Reviews of Arkel TailRider Trunk Bag Red

Pros

Best trunk bag I've owned to date.

Cons

Price, they are not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

Pros

I use this on my road bicycle for Ragbrai to carry a raincoat, tools, TP, and some shoes. The bag is durable and well thought out. It is easy to put on and take off of the bike. The zippers are my favorite part of this bag. The zippers never bind and are very watertight. I had a roll of toilet paper in the bag during a down pour and everything was dry.

Cons

The top is supposed to expand out to fit more items. The top does do this, but I question on the amount of space you gain. The cost is high.

Pros

Easy Velcro install, spacious and expandable, built in rain cover, inside and outside pockets

Cons

Don't have any

Other Thoughts

I have 4 trunk bags and the Arkel is now the only one I use. Great product!

Pros

Good construction and organization. Enough room to carry everything I need for 400k brevets.

Cons

None

Other Thoughts

The waterproof bag cover is a nice touch.

Pros

This bag is everything I need in a trunk bag. When I travel on overnight bike trips with my riding group, I carry everything I need for the group. In fact, it is such a great bag, I use it as my Every Day Carry Bag. I carry a lot of the supplies I use when I ride, as well as survival gear.

Cons

When you have rear panniers mounted, it is a challenge to get the velco straps around the rails on the rack. But it is not so difficult that I would change bags.

Other Thoughts

I would recommend this bag to friends!

Pros

Great bag, big enough and expands, high quality.

Cons

A little on the heavy side.

Other Thoughts

If I were going to buy another bag it would be this one.

Pros

I have not had a chance to use this a great deal yet, but it's design and workmanship is everything I expect from Arkel. I have a full set of their panniers for my touring bike that I have many miles on and this bag appears to be of equal quality.

Cons

None

Pros

Fits well on my recumbent trike's rear rack. Feels sturdy. Good visibility and has a spot to attach my rear light.

Cons

I wish it clipped on instead of velcro since I have to remove it when the bike is folded. I wish it was a bit wider.

Pros

Water proof, built-in rain cover, roomy, ease getting to items, side pockets

Cons

Velcro straps are very long when they could be a bit wider and a way to tighten them straps better.

Other Thoughts

Took this with some other Arkel panniers for a five day bag tour. Loved this bag. Arkel makes very good products. I would give this a 4.5 rating.

Pros

I love the style. Has more of a bikepacking look and the wedge shape compliments a high end gravel bike better than the typical box shaped bags. Solid materials and workmanship. Integrated rain cover is easy to deploy and fits very well. Velcro straps grip firmly. Inside mesh pockets are handy for small items. I also like the "D" rings on the shallow end that allow you to carry the bag with a shoulder strap (not included) in a way that the bag lays vertically and flat against your body.

Cons

Due to the tapered shape, there is not a lot of height to the bag and the inside volume is smaller than most other trunk bags.. The side pockets are also somewhat small. The ends of the side pockets angle to a point so the last couple of inches of the pockets are unusable except for small objects. They are too short for most mini pumps.

Other Thoughts

Overall, I am very happy with the bag. I like the streamlined shape and it is very functional for day trips where I just carry tools, snacks and a few extra clothing items. It's great if you don't need a lot of volume.

Pros

took this on a week long tour to keep important items secure and dry
bag mounts securely and is quite waterproof with the sealed zippers and built in rain cover
have Arkel pannier for years but did not need the full compliment for this trip so this allowed my wife to travel light but keep her rear pockets empty
will get another one for my bike for the next trip of this nature and leave all the panniers home
also doubled as a personal carry on item for the planes

Cons

would prefer the divider to be adjustable

It was not technical at all to get on and I'm very pleased

Worth the $

Pros

The bag fits my bike rack and serves as a place to stash bike locks, tools, tubes, pump. I like that it has several pockets.

Cons

None

Pros

Well made and compact.

Cons

The price.

Pros

Perfect size, easy to install and easy to remove, expandable, nice padding, reflective stripping, quality materials and construction, looks like it will last forever. Worth the extra money.

Cons

none apparent

Other Thoughts

I use the bag for my commute to work.

Pros

Shape (doesn’t tilt or sag); largest opening (the entire bag worth, if you want). Long tie straps, attached/stored rain-cover. I like the handle. I’ve never had to expand the bellows lid.

Cons

The tab to which you’d attach a taillight is large and the light will
Flop and point down (you have to attach it with ties).

