Looking for expandable trunk

[CommuterChick]

a couple years ago my husband and I took a tour with Experience Plus, and we loved the pop-up, drop-down to panniers, expandable trunk we had for the tour -- and which we could buy for around $135, if we felt like paying for sporting their logo, which we didn't, although the tour was terrific. Trouble was, I haven't found that trunk. It had bungee cords on top, numerous pockets. a popup expandable top and drop down sides.

The Axion Columbus does seem to be a possibility -- anybody have experience with this? I don't really care about the insulating feature, I just want more room to accommodate more clothes as temps fluctuates, farmers market finds, etc.

http://www.axiomgear.com/products/ge...runk/columbus/

Thanks for any and all input!

[Tri Girl]

I don't have an Axiom, but have a Topeak trunk bag that I just love. I had to buy the rack to go with it, but it was worth it (easy push button on and off- no velcro straps). they have ones that expand a whole lot more than mine. It has bungee straps on the top, and the top expands. Mine doesn't have the panniers that fold down on the sides, but they make them that do. I LOVE this bag. Don't know if you want to buy a new rack, tho, or not.

This is mine:
http://topeak.com/products/Bags/RXTrunkBagEX



If you don't HAVE to have a pop up top bag, I have an REI commuter rack trunk. It has drop down pannier sides and a rain cover (but no pop up top). It's in my pile to put it on eBay, but if you're interested let me know.

It's like this:
http://www.rei.com/product/780461

[CommuterChick]

Thanks for the offer, Tri Girl, but I'll take a pass on the REI model, I'm really sold on the bungee cord on top for fast jamming top layers as it warms up. That's a ncie offer, tho', I had to think about it awhile. The model I used on the rental also had a shoulder strap so I could quickly carry it inside when we stopped, which I thought was a good safety feature. At the time it was velcro fasteners, although I suppose a different rack would be OK. I'm fine with velcro fasteners, they're not tough.

Am I missing something re velcro vs. quick release rack?

[pinkbikes]

I have a topeak one as well. It is possibly similar to the one you had on your tour. This is a link to the same model as I have (but newer than mine - wasn't quite as flashy with the embossed branding on the sides and mesh pocket on the top when I bought mine - just the bungee cord)...

http://topeak.com/products/Bags/MTXTrunkBagDXP

It does have velcro loops but really they are only for added security. The bottom of the bag has a plastic track on it that slides into a matching track on the topeak racks. The yellow thing you can see at the end locks onto the rack. It is all very secure really. Then the side pockets unzip and flip down and hook onto the rack to make the panniers. The top has an expanding section and a bungee cord on top to hold your jacket or other clothing you discard!

I have been very happy with the topeak bag. I took it with me on a ten day tour last year (and will again this year) and have also used it when commuting (an A4 folder of work fits in the pannier). It has the shoulder strap so you can just slide it off the rack and walk away with it over your shoulder.

[Tri Girl]

I didn't know how much I would love the rack track sliding thing until I got it. I LOVE it. Velcro isn't that difficult, but the QR is really, really nice. When I commute or run errands with it, I just slide it off, throw it over my shoulder with the shoulder strap, and I'm off. I don't think you can go wrong with Topeak- lots of different models. I would like to upgrade to the one that pinkbikes has with the drop down panniers- so I can cram more stuff in.

I think the Axiom bag looks great, too. Might just be whatever one you think looks "sexier" on your bike.

[7rider]

Trek sells one.

I've never used this particular one, but do have a Trek trunk rack which I like. The upside of the Trek is, your local Trek dealer (assuming you have one reasonably close by) could have one in stock, so you can go and kick the tires, so to speak.

[SadieKate]

Have you looked through DeTours bags? Their products are extremely well designed and very high quality.

http://www.detours.us/index.php

[CommuterChick]

Hey everyone, thanks for the input. SadieKate, I'd never heard of DeTours, always great to have new resources. 7Rider, you may have hit the jackpot with the Trek one, that looks just like what I remember! And it's not rack specific, which is great (and saves me some $) We have a Trek store down the street, and another one in Boulder, about a ten mile ride. It's about the same size as the Axiom, costs a little bit more, but the Axiom had that insulated lining. Neither has a rain cover, which would be nice.

Hmmmmmm, choices, choices......

[GreatPaws]

This is a great thread!

I only have 7 miles to commute. I was wondering if anyone with an XS frame bike has had trouble mounting a rack. If so, are there particular brands that might fit better. One LBS said they might have to bend the frame to make it fit

Second, if I'm just needing a change of clothes for the office (shoes, top, skirt, makeup, etc) what size bad do I need? These look great but HUGE! Do I need ones that have sides that "drop down" ? Is that easier or harder to ride with?

Has anyone on an xs frame have trouble with hitting their heels on the bag that hangs down?

Sorry for all the crazy questions, I'm just so excited...

And tri girl, what color is your bag? I don't think I want a pop up top...would you contact me if you're still parting with it?

[PscyclePath]

The Axion Columbus does seem to be a possibility -- anybody have experience with this? I don't really care about the insulating feature, I just want more room to accommodate more clothes as temps fluctuates, farmers market finds, etc.

http://www.axiomgear.com/products/ge...runk/columbus/

Thanks for any and all input!

I've got an Axciom Columbus that I've used for about a year and a half now. I really like it, as far as its convenience in putting it on and taking it off the bike, as well as what you can stash in it.

The panniers are a little small for full touring purposes, but it works well for me for commuting and generally running around the community. For example I can stash a change of clothing (jeans, socks, shirt, and underwear) in one side of it, and have the other pannier to pack other stuff, as well as what I've got in the rack trunk itself. The bungee cords on topare very handy to stash a sweater or jacket, as well as just about anything else you'd try to stick under there. Mine was about $69 or so, but I use it just about every ride with my commuters. It zips right on and off the rack with 4 sturdy velcro straps, and has two small hooks that will clip and hold the bottom ends of the panniers.

[Kris]

Yes to both of your questions. I just got a rack for my hybrid a couple of weeks ago. The LBS guy added some pieces of metal to make it fit. Since I bought it there, he did it for no charge. I did hit the panniers with my heels the first time I rode, and since they were empty, they wen't flying. If I mount them as far back on the rack as they will go, I don't hit them.