Description
In a nutshell:
At last a truly recumbent-specific set of panniers. The horizontal design takes full advantage of the space available on a recumbent with a forward slant to cradle the shape of the back of the seat. These panniers are not as high as others since many recumbents use smaller size wheels – ground clearance will never be a problem. These panniers are definitively big enough for touring yet the removable pockets also mean that you can use them for everyday commuting without too much bulk. Check all the features of these panniers – it’s a refreshing break for recumbent owners tired of settling for a compromise. Really neat!
Add another layer of waterproof protection, increase visibility, keep grime off your bags with an Arkel rain cover.
Removable tube pockets
On both panniers the rear tube pockets (the big and small ones) are removable for when they are not needed. The same system allows you to adjust the pockets height-wise if you need more ground clearance for your ‘bent. To remove a pocket simply unbuckle the compression straps (top and bottom), lift the velcro® strips and pull away. Re-buckle the straps and voilà!, super sleek panniers!
Do the same with the small tube pocket
The left hand side panniers features a smaller tube pocket perfect for a large water bottle, shoes, or anything else. But should you want you can also remove it and leave it home. It makes for very streamline panniers!
Close-able mesh panel
A mesh panel is one of the most useful thing on a pair of panniers. It allows to stash a dripping wet rain jacket, insert a wet towel to dry, or have access to cookies in a jiffy! To make sure that none of those things will jump out on their own, we installed a compression strap that closes at the top.
Compressing the mesh panel
Once you insert something in the mesh panel you can close and cinch tight the webbing, thus holding the content like in a vise-grip (well, okay, let’s say like in a fabric corset!!!).
Waterproof zippers
The zippers are the best on the market: YKK waterproof zippers with nickel die cast heads. We keep the full metal head so they can be pad-locked together if needed, and we added easy to grab pull-cord for ease of use with gloves. The full head allows to operate the zippers more smoothly, making them that much more durable.
Nice, big front pocket
We created a nice, very spacious front pocket for all those things that take space but you don’t want to lose with the rest of the pannier content. The zipper curves smoothly, making the pocket very easy to use even with one hand.
Huge main zippers under a rain flap
The main zippers are monstrous #10 created by YKK. These are the biggest, meanest industrial zippers that exist. To make them even more durable we covered them with a rain / dust / abrasion resistant flap. The flap has 5 layers of fabric to be sure it won’t thin out and expose the zippers. We don’t know of anyone else doing that.
Reflective pulls and lockable zippers
In case you didn’t notice, the zipper pulls are reflective as well – neat for finding the zipper head at night with a flashlight. Also, as previously mentioned, the full metal zipper heads allow to lock the zippers by using a small padlock and joining both heads together.
Quickie key pocket
Every single panel of the RT-60 has been lined inside with a luscious nylon, which means that we had access to a few small nooks to create handy storage. That triangular pocket is great for a wallet or keys. Of course the keys could be in the top pocket, but we wouldn’t want to scratch expensive sunglasses!
Capacious top pocket
Probably the pocket that you’ll use the most frequently, the top pocket is not only easy to get to it’s also designed brilliantly. Look at it and you’ll notice that it has a wall of fabric all the way around, meaning that even if the pocket stays open by mistake, chances are that you won’t lose what’s inside!
Our unique TFL® design
Many years ago we introduce our TFL® (Total Front Loading) zipper design. Simply said, it means that our zippers always go all the way to the bottom for the ultimate access. It may sound stupid said like that, but just try to find somebody else building panniers that way… BTW, the bottom of the RT-60 is a hard shelf – those panniers will not sag, oh no!
Accessing the inner plate
There’s a “hidden compartment” at the back of the panniers. It gives access to the hardware holding the reinforcing backplate and the hook system, but also you can use it to store flat documents or hide valuables.
Aluminium frame in main compartment
The RT’s are fairly big bags with an elongated shape. A removable aluminum frame is installed as shown so that the top of the bag with the pocket will not sag down in the main compartment and the proper shape of the bag will be maintained in all conditions. Moreover, the aluminum frame ensures that operation of the main zippers will be nice and easy, no matter the load. And the frame folds flat when you want to store the panniers.
Rigid bottom
The bottom of the RT’s has a separate rigid HMWPE shelf, the same material as the backplate. It prevents any sagging of the bottom of the bag so that the whole bag keeps its shape in all riding conditions. The bottom shelf can be folded up when storing the RT’s.
Support webbing in main compartment
The RT’s have a huge main compartment. In addition to the aluminum frame and in order to eliminate any possible sagging of the bottom of the bag in extreme loading conditions, (we loaded them up ¾ full of bolts and washers!), we installed a diagonal webbing that joins the upper back of the bag to the lower front. This allows for a perfect load transfer to the backplate and, through the attachment system, to the bike rack. The diagonal webbing is in fact not required in normal loading conditions and it can be unbuckled with the standard Duraflex buckle. The webbing is also useful to stabilize and separate the content of the main compartment if you wish.
Visibility
Visibility is even more important on a “bent” than on an upright. So the bright yellow accent color (on top of the gorgeous look) will grab car drivers’ attention in daylight while the ubiquitous reflective material on all sides of the bags will work wonders at night. There really are reflective strips and piping everywhere; even the zipper pull tabs and the loop on the front compression strap has some. If people don’t see you, it’s because they’re looking the other way.
A shoulder strap with that?
As comfortable as the handle is, sometimes a shoulder strap is the way to go. All our panniers, including the RT-60 have D-rings ready to receive one. Moreover we make the D-rings so they align from one pannier to the other. As such it’s possible to carry the full pair of bags with a single shoulder strap. Very practical when walking at the airport or train station with the bike by your side. (Shoulder strap sold separately)
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