Other Thoughts

I used my original Tailrider for years, including on a cross country ride. I’d be using it now but it was stolen from my cabin when it was closed for the winter. I tried another trunk bag but it really didn’t do it.

Pros

Well built; plenty of room for tools, inner tubes, food, towels, and drink bottle; attaches and stays secure to old-school Schwinn Approved rack; looks great

Cons

None so far

Other Thoughts

Should offer more colors

Pros

Water proof. Stays put. Expands as you need it. Not bulky. Water proof. Quality.

Cons

Have not found any. Performs as it should but design is superior.

Pros

It's beautiful!
Well made and large enough for a self-supported two-day ride.
I picked the color to match my trike ??

Cons

It's bigger than I had a anticipated and interferes with my headrest.

Pros

Lightweight. Easy on and off.

Cons

Doesn't hold much. A spare tube , a few snacks, gloves and a jacket. No room for an extra pair of shoes since it is compartmentalized.

Other Thoughts

Great for day rides when the weather won't change much.

Pros

Solid construction and high-quality! Lots of mesh pockets and velcro divider inside. Expandable or sleek profile. Built in rain gaurd.

Cons

Velcro strap lengths are a little awkward but this is a minor nit pick.

Pros

These are good bags. This is our third one of the same kind. Used in conjunction with their clip-on racks it does the problem of bringing along a little more on road bikes with no racks. Good construction.

They attach and detach quickly so you can take them with you when you park your bike.

They work well on conventional racks also.

Cons

We tend to load them up with too much stuff and then our lightweight bikes are heavy.

Pros

Searching for a good trunk bag is harder than you think! This bag works with any rack, not specific to a rack/bag system, which is what we needed! Zippers and details are well thought out; Bag is easy to attach, access and utilize. Padded compartments are flexible for multiple uses.

Cons

Not many!

Other Thoughts

Reflective additions are attractive. Rain cover comes in handy when needed, and easy and quick to deploy.

Pros

Looks small but can fit quite a bit

Cons

None that I have seen yet.

Pros

Looks great, very heavy duty, and the shape makes all the sense in the world.

Other Thoughts

I looked at the typical "hard case" trunk bags and I wasn't real impressed with the hard plastic form. It prevented you from putting anything thicker than a piece of paper in the side pockets (mild exaggeration, but not much). Those bags are also shaped poorly, they're actually taller as you go back towards the end of the bike. If you're not a very flexible person, this can be difficult if you're not paying attention swinging your leg over the top to get on your bike. The Arkel is almost tear-dropped shaped, with the bulk of space closer to the seat instead of towards the back. More than enough room for a couple of shirts, towel, treats, wallet, phone, tools and two 32oz. Powerades.

Pros

Well constructed
Attaches securely
Very roomy

Cons

Expensive

Other Thoughts

I use the bag as my lunchbox for my daily work commute. The roads for my 6 mile commute are pretty bumpy. My old lunchbox, secured with bungee cords, would slip off of the rack. The 4 point velcro straps on the TailRider secure it tightly to my rear rack. I am able to carry my lunch and a few other necessities easily. The price is a little steep, but, in my estimation, well worth it. I believe this bag will last me a very long time. I highly recommend it.

Pros

Well-made
Spacious
Sleek
Nice waterproof cover built-in

Cons

A bit pricey

Other Thoughts

This is a very well-made trunk bag, and it's less bulky than others. It holds a lot and is well-designed. You will not be disappointed.

Pros

Great internal organizational compartments
Waterproof Zippers
Bag secures snug to the rack with little movement
Very expandable for cramming all the gear into it

Cons

None so far

Other Thoughts

Great water resistant trunk bag with ample storage and organization, I've been using this more and more to replace my beloved Osprey Raptor to get the weight off of me and onto the bike.

Pros

Extremely well made. It was just as advertised. I did this video on the bag and what I was using if for. Feel free to use it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si7Rx4hK1ZQ

Cons

NONE

Other Thoughts

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si7Rx4hK1ZQ

Pros

Extremely well made with enough capacity for a day riding, food, a jacket, etc. Also large enough to use for an extra change of clothes for an overnight.

Other Thoughts

Researched a lot of bags before setteling on the Arkel. Very happy with this purchase.

