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Topeak OS Tubular Rack w/ U-Lock

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Topeak OS Tubular Rack w/ U-Lock

Old 04-08-08, 12:48 PM
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Topeak OS Tubular Rack w/ U-Lock

I couldn't find much information the Topeak OS Tubular Rack w/ U-Lock.

It seems like a pretty handy design. Anyone here use this? What's the quality on the lock, can it be replaced with another? Does it attach firmly to the rack?

Thanks.
 
Old 04-08-08, 03:39 PM
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I'm not a fan of side keyed U locks
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Old 04-08-08, 03:53 PM
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I like it, I'd use the lock for my front wheel and use my mini bulldog for the rear and whatever I'm locking to.

I actually really like that!
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Old 04-08-08, 06:59 PM
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I have this rack, the lock is quite snug in mine (almost too tight) and to put it back, the lock part can't be on it (I squeeze the ends of the U a little, it's that snug). The reflector latch is usually too loose or too tight, I still haven't gotten it just right, but I love the mtx system. The rack itself is quite sturdy.

There's my review, but in the end, I like it.
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Old 04-09-08, 08:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Raiyn
I'm not a fan of side keyed U locks
Why not?

Originally Posted by tolookah
There's my review, but in the end, I like it.
How does the lock fit into the rack? I'm guessing a wire shelf, but I can't tell from the photos. Does the latch or the lock rattle?

Thanks.
 
Old 04-09-08, 10:10 AM
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from another thread

Originally Posted by Pepper Grinder
I'll warn you now though, the quick release lever is apt to break if you torque it down too hard. It's really kinda junky. I tighten the lever down just enough so it doesn't rattle around and unscrew itself. To really hold down the lock and prevent it from rattling about, I use mini bungee cords (20 for $3 from walmart, really handy little things too!)

pics:





Anymore questions, let me know.

The rack comes with a rear red reflector, a rear light mount thinger (visible in pics), and a rear mount thing with holes spread far apart (for european lights or something). The rear light mount you see in the pics is a piece of plastic screwed to the QR lever with a slot to clip a light onto. Good, highly visible position for a light.
I've since broken the light mount and had to attach my own mount to one of the rack support legs. The included lock fits perfectly, but other locks don't fit it unless I get lucky and they have the exact same dimensions.

Also, the lock tends to rattle, even with the mini bungees. I think I have to upgrade to full size bungees.

All in all, for the $27 I paid (yay clearance!), I'm quite happy with it, even with its little quirks.

Last edited by Pepper Grinder; 04-09-08 at 10:16 AM.
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Old 04-09-08, 08:17 PM
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I have this rack and I am quite pleased with it. 2 things I'd have liked them to do better:

My tail reflector came off a few times, when I tried to unlatch the U-Lock and now the plastic threads in the reflector have worn out. I attached a small metal piece to the metal latch and a rear blinkie to the other end of the metal piece. Now, when I try to unlatch, the blinkie is still 2+" away from my fingers. I left a message for their distributor: Todson Inc. I got a call next day and they said that they would ship me a replacement. I hope to get it by this weekend.

As mentioned by others, the lock does rattle (though not that bad that I can't stand it) - I got some velcro from REI and tied it tightly to all 4 corners of the rack.

I was told by the LBS that this rack is rated for max: 40 lbs, though I don't see myself carrying anything more than 25 lbs.

Cheers,
-- ravi
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Old 04-12-08, 10:58 AM
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This was really the rack I wanted when I was rack shopping, but couldn't find anywhere. Looks like they're about to stop making it. Having the integrated storage for the lock looked nice, but I wondered if it would accommodate my heavy OnGuard lock.
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Old 04-12-08, 11:19 AM
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I have that rack and the lock came with 2 locking ends...one had the round key and the other a x-type key. Replaced the small reflector with a bigger one...pretty universal fit/standard, the holes lined up and had the locator pin molded in, so no mods necessary. Mine doesn't rattle, but the lock holding half-tubes are on the tight side. Use it mostly to lock the frame and front wheel together and have an Onguard Beast to lock the rear to a post/bike rack.
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Old 04-15-08, 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by shreekanth
I have this rack and I am quite pleased with it. 2 things I'd have liked them to do better:

My tail reflector came off a few times, when I tried to unlatch the U-Lock and now the plastic threads in the reflector have worn out. I attached a small metal piece to the metal latch and a rear blinkie to the other end of the metal piece. Now, when I try to unlatch, the blinkie is still 2+" away from my fingers. I left a message for their distributor: Todson Inc. I got a call next day and they said that they would ship me a replacement. I hope to get it by this weekend.

As mentioned by others, the lock does rattle (though not that bad that I can't stand it) - I got some velcro from REI and tied it tightly to all 4 corners of the rack.

I was told by the LBS that this rack is rated for max: 40 lbs, though I don't see myself carrying anything more than 25 lbs.

Cheers,
-- ravi
I got the replacement form Todson Inc. yesterday.
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Old 04-16-08, 09:47 AM
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We use this rack on my son's bike and it is super convenient when he rides to school -- no forgetting the lock. I doubt this lock is great for high crime areas, since it seems a little flimsier than regular Kryptonite locks. I doubt that the rack would hold a different lock unless you trial fit a bunch. It might be possible to bend the rack a little bit, but I wouldn't bet it would be easy. The rack seems to handle any load we have put on it without a problem.
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