Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered below, please contact us.

Choosing the right product

It is difficult to know what size of bag you should get.

But don't worry, we'll help you out!

Here is an article that will guide you step by step to choose the right volume for your needs.

The rack's tubes on e-bikes are
typically larger than others.

That can be a challenge to install the bag’s hooks to the rack but don’t worry we also offer an Oversized version of the hooks tu fit your e-bike rack.

We can also install it for you!

To verify if you need the oversize, click here.

All bike panniers equiped with the Cam-Lock Attachment System comes with the regular size cams.

To find out which size of cams you need, you'll have to measure your rack's tube.

On this page, we'll guide you step by step from measuring to buying in the right size.

The Cam-Lock Attachment
System fits on most racks and can be adjusted in different
ways.

Click here for the Rack Fit Guide

Click here for more informations about rack's.

No, because the Randonneur rack doesn’t have side supports to prevent the panniers from hitting the wheel.

X-Pac RX30 is 100% climate-neutral and contains 100% post-consumer recycled polyester fabric.

X-Pac X11®: provides a soft, cotton feel and appearance with added waterproof and low-stretch characteristics. X-Pac® X11 is 100% climate neutral and contains sustainably grown cotton.

Cordura 1000D:  a classic ultra-resistant Nylon fabric. It is a little bit rough on the edges but is made to last for a long time!

First of all, it is very important to buy a computer-friendly bag to protect it properly.

Click here to measure your laptop and find out which bike panniers is the right size.

Read this article to compare our laptop-friendly bike panniers.

Product's Technical Questions

The Cam-Lock is patented technology unique to Arkel that keeps your bike bags attached to your bike rack, no matter the conditions.

Both cams bring opposite pressure on the tube and the only way to release the tension is to pull the handle up.

More info about the Cam-Lock.

Most of them! There are 2 exceptions, the Dry-Lites and the Kargos.

The biggest bag we recommand using is the 35 L but not everyone will be comfortable to ride with that much weight on the front wheel.

The main reason why we don't recommand large bags in front is safety. It is harder to maneuver the bike.

Also, you'll need to validate that you have enough clearance from the bag to the ground to make sure it doesn't rub on the road while you turn and that your feet do not touch the bag.

* If you choose to use a 35 L, pack the heavy weight at the bottom of the bag.

The Orca bags use heavier more durable material than the Dolphin panniers and the type of construction differs significantly. The Orca’s use welded construction and the Dolphin panniers are sewn and taped to seal the seams. Both are waterproof and are equipped with the Cam-Lock mounting system.

The advantage of the sewn & taped Dolphin panniers is that we can sew pockets to the outside and seal the seams once the sewing steps are completed. In the Orca construction, the welding process uses moulds that make outside pockets with any volume (3D) difficult but flat 2D pockets possible. Dolphin panniers are lighter than the Orca panniers so ultimately it comes down to what features and look you prefer.

Our handlebar bags don’t leave much room for a front light, therefore we recommend using a mount accessorie to to workout this space constraint.

Yes! You can buy the retrofit kit, you'll also find a video with instructions.

If you have an older model you'll have to drill holes in the back plate and the fabric. Keep these bolt to fill the old holes.

Unfortunately it is not compatible.

Shipping

UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Finland.

When it comes to customers based in these countries, the price paid at checkout includes VAT, shipping and any other possible charge such as duty fees.

The shipping cost will be calculated automatically at the time you place the order and it will vary depending on the final weight and destination.

For all other countries not listed above

Prices do not include VAT, Duties or Customs feesSome countries may charge tax and custom fees at delivery, you should check with your local customs bureau for additional information on VAT and Duties, this could avoid unpleasant surprises at delivery.

More information concerning our shipping policy, please visit our Shipping page.

We do not deliver in countries where the parcel might not arrive at destination.

You'll find in the top right corner of the web page the list of country where we can ship.

For most intenationnal countries (excluding the US and some countries in Europe), prices do not include VAT, Duties or Customs feesSome countries may charge tax and custom fees at delivery, you should check with your local customs bureau for additional information on VAT and Duties, this could avoid unpleasant surprises at delivery.

More information concerning our shipping policy, please visit our Shipping page.

It depends where you live.

In Canada and the US it takes about 2 business days. However, if you live in a remote area it can take up to 7 business days.

In Europe calculate between 4 to 10 business days.

Internationaly (outside North America and Europe), it can take between 6 to 10 business days.

More information concerning our shipping policy, please visit our Shipping page.

It's now easy to find a local retailer that have purchased our products.

Click here to use the Dealer locator map.

*We suggest contacting your local retailer before showing up to ensure they have the product you are looking for in stock.

Installing and Adjusting An Arkel Bag

We are here to help!

On this page, you'll find instructions for our products, click on yours to have instructions!

If you need help don't hesite to contact us before you get too mad!

We do leave some play between the handlebar clamps and the clip plates as the fit is sometimes tight. All you have to do is to slightly raise one clamp relative to the other. You do so until there is no rattle while still being able to slide the bag in and out easily. You should be able to fine tune the fit until perfect. A tiny drop of grease at the contact point between the clamps and the clip plates will help a lot for a smooth operation. You can also slightly angle one clip plate relative to the other.

No worries! We have an oversize version of the cams.

First, you'll have to make sure that even the oversized cams is big enough for your rack.

Click here to find out!

Then, you can buy the oversized retrofit kit here.

