Hybrid Bicycles - Backpacks and Racks and Taillights

The hybridization of my Schwinn MTB is virtually complete. Two quick questions for others who have blazed the trail before me.

1) I've just added a rear Topeak Explorer rack. Ideally, I'd now add a storage accessory like one of the Topeak trunk bags, but they seem awkward for carrying when off the rack and I'd really like to save money by using my existing equipment. That equipment would be a backpack similar to http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_images/lgprod/PACK-121.jpg What is the best way to attach the bag to the rack while maintaining access to the pockets, controlling all the loose straps, stabilizing the load, preserving the backpack function, and making the on/off process as quick and easy as possible?

2) The Topeak rack has a place to attach a tail light. Naturally, this is set up for a Topeak tail light and my rear light is the generic clip in variety. How have other people solved this mounting issue (surely someone must have done this)?

If it was me - I'd just get the proper sized TIGHT Bungees. Lay it (backpack) on the rack, and bungee it down with 2 or 3 bungees.

Whatever you do, make sure that it is utterly reliable. Because if a strap comes lose and tangles in the wheel you'll almost certainly come off the bike in an instant. If there is excess strap material that might flap around, etc, I'd trim it away quite ruthlessly.

attach a milk crate to the rack.
put the backpack in the milk crate.

cyril

attach a milk crate to the rack.
put the backpack in the milk crate.

cyril

That'll never work. Too practical and not nearly complicated enough.

attach a milk crate to the rack.
put the backpack in the milk crate.


^^^This.

For a taillight,Planet Bike makes an accessory mount for their lights that should bolt straight on there. Lots of places carry them,or you can buy them off PB's own site.

I use a cargo net (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WY6ZXA/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=4104495865&ref=pd_sl_46eo7zidu2_b) that allows me to carry all sorts of oddly shaped items on my rear rack. I also have a tail light permanently attached to the rack so I won't wind up forgetting it.

You might really want to consider getting a trunk bag. I just got one today and was amazed on how small it is and how much it fits. This is the one I have (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1023681_-1_400031_400007_400103). (its on sale in the link I posted) I will also still have my backpack but it wont be overloaded. Here is a list of what I put in it and still have a little room to spare.
5'5" Kryptonite 1217 New York Chain with Evolution 4 Lock
2 spare 700c 35 tubes
tire pump
about 10 misc tools (screw driver, tire levers, allen wrenches, etc).

Now I can just bring my backpack when I am going to bring something home on my commute. Im not telling you what to do, I am just making sure you have considered all the options.


OH, It has a place to clip on your taillight which is a MAJOR plus.

1) I have the same rack on the back of my hybrid, and use a bungee cargo net from Sunlite to hold things down. It was less than $10 from Amazon.com (and I'm sure you can get similar products elsewhere).


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2) I mounted a red flasher onto the Topeak rack with zip ties. It's just one of those cheap flashers that you can get for around $5. What I did was open the case, and remove the tiny screws that attach the mounting bracket to the light. Then I drilled 4 small holes in the back of the light for some small zip ties. The zip ties pass underneat the batteries and the electronics...just be careful of how you position the holes/ties, so you don't get in the way of anything inside the light when you install the batteries. Worked out fine, and I can still easily remove the red lens to replace the batteries w/o having to clip off the zip ties.

Planet Bike's Superflash are great! So is the Nite Rider Cherrybomb. I don't know if they can be adapted to the pack - but I'd try - they are - IMHO - the best.