Customer Reviews

Arkel Briefcase Review by Gregg Oglesby

I recieved my Arkel Briefcase and I love it. It is great briefcase well made and worth every penny. My ride is a Terratrike Path 8 and I cannot wait to use it on my Trike. I am about ready to marry Arkel.

(Posted on 11/22/11)

Exactly what it took to make my commute work. Review by Carl

Perfectly secure. No slopping around. Highly protective of my laptop, and I never ever feel like the bag is going to fly off so I can ride the way I want to. No problems setting it far enough back to give myself heel clearance, and I clip in even when commuting. Well worth the price.

(Posted on 8/15/11)

Works well, and fits well on my bike Review by Macon

I use the Bug on a daily basis for my commute to and from work. I live in Boulder, Colorado, and have an Arkel bag on my bike for about 35 miles a week. I only use this bag occasionally--when I have to take a lot of files, or fat notebooks around with me. The bag works very well for that. I have not had a problem with heel clearance, but I use platform pedals on my commuting bike, which is a Specialized Sirrus Expert, large frame. I have an average size foot. I can make my heel hit the bag, but by heel is a quick learner, and so I have not needed to use the special bag adjustment to negotiate adequate heel clearance. I probably would have to use that adjustment if I used clip in pedals on the bike.

(Posted on 7/22/11)

Truly a fantastic bag Review by Chitown4

I have used the Arkel Briefcase for the last 10 years on a daily basis. Arkel has steadily made improvements in it over the years and it is the best of it's kind. I have size 12 shoes and did have problems with heel strike initially, but after making some adjustments, it works beautifully. I'm planning to buy another one soon.

(Posted on 7/19/11)

Keep going back to this bag Review by ionajewel

I have two Bug panniers and a Utility Basket, but I keep going back to the briefcase, which I have had for about 7 years now. It is really the best bag for carrying books, files, and computer. I don't have to dig around for things like I would in a backpack. What I often do is use the bug for clothes, biking necessities, and food, and use the briefcase for papers, books and computer. That way I can leave the bug in my office during the day, and take the briefcase to meetings and classes. It is professional-looking and discreet, and fairly easy to carry unless very loaded down. I do not have a problem with heel clearance, probably just because I am female so I don't have as long feet as the other reviewer (?) I ride a GT Legato with a pretty basic but sturdy rack. If you are buying just one bag, and you are a student or need a bag for work, I highly recommend the briefcase.

(Posted on 4/9/11)

Capacious, easy to use, a workhorse Review by wislh

I have been using the Arkel briefcase on my daily commute for four years now. Its carrying capacity is enormous. I often stop by on the way home to get groceries and have no trouble fitting them into this bag. I do find it awkward to carry when it is heavily loaded because of the placement of the handle, and I suspect Arkel may eventually be re-designing that aspect. The workmanship is excellent and it has held up well to heavy use. The cam-lock system is quick and easy to use: it takes me no time at all to put it on or take it off the bike. Overall I've been very pleased with the bag.

(Posted on 1/5/11)

Great bag, though not for everyone Review by pdxkurt

This is an extraordinarily well constructed and feature-rich bag. There are many useful pockets and pouches, and the straps cinch it down nicely. The Arkel pannier latch works well, and this bag holds a TON of stuff. It is, however, not for everyone, for two reasons. One, it is overkill for all but the urban road warrior who carries everything: laptop, books, clothes, etc. Secondly, and more importantly, it is very difficult to fit this on an ordinary frame bike and not have your heel hit the bag while pedaling (notice that most rear touring panniers are trapezoidal to give your heel clearance; the rectangular shape of the briefcase precludes that). If you have one of those Kona bikes with the extended rear frame, great, you're set. Otherwise, you will most likely need to plan on buying a longer rear rack (the one that probably is the longest one that you can get without going custom is the Jandd Expedition, which will set you back another $100). Even then you'll have to play with the latch positions to shift it absolutely as far to the rear as possible, and hope that you don't have long shoes. I originally bought this briefcase, tried to make it work, gave up and exchanged it for the Commuter bag. The Commuter is not quite as functional or stylish, doesn't have as many pockets, but I'm pretty sure that I'll be able to use it without a clearance problem.

(Posted on 10/16/10)