Commuting - Rack Packs

Has anyone used a rack pack? I frequently only partially fill one pannier but need more than my seatpost bag will hold and thought a rack pack might be a reasonably lightweight (and aerodynamic ;)) solution.

Any thoughts/recommendations?

Richard

Richard
I use the topeak expandable trunk bag and the topeak rack mule, I use this combination because I like the easy on, easy off bag mounting system, just slide the bag on the rail and it locks on the bike, just push a button and slide the bag off the rail and take it with you. No velcro straps or the chance of loosing the bag. Mine has been in daily use for years, year round and it's still in great condition. I have a topeak rack mule rack that can carry panniers while the trunk bag is mounted. The bag is expandable and has side pockets and a compartment in the top.
Pete

I bought this from Nashbar, http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=66&subcategory=1005&brand=&sku=6801&storetype=&estoreid= It is a pretty good bag with lots of room. I use it to carry my lunch and breakfast. Plenty of pockets and places to stash stuff. I paid the full price for mine. They have it on sale now for $19.99

My comments are basically the same as mrfix's. I have the same Topeak bag (QT Super Trunk Bag DX), and have the matching Topeak QR Beam Rack (seatpost mounted) on one bike, and the Topeak Super Tourist on the other.

The convenience and simplicty of the attachment system is unbeatable. The only reason I can think of for why a commuter wouldn't use this system is because they simply don't know about it. It makes so much more sense to me than a pannier. (ok, I guess you can't fit a full-sized laptop into it...though my Fujitsu P1100 fits perfectly!)

Even if you already have a rack and don't want to get a matching Topeak rack (though I'd highly recommend it), the design of the Topeak bag itself is excellent, and it can be attached to a standard rack. I keep my tools in the top pocket, wallet and keys in one of the side pockets, fill the insulated and padded main pocket with CDs, a shirt, and my lunch. And then it expands if I have to haul extra stuff. Like mrfix, I've used the bag daily for two years, it's still in great shape, and I often use it as a bag for activities and travel completely unrelated to the bike.

If you compare the weight of the luggage system/capacity, then a rack-top bag+rack compares poorly against a Carradice saddlebag. Saddlebags also have very good aerodynamics and carry the load close to the centre of gravity. You can also access the side-pockets when riding.
With a Brooks B17 you dont need any rack system. For saddles with no bag loops, Carradice make a quick-release seatpost mounting system.

I will also endorse the Topeak system. I've had my Super Trunk Bag DX and QR-Beam for 5 years and it's never failed me. I've used the QR-Beam while mountain biking a few times too although this is probably not advisable. The trunk bag is one of the best one's I've owned and the slide-lock system is very secure. Previously, I had an Avenir bag and always disliked the time it took to velcro the thing down. Quite a few times, I'd go to remove the bag and find one or more straps had come undone.

Thanks folks - the saddle bag or beam rack would be good solutions if I was getting rid of the rack, but I want the flexibility to use panniers some of the time. I'll look at the topeak bag though...

Richard

I picked up a heavy duty cloth bag a couple of years ago at REI that is made for gorcery bags. It is made by schwinn and has been ideal. It folds flat when not in use, has loop handles to carry to and from your bike that tuck inside and it mounts easily. It did fall off my rack once but when I got home I took some pliars to the metal hooks and now no problems. I think it cost around $40?