$15 racks aren't as sturdy and can't hold as much weight - that's why they're $15. Even if my needs at the moment don't dictate the need to use other Topeak attachments, they might in the future and I don't like to double spend my money. Topeak has a lot of bags and attachments that I could end up using in the future and this rack gives me those options - even if their basket is a piece of junk.