Ortleib - Are completely waterproof but have no pockets
Arkel - Have lots of pockets but the outer is not fully waterproof but does have a waterproof inner.
Well I decided on having Ortleib on the front and Arkel on the back.
I already have the Ortleib panniers, they are good and if you do not want to get into or out of them too often then they are fine
I originally bought the Arkel XM-45s these are a mountain bike rugged pannier, direct from the shop in Canada, wow what service got to me in 4 days from purchase, as always something has to go wrong and unfortunately, I found a slight hole in one of the pockets (stitching problem I think) I got onto Arkel and they offered to exchange immediately, that would be too easy for me so I decided to upgrade to the GT-54s these are bigger and with more pockets (I love pockets, a place for everything and everything in its place). If they get here before Christmas I will be a happy man, I'm not holding my breath, but after the last 4 days delivery anything can happen.
There always has to be a slight complication and with these panniers it's going to be heel clearance. I set a template up on the side of the bike and see if the heel of you shoe clears the pannier when pedalling, it seemed OK. We'll find out what happens when they arrive. The problem will be that it will be too late to send them back as I have caused so much hassle at Arkel I will be embarrassed to send them back.
Watch this space.
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