Arkel 2007 Large handlebar bag

Pictures: Red , Black , Yellow , Royal blue

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Sizes/colors
Item	Availability	Order
Black	in stock
Red	in stock
Royal Blue	2 weeks
Yellow	2 weeks

This is the larger of Arkel’s two handlebar bags. It has a total capacity of 610 cubic inches and is the most elaborate handlebar bag we carry. Arkel bags are all about organization, and this handlebar bag embodies Arkel’s philosophy of “more pockets = better, a pocket for every purpose”. It has a large main compartment, two large pockets, and numerous side pockets, hidden compartments, flaps, shoulder straps, and other features. It is a complicated bag to describe, but worth the effort because every feature adds up to make what is probably the best handlebar bag you can buy.

This handlebar bag is constructed with coated Cordura, a fabric that is waterproof and very abrasion and puncture resistant. The main compartment is accessible through a top flap that is held closed by a water-resistant zipper that wraps completely around the bag—the top flap is easy to open and stays open when you want it to be. The main compartment is completely lined by more Cordura. This liner is bright yellow, which makes it easy to see the bag’s contents even in dim light. The liner zips out, which means you can easily wash it when it gets dirty. The main compartment has two small mesh pockets to hold those small items that might otherwise get buried somewhere in the bottom of the bag.

The top flap holds one of the two main pockets. This pocket is accessible through a zipper that you see when the flap is open. This pocket is a great place to put sunglasses, a cell phone, or any small to medium sized objects you want protected but not swimming around in the bag’s main compartment. The other main pocket is on the front of the bag, accessible through a zipper that wraps around the pocket’s top and both sides. This pocket is big enough to hold a compact jacket or a couple sandwiches or a small camera, but is not quite as easy to reach while on the bike as the other pockets.

The map pocket system on top of the bag is very well thought out and consists of two parts. The first part is a clear plastic sleeve, closed by a waterproof zipper, that will hold maps up to about 10-1/2” by 8-1/2”. This sleeve folds in half and fits under the second part of the system, a clear plastic flap held down by a velcro strip. You insert a map into the sleeve, fold the sleeve in half, and set it on top of the handlebar bag. Bring the flap over the sleeve, press down the velcro, and the map is securely in place. Just lift up the flap to rearrange the map or flip the sleeve over to see a different portion of the map.

Other pockets include a “hidden compartment” to hold the included shoulder strap. This compartment is behind the front pocket, and it allows you to safely stow the shoulder strap while you are riding, while leaving it attached so you can quickly bring it out when carrying the bag away from the bike. Definitely a luxury compared to other bags where you have to constantly detach and reattach the strap every time to put the bag on the bike or take it off! There are also two small outside mesh pockets, one on each side of the bag, for holding items you want quick access to such as a bandana, sunscreen, or tissues.

Arkel is very proud of their handlebar mount design. It consists of two aluminum “ferules” that attach to the handlebar, a matching pair of aluminum mounting plates on the bag body, and spring steel clips on the mounting plates to keep the bag firmly attached to the ferules. The mounting system is quite flexible and works on every standard drop (road) handlebar and every flat or rise mtb/hybrid handlebar we’ve tried so far. It will not work with handlebars that have center-mounted clip-on aero bars installed. The mounting system comes with shims to fit handlebars ranging from 22.2mm (new for 2007) up to 31.8mm.

A subtle addition to the mounting system is a cloth flap attached to the back of the bag. This flap stays rolled up when the bag is mounted to your bike, held up by velcro. When you take the bag off the bike, roll this flap down and velcro it in place, and it covers the mounting plates. That way the plates can’t stain or snag your clothing, and it also protects the plates in case the bag bumps against a hard object.

The main body is shaped by a shell of HDPE, a very hard and impact resistant polyethelyne plastic. The shell is reinforced by a band of aluminum that wraps completely around. Put together this is pretty bomb-proof, and ensures that the bag will never sag, and the bag’s contents will survive impacts. This structure is thinner and lighter for 2007.

Arkel uses first-class materials throughout this bag. The Cordura used throughout the body is almost impossible to tear. All the zippers are YKK with die-cast nickel sliders. Arkel believes the aluminum used in the mounting system and bag frame is stronger and better than any plastic. Arkel guarantees the workmanship and manufacturing of their bags for life. This guarantee covers any problems with fabric, seams, mounts, hardware, and bungees caused by defective materials or construction, but does not cover normal wear and tear.

The Arkel Big handlebar bag measures 9.5” high by 10.5” wide by 9” front to back, and weighs 3 pounds. If you like this bag’s features but want something a little smaller and lighter, look at the Arkel Small handlebar bag. It is narrower (7.5” wide by 8.5” wide by 8” front to back), lighter (2.1 pounds), and has a capacity of 450 cubic inches.

Specifications
Our part numbers	4715819  Black 9327240  Red 6932283  Royal Blue 2211352  Yellow