Help me choose...racks & 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......

[KnottedYet]

Why can't you use a regular rack? Did the LBS say why?

Looking at the pic of your bike on the specialized website, it appears to have eyelets for a rack and fenders. (or at least, two eyelet-looking thingies down near the rear hub, one pair for a fender, and one pair for a rack.) And braze-ons for front and rear racks. Granted, the rear braze-ons are a bit lower than average for the top stays of a regular rack, but they look usable with the bendy stays you can get these days.

[uforgot]

Why can't you use a regular rack? Did the LBS say why?

Looking at the pic of your bike on the specialized website, it appears to have eyelets for a rack and fenders. (or at least, two eyelet-looking thingies down near the rear hub, one pair for a fender, and one pair for a rack.) And braze-ons for front and rear racks. Granted, the rear braze-ons are a bit lower than average for the top stays of a regular rack, but they look usable with the bendy stays you can get these days.

I'm wondering too? I've had the Trek rack installed on
1)Trek 7.1fx
2)Nishiki mixte
3)Raleigh Step through
4)Surly Cross Check

The Trek bag wouldn't fit under my Nishiki's seat, so that's why I ordered the itty bitty Topeak.

Seems there aren't too many that they won't go on. Have your lbs help you. Like knotted said, there are different stays and they have to bend. It either hooks to the center bar or to your rack braze-ons.