Arkel, bags

[cutsh]

I have a set of Arkel grand touring bags front and rear and they are bombproof but heavy.  I want to get a comuter breifcase that mounts like a pannier for my sister who lives and bike commutes in portland.  Is there a better bag than their breifcase?

[alfonso]

'Australian Cyclist' carried an enthusiastic review of a bag called the
Cambridge II. No idea how it compares with Arkel's or whethr it's
available where you are, I'm afraid.

The article is at http://www.australiancyclist.com.au/showarticle.php?
s=9_bags

[ptaylor]

Hi cutsh. I have an arrangement that I have used for commuting for several years, and am quite happy with. You may want to give it some thought, although it certainly is not conventional.

I bought a Small Mobile File Box from Office Depot. It will hold letter size papers and a couple of 3-ring notebooks, and is 99.9% waterproof.  I use it mainly to carry my lunch in a softside insulated lunch bag, and occationally some paperwork and extra clothing. I have taped 3-M reflective tape to one end (for early morning rides in the dark), and attach it to the top of my rear rack with 2 bungie cords.

I'm on my second box over the past 10 years or so because the latch on my first one wore out.

Paul

This message was edited by ptaylor on 5-3-06 @ 10:21 AM

[Toml]

I use Jandd's commuter briefcase.  Sturdy, built-in rain cover, and roomy enough to hold the usual stuff plus a jacket, lock and a pair of shoes.  It took a while to get it organized.  It has three zipped compartments, one of which has an inside zipped pocket and card/pda/wallet pockets.