Behind the scenes at Metal Mule
Dorset’s Metal Mule has been designing and manufacturing adventure panniers since 2007
At first glance you wouldn’t think Metal Mule panniers and Renntec grab rails have a lot in common. But both are made by the same Dorset company, Technical Tubes. “Renntec racks and Metal Mule frames are based on tubular componentry with brackets shaped and welded together,” says boss David Morley, who employs 32 people. “But the Metal Mule frames have to be much stronger due to the demands of adventure travel.” David recounts the origin of Metal Mule. “It was born from the exasperation of an around-theworld adventure rider called Paul Goulding,” he says. “In his travels, he became frustrated by inadequate pannier. Security was a big fear, durability another, as was keeping his kit dry and dust-free. So Paul developed his own boxes, which led to Metal Mule. As Technical Tubes I already owned Renntec, and used to do a bit of work for Paul, so we joined forces. I took it over two years ago.” One of the many things that sets Metal Mule panniers apart is that they’re riveted together, not welded. “If you think of an aircraft, it’s not welded,” says David. “The rivets allow the structure to flex and move, rather than fracture. Your panniers can whack a rock, but they won’t crack at the welds.” Along with waterproofing, dustproofing and armour-plate thickness, Metal Mule have earned a reputation as almost unbreakable. David is so confident, he gives his panniers and rails a lifetime warranty.
He has also kept Metal Mule moving forward, introducing an accessory system for bolt-on fuel cans and water bottles. “We’ve also upgraded the latch plate from plastic to aluminium. People ask why we make tweaks all the time because we already have a bulletproof product.
But you shouldn’t stand still.” David recognises one of the important aspects of round-theworld adventure panniers is that people get attached to them: “When they’re covered in stickers and have done so many miles and had adventures with you, it’s a shame to sell them when you get a new bike. So it’s important you can take your Metal Mules from bike to bike.”
As for the future, there’s plenty of scope for development. “We have some ideas around heritage scramblers,” hints David, suggesting he already has something special in the pipeline.