a.twiddler
Guru
8/9/26
Arkel R40 Recumbent Panniers Weight Experiment on the Rans
(Test Shop)
The Arkel recumbent panniers are currently set up so that the hooks fit the Rans underseat rack (a TerraCycle Easy reacher Rack) as I have been using the Rans a lot this summer. The Spirit could equally well have been used for this trial with some adjustment of the hooks. Perhaps I need two sets of Arkel panniers, one set up for each bike.
Although I’ve been shopping with them before I haven’t tried them with a heavier load.
The Rans has enough real estate for a rack bag, two small Carradice panniers at the rear plus the Arkel underseat panniers, er, under the seat. I experimentally fitted some Carradice Super C recumbent panniers which I have (they’re huge!) to the rear carrier and there’s still plenty of room for the Arkels under the seat. It would be too easy to overload the frame I think, unless I went in for the bulk transportation of marshmallows by bicycle.
So today the set up was a rack bag for my cycling bits and pieces, the small Carradice panniers because they’re usually there and handy for small shopping tucked away behind the seat, and the Arkels.
I went out to drop off a prescription at the surgery, then a supermarket shop including 24 cans of soft drink, a carton of milk and various bits and pieces. The Arkels still had space for more once I’d shopped, and the rear panniers were empty, though I did wonder about the accumulated weight with all the liquid goods.
The Arkel panniers themselves are made of some quite thick cordura and the hooks are of some tough plastic. I’m advised that the panniers aren’t 100% waterproof but do come with some rain covers which live in the rear pockets. The aluminium underseat rack lives up to its Easy Reacher name as the panniers have suitcase style zips which let you reach inside for items while seated, and have front mesh pockets which theoretically let you reach down and access drinks or snacks on the move.
I haven’t tried that aspect out yet as up to now I’ve been doing day trips which haven’t needed the extra capacity of the Arkels.
So how does it go when loaded? Surprisingly well. You can tell the weight is there but since it’s at wheel spindle height, more especially since the wheels are 559s, it feels very stable. The steering feels more planted with the weight. It’s a very free running bike, so although it takes a bit more getting up to speed it keeps on rolling once there.
On the long uphill to Swanlow Lane on the way home it needed a gear or two lower but being a recumbent there were still plenty available if needed. On the slight undulations of Swanlow Lane it didn’t feel much different uphill but did increase speed noticeably on the downward slopes. If I hadn’t been in such a rush to get home for my lunch it would have been interesting to see if the extra weight had a noticeable effect down the Test Hill of Doom.
Obviously it's not the Alps, but it helps to build up a picture.
The bike feels as if it would cope with more weight. The limiting factor might be the aluminium Terracycle rack, but I might still try with a bit more loading on a future occasion.
Distance 3.12 miles. Max 23.0 mph Average Speed 6.7 mph (left the Garmin switched on in my pocket while shopping!)
Ascent 111 ft. According to Bikehike
Arkel R40 Recumbent Panniers Weight Experiment on the Rans
(Test Shop)
The Arkel recumbent panniers are currently set up so that the hooks fit the Rans underseat rack (a TerraCycle Easy reacher Rack) as I have been using the Rans a lot this summer. The Spirit could equally well have been used for this trial with some adjustment of the hooks. Perhaps I need two sets of Arkel panniers, one set up for each bike.
Although I’ve been shopping with them before I haven’t tried them with a heavier load.
The Rans has enough real estate for a rack bag, two small Carradice panniers at the rear plus the Arkel underseat panniers, er, under the seat. I experimentally fitted some Carradice Super C recumbent panniers which I have (they’re huge!) to the rear carrier and there’s still plenty of room for the Arkels under the seat. It would be too easy to overload the frame I think, unless I went in for the bulk transportation of marshmallows by bicycle.
So today the set up was a rack bag for my cycling bits and pieces, the small Carradice panniers because they’re usually there and handy for small shopping tucked away behind the seat, and the Arkels.
I went out to drop off a prescription at the surgery, then a supermarket shop including 24 cans of soft drink, a carton of milk and various bits and pieces. The Arkels still had space for more once I’d shopped, and the rear panniers were empty, though I did wonder about the accumulated weight with all the liquid goods.
The Arkel panniers themselves are made of some quite thick cordura and the hooks are of some tough plastic. I’m advised that the panniers aren’t 100% waterproof but do come with some rain covers which live in the rear pockets. The aluminium underseat rack lives up to its Easy Reacher name as the panniers have suitcase style zips which let you reach inside for items while seated, and have front mesh pockets which theoretically let you reach down and access drinks or snacks on the move.
I haven’t tried that aspect out yet as up to now I’ve been doing day trips which haven’t needed the extra capacity of the Arkels.
So how does it go when loaded? Surprisingly well. You can tell the weight is there but since it’s at wheel spindle height, more especially since the wheels are 559s, it feels very stable. The steering feels more planted with the weight. It’s a very free running bike, so although it takes a bit more getting up to speed it keeps on rolling once there.
On the long uphill to Swanlow Lane on the way home it needed a gear or two lower but being a recumbent there were still plenty available if needed. On the slight undulations of Swanlow Lane it didn’t feel much different uphill but did increase speed noticeably on the downward slopes. If I hadn’t been in such a rush to get home for my lunch it would have been interesting to see if the extra weight had a noticeable effect down the Test Hill of Doom.
Obviously it's not the Alps, but it helps to build up a picture.
The bike feels as if it would cope with more weight. The limiting factor might be the aluminium Terracycle rack, but I might still try with a bit more loading on a future occasion.
Distance 3.12 miles. Max 23.0 mph Average Speed 6.7 mph (left the Garmin switched on in my pocket while shopping!)
Ascent 111 ft. According to Bikehike