Pros

Sleek fit on rear rack looks good
Quality materials
Taped zippers for water proofing
Built in rain cover tucks away
Easy to organize compartments
Time proven

Cons

Honestly cannot come up with one

Other Thoughts

Many recumbent trike owners have and use this rear rack bag.

Pros

Stream line shape helps you clear it when swinging a leg over the bike. Two good sized outer pockets with rain resistant zipper with built in rain fly. I rode in rain for a few hours and it kept my phone and other gear dry. The inside has pouches on the side which is convenient but the divider has only two positions which is really not a serious problem at all. Very easy to remove and install onto the rack. The only issue I have is the loop for the tail lamp points a little towards the ground which reduces the distance of being visible so to compensate close the flap at a angle that points up a little, works fine.

Cons

Wish it had a pump holder on the inside but not a deal breaker.

Other Thoughts

Perfect for day rides were you have no services available, carrying a few extras is a big plus, for me it beats carrying a small back pack. I ride from early morning when it is very cool to hot conditions, so I use the extra space for clothing but you have to make choice selection of what you carry...it works for me.

Pros

The integrated rain sleeve is an excellent feature. Reflective stripes and the zippers are very well done. Good loop to connect a rear light. The bag is lightweight and insulating. Super high quality craftsmanship.

Cons

The only downside of this bag is its capacity. The side pockets are small and the main compartment, while expandable, is not very deep. It will hold a full size helmet with a few other small things.

Other Thoughts

This is an excellent bag for commuting. I might take it touring

Pros

Well designed for intermittent use and quick detach-attachment. Pretty spacious for a small bag. I especially like how it can expand, and yet the expansion billows are relatively concealed, in addition to the outside straps for tacking on even more stuff.

Cons

None, really.

Other Thoughts

Haven't had much opportunity to put it through the wringer, but the craftsmanship is apparent in the stitching and materials used for each component.

Stylish
Nice inside compartments
Very water resistant

Pros

Sturdy, well-constructed, low-profile, versatile for storage and mounting.

Cons

Having opening at back bottom (where velcro connects) sometimes is not ideal but, that' because I chose to mount it that way for access (but at speed, I fear something may fly out)

Other Thoughts

Haven't tested how good it insulates - if that works well, I will be very happy.

Pros

Can store quite a bit, I have used it for a couple of overnight rides, one was a 3 day 1000k ride around lake Ontario. Very easy to layer my clothing, made easy by the way the top opens up! Plus it will expand easily if needed. The rain cover does work very well too, I've used it on the final rainy 50 miles of a 200k brevet and nothing got wet!

The velcro/straps makes is easy to install, secure and remove. Lots of reflective material.

Cons

Zero!!!!!

Pros

Expands to accommodate larger loads with no extra zippers.
Built-in rain cover that is easy to deploy.
Handy outside pockets.
Handy inside mesh pockets.
Dual zipper main compartment top works well.
Insulated main compartment.

Cons

Kinda pricy, but you get what you pay for.

Other Thoughts

I use it on my every weekday commuter bike. It's held up well.

Pros

Nice shape; well constructed & functional (pockets, attachment points, etc.)

Cons

Aero shape of top means less volume and not a level surface for attachment of stuff on top.

Pros

The bag is well made and I especially like the internal mesh pockets along the sides as well as the two external pockets. The bag has less capacity than the old squarish bag that I've been using, but one reason I got it is to encourage myself to carry less stuff on these rides! It does have a unique way of spreading out sideways if you really want to stuff a lot into it, so maybe I won't notice the difference so much.

Cons

I recently bought a new compact hatchback car and found that the swoopy new styling with the tapered roofline means less cargo capacity than my old hatchback with the squared-off styling. The same goes for this bag: the streamlined design cuts down on the space, but is probably still adequate for most.

The only other criticism is that I'm not sure why they made the velcro attachment straps so long, especially in the rear where they stick up above the sides of the bag when it's mounted.

Pros

Nice shape & well-constructed. Attaches well.
Just getting into Arkel products recently so it's a step up in quality from the "basic" trunk bags we've been using.

Cons

None yet.

Other Thoughts

The uneven profile appears to cut volume some, but not certain that will be a detriment (or not).

Pros

perfect design

Cons

none

Other Thoughts

avid rider for 50 years...I have 3 MTB and 3 roadies.

Pros

Very well built using quality materials.

Other Thoughts

Served me well on a supported multiday ride. You hardly know it's behind you as you ride.
I will be looking at other Arkel bags, if I ever get panniers.