The Cam-Lock attachment system is normally ready to be used out of the box. The handle strap should be wrapped around the cams, and the carry handle strap is normally inserted behind the retention strap. You can also view the proper operation of the Cam-Lock here.

There are several solutions for this, the first one to consider is removing the lower hook completely and simply not use it.

Another solution is to use our Adaptor for Lower Hook Attachment to Rack to create an attachment point. You can sometimes create an anchor point with automobile hose clamps. We’ve used these on the Tubus Tara and Duo front racks to prevent the pannier’s lower hook from sliding along the tube.

Here’s the installation sequence for the best fit:

1. Install the HBB mounts (those parts that bolt onto the handlebar); they need to be perfectly aligned both vertically and horizontally, and well tightened on the handlebar.

2. Loosen the clip plates (those parts that are bolted to the bag itself) so that they move freely.

3. Slide the clip plates onto the HBB mounts.

4. With the clip plates loose, you wiggle the bag so that the clip plates find their best position relative to the HBB mounts.

5. Tighten the clip plates bolts making sure that the clip plates stay in their exact position while you tighten them.

Once this is done, just put a small drop of grease at the contact point/slot between the clip plates and mounts.

There is an adjustment to extend the U channel that slides inside the main member of the platform. This allows a lot of angle adjustment to fit just about any seat configuration. If you have enough clearance between your tire and the rack, try to use the extenders to lower the platform. Finally, note that you can position the seat rails bracket on the vertical portion of the seat rails. Click here to watch a video on how to install the Randonneur Rack.

Follow the steps seen in this video.

Product Maintenance

All our bags can be cleaned with water, mild soap and a soft nylon brush. You can use dishwashing liquid to remove grease stains. Just hang the bag to dry.

Yes, but first you have to remove all the hardware (Cam-Lock, backplate, foam and aluminum frame). This is fairly easy to do, but it does require some manual skill. You will also have to put the bag back together. Once you have removed all of the hardware you can drop the bag in the washing machine (delicate cycle) and use mild soap, no detergents. Just hang the bag to dry.

Fading is part of any textile and has nothing to do with the fabric itself. From bathing suits to curtains, t-shirts or even cars, the color pigmentation of any color will be affected by U.V. rays after prolonged exposure. We employ a special U.V. inhibitor in our fabrics, but it is expected that the color will eventually lose its brightness. Regular treatments with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) will help prolong the original brightness since most of the DWR’s contain some assorted types of U.V. inhibitors as well. We use the best fabric, but many years of good use will eventually begin to show. Consider that as a tribute to your lifestyle!

First try mild soap – like hand soap – with water and try to brush off. If it doesn’t work, you can use a stain remover. Use only on the oil stain. Brush off and rinse.

Returns and Refunds

You have 30 days after the fulfillment of your order to return a bag.

Make sure that it is in perfect condition.

More info about returns here.

We are sorry you need to return your bag...

Here are the steps:

1: Fill out the return form here.

2: Once we'll approve it, you'll receive an email confirmation will instructions.

*You have 30 days to return a bag from the moment the order is fulfilled, it needs to be in perfect condition.

More info about returns here.

Yes, shipping fee is at your expense.

More info about returns here.

You'll get a refund when we receive the bag.

It well be refunded on the credit card you've used to purchase the product.

If the bag is damaged we will not refund 100% of the value depending on the issue.

Shipping is not refundable.

More info about refunds here.

Warranty and Repairs

Our guarantee covers: the workmanship, stitching, and pieces such as the aluminum hooks, rails, nuts and screws, and inner stiffening backplate. In other words, in the unlikely event that your product has an inherent defect, you can count on us to repair it.

Shipping: Shipping fees are at the customer's expense whenever we send a part or a new bag that is under the warranty.

Please note we do not accept warranty requests for any of the following:

  • - Normal wear and tear, including zipper malfunctions.
  • - Products that have been handled against their intended use, involved in accidents, or defaced.
  • - Products purchased from non-authorized dealers.
  • - User-created damages like rips, tears, burns, or holes.
  • - Bags or products discounted for final sale.
  • - Products with sewn-in labels that are cut or removed.
  • - Lost, stolen, or discarded product.

More info about the warranty here.

If the repair is not under warranty

All shipping charges (inbound and outbound) are at the customer’s expense.

If the repair is under warranty

The inbound (shipping the bag to us) shipping fee is at the customer’s expense, while the outbound shipping fee is covered by Arkel.

Note that shipping costs on International requests (Outside of Canada and the USA) are at the customer's expense. 

More info about the warranty here.

If the repair is not under warranty

All shipping charges (inbound and outbound) are at the customer’s expense.

If the repair is under warranty

The inbound (shipping the bag to us) shipping fee is at the customer’s expense, while the outbound shipping fee is covered by Arkel.

Note that shipping costs on International requests (Outside of Canada and the USA) are at the customer's expense. 

More info about the warranty here.

We encourage you to do repairs locally.

Shipping products back and forth is costly, takes more time, and emits more gas emissions. Finding a local cobbler or seamstress to repair your product helps the local economy and the environment.

If the repair is under the warranty, we will gladly refund the cost indicated on the receipt, but this must be approved beforehand. We can also send the necessary matching material for the reparation at no extra cost, shipping included in that specific case.

If the repair is not under warranty and you live in the USA or Canada, our customer service team is happy to send you pieces of fabric or other needed components to repair and lengthen the life of your gear. While the shipping charge is at the customer’s expense, we will gladly provide the items free of chargeunder reasonable circumstances.

More info about the warranty here.