Moto Andalucía

Metal Mules

We had originally chosen Metal Mule panniers and frames many months before we started planning our Eurotrip. We liked the build quality, the ease of use (so, so easy to get on and off the bike, especially after a long day's ride). The guy's at Metal Mule don't just build adventure equipment - they are experienced adverturers themselves and know about needing equipment that performs.

However, with the budget being squeezed we were forced to find a lower cost option and we opted for Touratech. In truth, we were somewhat swayed by the experiences of Charley and Ewan on the Long Way Round, so, six weeks before our trip, we ordered two sets of frames and panniers for the XT's. The lead delivery time of 10-12 days was confirmed by email. But, as each week passed, with no news of a delivery date, it was becoming a worry. Flights were booked, babysitters had been arranged, bikes were prepped and we were all ready to leave - except we didn't have the panniers which were quite a fundamental part of the trip requirements!

To cut a very long (6 week) story short, Touratech UK let us down at the eleventh hour telling us just five days before our leaving date that they couldn't deliver!! We were gutted and the whole trip was put in jeapordy. Grasping at straws, we called Metal Mule on the Thursday morning to see if they had some panniers in stock. They didn't. They had the frames, but not the panniers.

But........ METAL MULE SAVED THE DAY!!!!

Metal Mule pulled out all the stops and fabricated the panniers over the next couple of days. They were sent out by courier on Saturday and arrived on Monday. Both bikes were prepped and ready complete with METAL MULE panniers ready for Alison flying in from Spain that evening. After such a terrible experience with Touratech UK, we now find ourselves thanking them for their unbelievably bad service because without it, we wouldn't have our Metal Mules.

Here's how they've performed for us.

Detailed report to follow, but in short, they are worth every penny!!

Some Technical Info from Metal Mule

STRONG AND SECURE

All fittings are designed with strength and security in mind. The lid is hinged along its entire length in stainless steel, whilst the stainless steel carrying handle is recessed and sprung. Security is provided with an internal cam lock and panniers can be provided with keys common only to your set. This convenient lock allows the lid to be closed but not locked – a great feature which enables the rider to remove items easily when required - but can also be closed and locked when the bike is unattended.

STRENGTH BUILT IN

Constructed in 2mm gauge aluminium, each pannier has double folded corners and an inverted tray bottom.

WATER AND DUST KEPT OUT – RATED IP65

The lipped lid sits down on a rubber seal. The seams are sandwiched with waterproofing tape, each rivet is individually sealed, and both the locks and handles are fitted with gaskets to create a barrier which is impervious to water. (Our panniers regularly get jet washed and yep, they're waterproof).

FINISHES

Panniers are available either in finished aluminium, anodised in silver or powder-coated in storm grey.
Anodising/ Powder-Coating – what’s the point?
Anodising/Powder-Coating is the process by which aluminium is protected from corrosion.

ANODISING

Stops the aluminium corroding and going dull.
Anodised panniers don’t leave your clothing with black marks, as often happens with unanodised aluminium.
Produces a quality, matt silver finish which is easy to maintain.
Looks great!

POWDER-COATING

Stops the aluminium corroding and going dull.
Powder-coated panniers don't leave your clothing with black marks, as often happens with unanodised aluminium.
Produces a durable, slightly-textured storm grey finish which is highly resistant to weather and wear.
Looks fantastic, the toughest finish out there!