-style bag. The fact that it looks more professional and non-descript than the Bug is a plus for those that work in a conservative office environment. I’ll have a full review of the Metro later this year.
Other changes for the coming year include a few cosmetic changes to the T42 pannier, a new, more subdued, color- scheme for the Bug (grey/black), 4 new colors for the seat bag (red, silver, yellow, tangerine), and subtle improvements to the Cam-lock hook system.
All of the above will be available for the coming Christmas season.
Visit the Arkel website →
4 Responses to “New Products from Arkel”
hmmm… so does the HBB mount to the Metro in some form?
No, they’re separate items, only related by name, style, and color.
Three cheers for Arkel! And to boot, they’re based in Québec so it’s a “local” product for me. I have one of their rack bags and it is brilliantly designed, including an integrated rain cover. I love the seat bag with the retractable pouch so you can remove your valuables and take them with you without having to remove the whole bag. The Metro sounds like a winner and I’ll look for it in my local bike shop later this fall.
I have 3 Arkel bags- I highly recommend them for their quality and durability. They simply work very well under all the conditions that I have exposed them to in my daily riding.