Jekyll2021-07-10T10:28:38+00:00https://odd-one-out.serek.eu/Odd One OutMy blog about geeky projectsPoul Serekhttps://Ox3.serek.eu/about/Fahrer Panel Bags review2017-09-08T00:00:00+00:002017-09-08T08:29:30+00:00https://odd-one-out.serek.eu/reviews/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review
<p><img src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-feature.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>I was lucky enough to get the Bullitt Panel Bags at a reduced price from <a href="http://www.fahrer-berlin.de" rel="nofollow">fahrer-berlin.de</a>. It is a set of bags that sits in an otherwise unused space behind the main cargo area of the Danish Bullitt cargo bike.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-bags.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-bags.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>Fahrer Panel Bag - Two practical bags for the Danish Bullitt cargo bike</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The bags are waterproof and rather large. I was surprised on how much stuff I could carry with room to spare.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-Content.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-Content.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
</figure>
<p>The bicycle pump and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001SMSUNI/" rel="nofollow" data-amazon-asin="[us][ca][uk][de][es][it][fr]B001SMSUNI">Kryptonite New York Noose Chain 1275 and Evolution Disc Lock</a> takes up the room in one pocket and the rest is in the other pocket.</p>
<p>In the front inside the main cargo area there is a large mesh pocket which is practical for storing flat items or empty shopping bags.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-bags-mesh-pocket.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-bags-mesh-pocket.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>Mesh pocket in the main cargo area</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>One might wonder why I need two bags on a cargo bike with plenty of storage in the main cargo area. The truth is I like it tidy and a clean main cargo area. The other thing I noticed is when I left my Kryptonite New York Noose 1275 loose in the main cargo area, the whole chain rattled loudly when riding over an uneven surface. When left in one of the small panel bags, I heard nothing. Each bag also have two straps to tighten the bag to keep everything in place and rattle free.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-bags-velcro.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-bags-velcro.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>Velcro strap to keep items in place</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Installation was straightforward and easy using the supplied instructions. I stopped only once to consider if I really had to tighten two screws through the front mesh pocket… and I did!</p>
<figure class="gallery-2-col">
<a href="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-install-01.jpg"><noscript><img src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-install-01.jpg" /></noscript><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-install-01.jpg" alt="To mount the panel bag..." class="lazyload fade-in" /></a>
<a href="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-install-02.jpg"><noscript><img src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-install-02.jpg" /></noscript><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-install-02.jpg" alt="... one needs to use a screwdriver through the mesh pocket." class="lazyload fade-in" /></a>
<figcaption>To mount the panel bag one needs to use a screwdriver through the mesh pocket.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It should be compatible with the HOOD cargo bag which I review earlier <a href="/reviews/bullitt-hood-001-review/">here</a> and it is fully compatible with the <a href="http://shop.larryvsharry.com/shop/accessories/bbx-side-panel-kit-race-green.html" rel="nofollow">BBX Side Panel Kit</a> from Harry vs Larry.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-compatible-with-side-kit.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-compatible-with-side-kit.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>The Panel Bags are compatible with the BBX Side Panel Kit from Harry vs Larry</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With the <a href="http://shop.larryvsharry.com/shop/accessories/childseat.html" rel="nofollow">foldable seat</a> it is still possible to use the panel bags, but without access to the front mesh pockets and without using the bottom screws.</p>
<figure class="gallery-2-col">
<a href="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-seat-01.jpg"><noscript><img src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-seat-01.jpg" /></noscript><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-seat-01.jpg" alt="The lower mounting screw of the foldable seat is too big to go through the from mesh pocket. The solution is to not use this for the panel bags." class="lazyload fade-in" /></a>
<a href="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-seat-02.jpg"><noscript><img src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-seat-02.jpg" /></noscript><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review-seat-02.jpg" alt="The missing bottom screws does not affect the usability of the panel bags." class="lazyload fade-in" /></a>
<figcaption>The lower mounting screw of the foldable seat is too big to go through the from mesh pocket. The solution is to not use this for the panel bags. The missing bottom screws does not affect the usability of the panel bags.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>To sum it up, it is the best purchase I have made this year for my cargo bike! 129 euro might be too steep for some, but for that price you get a two practical weatherproof panel bags and a mesh pocket in front. Compared to other accessories for the Bullitt cargo bike, that is in the lower end of the price scale.</p>
<h2 id="pros">Pros</h2>
<ul>
<li>Practical large bags</li>
<li>Weather proof</li>
<li>Takes up otherwise unused space on the cargo bike</li>
<li>Handy mesh pocket</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="cons">Cons</h2>
<ul>
<li>Price</li>
<li>Minor confusion during installation</li>
<li>Less than optimal compatibility with the foldable seat</li>
</ul>
<div class="btn--group">
<a href="https://www.fahrer-berlin.de/en/bullit/panel-bags/panel-bags/a-208/" class="btn" rel="nofollow">Buy from Fahrer-berlin.de</a>
