“In search of a new rack trunk"
Originally Posted by
no1mad
Not going to pay to 'convert' to the QR types (Topeak, Racktime), but also don't want the attachment straps to be velcro, either. I'd prefer something with buckles. Doesn't have to be water tight, nor overly large. Just big enough to take the bike specific gear out of my backpack- lights when not in use, batteries for said lights, gloves, safety vest, safety goggles that I plan to get that fit over my glasses.
Any ideas?
Originally Posted by
no1mad
Found
one that doesn't use Velcro, but kinda spendy...
I’m curious as to why you don’t want Velcro straps. Velcro allergy?
I have a Jandd bag that I bought about five years ago mainly because it looked suitable and was reasonably priced, maybe about $50 or so, and has Velcro straps. These are very convenient to switch the bag between my two bikes. Is the strength of the straps an issue? I'm well known to carry a lot in my trunk bag, and the straps hold well.
Originally Posted by
freedomrider1
Jim,I thought you had everything you needed in that huge bag on the back of your bike.
Originally Posted by
Louis
...And the portable martini kit. What the hell, man, he's ready now.
For reference, I’d like to mention a couple of special features of trunk bags to consider, that are not on my trunk bag. First is an attached rain cover since the bag itself is not totally waterproof. A reliable substitute for me is a large plastic shopping bay (the environmentally unfriendly kind) of a fairly heavy guage plastic, with carrying handle loops. It should be just large enough to go over the bag, and the loops can be secured by the Velcro straps. It works for me even in drenching rain and I've never had problems with the wind tearing off the bag.
A second nice feature is a lightweight drop down pannier bag especially for carrying extra clothing for the vagaries of temperature and weather. I usually secure my bag from tilting with a bungee cord, and when ithe bag is stuffed, I clinch the extra clothing under the bungee cord. I have to be very careful to make sure sleeves and leggings are tightly stowed so they don't drape over into my wheel.
Also, FYI, see this concurrent thread on the commuter forum, “Luggage Rack favorite?”
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-Rack-favorite
BTW, I also wear safety goggles over my eyeglasses for winter riding. They are the best and keep me clear-eyed and fogged-free in into the single digit degrees F, even breathing hard going uphill.
