Help me choose...racks & bags

[kerrybelle]

Ooh, I really like that idea. I was thinking a basket might be more usefull on my commute and the option of using the bag/panniers, is great.

I'll have to get over to the other LBS, since they have Trek.

[spotlightmama]

My DH just got the Topeak Explorer Rack (here) and the MTX Trunk Bag with Panniers (here).

The panniers just snap right on and are super easy to use. The material is not the highest quality by any means, but they seem pretty good and he is really happy with them. He has a 24-mile round-trip commute and was able to bring quite a bit of stuff with him. He's a teacher and these hold a ton of papers, too.

Good luck finding the right bags!

[CarbonCandy]

GLC, that basket is super amazing. We stock it and I've sold soooo many people on that thing with its easy on and off-ness. (The whole trek interchange thing in general) And yes you can use the panniers with the bag. I smiled as soon as I scrolled down the screen and saw that basket. It's my favorite

[kerrybelle]

I think I'm going to go with the Topeak explorer series. Since I'm on a budger, I'll start with the basket and get the expandable bag with panniers later.

The Trek system looks a little better, since it doesn't have the sliding track. I'm not sure it's worth the difference in price.

[uforgot]

I have both the Trek interchange system and the Topeak sliding rack system. I like them both, but I'm not sure what you mean by the Trek not having the sliding rack? The interchange system accessories snap on actually a little easier than the Topeak. You just push them in and snap the back. The Topeak you have to slide and then snap. The Trek rack also holds my basil basket that has a quick release as it is a little sturdier than the Topeak, and also doesn't have the track in the way. I like both systems. I got the Topeak rack because I wanted a smaller bag for my commuter bike, and the small bag I got only fits on Topeak racks. The Topeak bags are NOT interchangeable with other systems. They have no velcro attachments so they only go on the Topeak rack. The Trek interchange bag on the other hand can be put on racks other than the Trek one.

They're both very secure. I like the compactness and looks (HA...my bottom line!) of the Topeak, and the ease of the Trek.

Hope I didn't muddle your decision any more. Maybe you should go to a shop and compare?

[spotlightmama]

You do have to slide the bag on, but the Topeak panniers that DH has do have velcro strips at each corner to help secure the bag on. Maybe that's just these bags, though.

[kerrybelle]

I took the bag back to my LBS. They said they would take the beam rack back as well, but I can't use a traditional rack. They will order the Topeak beam rack and bag for me. I'm just concerned that the rack, where it locks in, will be too close to my saddle. They also have a basket that will lock in, but that poses the same dilemma.

I'm just bummed because I think the traditional rack would be better.

Maybe I need to start looking at something for my handlebars?

The saga continues......