<a href="http://shop.larryvsharry.com/shop/accessories/fahrer-panel-bags.html" class="btn" rel="nofollow">Buy from Larry vs Harry</a>
</div>
<p><a href="https://odd-one-out.serek.eu/reviews/fahrer-berlin-panel-bags-review/" rel="nofollow">Fahrer Panel Bags review</a> was originally published on Odd One Out.</p>
Poul Serekhttps://Ox3.serek.eu/about/Fahrer Panel Bags review - they should come as standard on any Bullitt cargo bike!HOOD 001 cargo bag review2016-05-23T00:00:00+00:002016-05-22T22:31:45+00:00https://odd-one-out.serek.eu/reviews/bullitt-hood-001-review
<p><img src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-feature.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>I was lucky enough to get the Bullitt Hood 001 at a reduced price from <a href="http://www.fahrer-berlin.de">fahrer-berlin.de</a>. This is basically a permanently attached weatherproof bag for the Bullitt cargo bike that can be collapsed when not needed. The Hood 002 is the same bag, just in red. The cargo bag is attached as a backplate using four screws. When the Hood 001 cargo bag is attached and collapsed, it only takes up 3 centimetres of space and keeps most of the cargo area free.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-closed.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-closed.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>Hood 001 cargo bag in closed condition. It takes up about 3 cm when closed</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bullitt is designed around the standard Danish moving box, which is not standard at all. Depending in the thickness of the cardboard, these fluctuate in size and I have seen lengths of 60, 67, and 70 centimetres. The 3 centimetres the Hood 001 adds is therefore enough to prevent using the largest Danish moving box which at 70 centimetres. However, most moving boxes are only 67 centimetres long or less and these fit perfectly.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-movingbox.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-movingbox.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>The Bullitt is designed for the Danish moving box, but the Bullitt adds 3 cm when closed and this means that the there is not enough room for the largest moving box at 70 centimetres. Moving boxes of 67 centimetres or below should fit just fine.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>One can always store the moving box the other way, but then the Bullitt is no longer slim. To expand the cargo bag, one just have to unzip the bag and using a simple strap attach it around the front of the Bullit cargobike.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-strap.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-strap.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>The Hood 001 cargo bag is secured to the front using a simple strap around the honeycomb board</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This does not take that long once you have tried it a few times, the video below is my fifth try. It takes about a minute to expand or collapse the bag.</p>
<div class="responsive-video-container"><iframe width="640" height="360" data-src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/tPfm1cy7SnQ?showinfo=0" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" class="lazyload"></iframe></div>
<p>The bag is not a 100% snug fit on my bike, there is a small gap between the bag and the front of the bike. This is not a practical problem, it would just look better with a snug fit. I have asked Fahrer-berlin.de why this gap exists and they say you need the gap to retighten the bag. The bag slightly expands with the time of use and when it is wet so the fit will be better over time. Lastly the new versions of these bags have a smaller gap from the start.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-gap.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-gap.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>The cargobag is not a perfect fit, there is a small gap between the bag and the honeycomb board</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The top can also be rolled up on the side to have an open bag.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-open.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-open.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>The top of the Hood 001 can be rolled up on the side.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A minor detail is the mesh pocket on the back panel for storage and four small rings for securing content using straps (not included). The straps and minor content can be left in the bag even when in a collapsed state.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-hooks-for-straps.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/bullitt-hood-001-review-hood-hooks-for-straps.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>Four small hooks can be used for securing content with straps.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ultimately, I really like this bag and have used it more than I thought I would. I am sure that the <a href="http://shop.larryvsharry.com/shop/accessories/bbx-side-panel-kit-race-green.html">BBX Side Panel Kit</a> from Harry vs Larry is more durable and in some ways more practical, but the Hood 001 is 65 euro cheaper and more flexible. In a collapsed state I have transported odd sized cargo that would have been difficult with the side kit and I have used the cargo area as a chair when taking a break since there are no side panels in the way. After I switched to max length of 67 centimetres moving boxes I could also fit these in the bike. The Hood 001 is also half the weight compared to the BBX Side Panel Kit, 2 kg vs 3.8 kg. Like all Bullitt accessories, my biggest issue with this bag is the price. At 289 euro it is expensive, but the only other alternative is the <a href="http://shop.larryvsharry.com/shop/accessories/bbx-side-panel-kit-race-green.html">BBX Side Panel Kit</a> at 354 euro.</p>
<h2 id="pros">Pros</h2>
<ul>
<li>Lightweight</li>
<li>Weatherproof</li>
<li>Easy and fast to expand and collapse the bag</li>
<li>Small back pocket inside the bag and rings to secure content</li>
<li>Still able to transport odd size stuff in a collapsed state</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="cons">Cons</h2>
<ul>
<li>Unable to fit very large (70cm) moving boxes when in closed state</li>
<li>The price is quite high for what it is</li>
<li>Not as durable as the BBX Side Panel Kit</li>
