TOPEAK racks and bags

[Rick Harker]

Hi Guys,

Looking at dragging things with me for extended day trips on uncertain terrain with changing weather.

I've yet to come across reasonable, off the shelf, racks and bags. The Topeak MTX type of rack seams to be OK but am interested if any one has used one or alternatives such as the Rans or Bachetta slip on bags.

My main piece of cargo would be my SLR camera with a couple of lens' and dry clothing.

regards,

Rick

 

[JonB]

Rick Harker wrote: Looking at dragging things with me for extended day trips on uncertain terrain with changing weather.

I've yet to come across reasonable, off the shelf, racks and bags. The Topeak MTX type of rack seams to be OK but am interested if any one has used one or alternatives such as the Rans or Bachetta slip on bags.

My main piece of cargo would be my SLR camera with a couple of lens' and dry clothing.

I made extenders for my rack, but now i am not satisfied with the handling when i run the bike with load in the basket. It is more wobbly wobbly, and it doesnt corner as well.

I have been thinking about 2 solutions. Either buy a bag i can mount on the side. Something like http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/backpack/overview.asp?fl=1&site=eu or perhaps just a smaller basket mounted on the side where i can put my bag in it.

 

[Rick Harker]

Hi Jon,

Your bike is looking like a versatile utility vehicle. The one thing I don't want to induce is "wobble". I'm just getting the hang of riding smoothly.
The panniers you're relating to look great also. my initial thought is to hang them from a bracket under the seat. Looks like enough room. I'll get my tape measure out and check.

Regards,

Rick.

 

[JonB]

Rick Harker wrote: Hi Jon,

Your bike is looking like a versatile utility vehicle. The one thing I don't want to induce is "wobble". I'm just getting the hang of riding smoothly.
The panniers you're relating to look great also. my initial thought is to hang them from a bracket under the seat. Looks like enough room. I'll get my tape measure out and check.

Let us know how you mount the bracket, because i want something there as well.

 

[Flasharry]

JonB wrote:
I made extenders for my rack, but now i am not satisfied with the handling when i run the bike with load in the basket. It is more wobbly wobbly, and it doesnt corner as well.

It could be, with the extensions, your rack has lost its lateral stability and is wobbling side to side, causing the bike to wobble. I ride with a 13Kg 1yr old in a similar position, if not higher and I don't notice any wobble, unless he starts waving to the ducks or something.

A solidly mounted seat post rack may improve things for you, but you will have to bend it to clear the rear wheel on the V2. I tried to bend my aluminium rack cold and it snapped, so I had to wield it. I've had some light luggage on there and never noticed the difference, but I prefer to use a small rucksack on my front while it's still cold out there.

Cheers.
Stuart.

 

[JonB]

Flasharry wrote:

JonB wrote:
I made extenders for my rack, but now i am not satisfied with the handling when i run the bike with load in the basket. It is more wobbly wobbly, and it doesnt corner as well.

It could be, with the extensions, your rack has lost its lateral stability and is wobbling side to side, causing the bike to wobble. I ride with a 13Kg 1yr old in a similar position, if not higher and I don't notice any wobble, unless he starts waving to the ducks or something.

No, i dont think so. It is only wobbly when i put a heavy bag in it, and i think anything would be wobbly with something heavy so high up balancing on "sticks". It feels very stable in the end with my own extensions, where the other end allows alot more sideways movement if i force it by hand. I think it will help by getting the weight down on the sides.

I also think it is wobbly because i have the freerider. The handlebar is attached to the other end of the bike, and even grabbing the top of the seat, both are attached to each other quite low, so that will allow some sideways movement.

Flasharry wrote: A solidly mounted seat post rack may improve things for you, but you will have to bend it to clear the rear wheel on the V2. I tried to bend my aluminium rack cold and it snapped, so I had to wield it. I've had some light luggage on there and never noticed the difference, but I prefer to use a small rucksack on my front while it's still cold out there.

I tried that, but my rucksack is so big it gets uncomfortable, and it is varmer here already.

 

[Rick Harker]

Hi Guys,

Although Jon's rack is very good for its use. I would prefer one to be connected to the main frame. I intend to carry a small camera case with 2 or 3 extra lenses. These I don't want bouncing around with a rack attached to the wheels. Weight would be approx 4 kilos Max. The Topeak seatpost rack with medium sized bag would be about the right size although From other posts such as John T's and Stuart, carrying a weight such as a child is not a problem.
I've had 3 children over a period of 6 years in baby seats behind an upright bike and another 3 years with a tag a long and the only problem with those was my little girl who wanted to be an acrobat. Drove me nuts but she loved coming with me every where.
A cruzbike is a different matter and somewhat different geometries.

Stuart, did you use a quick release clamp?

Regards,

Rick.

 

[Flasharry]

I didn't buy a rack with a quick release clamp and wish i had, undoing the hex head bolt every time is a bit of a PITA.