<li>There is a small gap between the bag and the front of the bike</li>
</ul>
<div class="btn--group">
<a href="http://www.fahrer-berlin.de/en/bullit/hood/hood-schwarz/a-207/" class="btn" rel="nofollow">Buy from Fahrer-berlin.de</a>
<a href="http://shop.larryvsharry.com/shop/accessories/fahrer-hood.html" class="btn" rel="nofollow">Buy from Larry vs Harry</a>
</div>
<p><a href="https://odd-one-out.serek.eu/reviews/bullitt-hood-001-review/" rel="nofollow">HOOD 001 cargo bag review</a> was originally published on Odd One Out.</p>
Poul Serekhttps://Ox3.serek.eu/about/HOOD 001 cargo bag reviewNonda USB-C to USB 3.0 Mini Adapter review2016-04-01T00:00:00+00:002016-04-01T20:42:26+00:00https://odd-one-out.serek.eu/reviews/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review
<p><img src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-feature.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>I was lucky enough to get a review sample from <a href="http://www.nonda.co" rel="nofollow">Nonda</a> of their tiny USB-C USB 3.0 adapter, which was very lucky since I was in dire need of one when I recently bought the new retina MacBook with only a single USB-C port. While I am still waiting for their <a href="https://www.nonda.co/products/hub-mini-usb-c-hub-for-apple-macbook-12-inch">Hub+</a> solution I am using these inexpensive adapter to convert my old USB-A cables to USB-C.</p>
<!-- Affiliate disclamer removed because of GDPR and removal of affiliate links -->
<div class="notice"><h3>Disclaimer</h3>This post contains links to Amazon where I get a small commission if you purchase anything after clicking on these links - at no extra cost to you! But only if you have explicitly consented to this. I have purchased all the mentioned products myself and I only link to products that I believe are the best for my readers. If you want to help out even more, take a look <a href="/support/">here</a>.</div>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-closeup.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-closeup.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>Nonda USB-C to USB 3.0 Mini Adapter closeup, attached to a standard USB-A type cable</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The size and premium feel of the adapter is excellent compared to the original <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VU2OID2/" rel="nofollow" data-amazon-asin="[us]B00VU2OID2[de][uk]B00VUKLYCM">Apple USB-C to USB Adapter</a> which I am using now.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-vs-apple.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-vs-apple.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>Nonda USB-C to USB 3.0 Mini Adapter compared to Apples adapter</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Both adapters feel solidly built, but the aluminium of the Nonda adapter just feels more of a premium product. The size is also great as it does not take up much space in my coat pocket and does not get entangled in my earphone cables like my original Apple adapter did a few times.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-indicator-light-up.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-indicator-light-up.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>Indicator light facing up</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The adapter has an indicator light that is always on as long as there is power in the USB port. While I was very quick to dismiss this feature as a gimmick and found it annoying at first, I have now found it a nice reminder that a cable is attached to the computer so I remember to take it out. If the light is too much the adapter can be turned around so the indicator faces downward.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-indicator-light-down.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-indicator-light-down.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>Indicator light facing down</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This might be the only potential issue with the adapter I could find, you have to remember to turn the adapter the correct way when plugging it in to get a consistent indicator light experience. If you are like me and don’t really care it is not an issue, either way there is enough light for me to notice that a cable is plugged in.
When plugging the adapter into the USB-C, you need to make sure that you plug it all the way in, you will hear a click. The indicator light will light up before the adapter is fully inserted so don’t let that fool you.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-not-fully-inserted.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-not-fully-inserted.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>The adapter is not fully inserted, there is a small gap between the laptop and the adapter</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-fully-inserted.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-fully-inserted.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>The adapter is fully inserted, there is no gap between the laptop and adapter</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The adapter comes in 3 colours, space grey, gold and classic silver. While the colours do not matter much to me, it does look great which matching aluminium next to my space grey retina MacBook.</p>
<figure>
<noscript><img src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-3-colors.jpg" /></noscript>
<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="/assets/images/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review-3-colors.jpg" alt="" class="lazyload fade-in" />
<figcaption>3 colours available to mach the possible 12 inch Retina MacBook colours: Space gray, gold and silver</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>For only 10 USD compared to 19 USD for the Apple adapter, it is a bargain!</p>
<h2 id="pros">Pros</h2>
<ul>
<li>Small and portable</li>
<li>Inexpensive</li>
<li>Indicator light</li>
<li>Premium feel & quality</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="cons">Cons</h2>
<ul>
<li>Indicator light only on one side</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015Z7XGLW/" class="btn" rel="nofollow" data-amazon-asin="{de}{uk}{us}{es}{it}{fr}{ca}B015Z7XGLW">Buy from Amazon</a></p>
<p><a href="https://odd-one-out.serek.eu/reviews/nonda-usb-c-usb-3-0-mini-adapter-review/" rel="nofollow">Nonda USB-C to USB 3.0 Mini Adapter review</a> was originally published on Odd One Out.</p>
Poul Serekhttps://Ox3.serek.eu/about/Nonda USB-C to USB 3.0 Mini Adapter review