Recently turned an old mtb into a commuter with front and rear racks and can't find a trunk bag that isn't super dorky. Any of you seen anything stylish AND functional? Not interested in panniers.

Front and rear racks? Why not a pair of panniers?

And I don't know what you mean by dorky. Style-wise, what you consider "dorky" I might consider "functional."

My mtb commuter (camel) has front rack + low riders in front and a Topeak rack in the rear. The Topeak uses a dove-tailed system that works with their bags (though you can velcro/bungy anything). I really like the MTX bag and use it in my lighter and heaviest configurations. Explorer Rack I think the bag looks fine MTX Bag Been running mine for 5+ years.

I also have just installed a Topeak "Uni Super Tourist" rack and the Topeak MTX TrunkBag slides on the QuickTrack and locks into place.

I bought the model that has the ability to expand vertically. I think it looks more utilitarian, than dorky. Placing it on a bike certainly takes away from the sleek look, but it also provides 12.3 liters of storage.

I'll use panniers too, so I can carry a computer and extra clothing, etc.

Have used the Topeak Super Tourist rear rack, with the Topeak MTX Trunkbag DX 12L version. They have a sleeker 8L size of bag, along with a 16L one that has integral panniers that pop out if you want them. Not the lightest stuff around, but durable and very functional. I like them. Wish the latching mechanism had a positive-locking feature, though it seems to snap-to and remain attached to the rack just fine. Easily removed, carried along wherever you're walking to, and is quickly snapped back onto the rack.

I don't know what your definition of "super dorky" is but Topeak, Racktime, Ortlieb, Arkel and others make some very functional and decent looking bags. Also plenty of great manufacturers of saddle bags for bike packing which can work quite well. I highly recommend Oveja Negra (I have their half frame pack and it is awesome) but there are tons of makers in the U.S. and plenty that could do some custom stuff if you need specific things.

I, too, am puzzled by this question about "dorky." You're either going to be a bike commuter or you're going to let your imaginary perception about what other people think about your trunk bags ruin the whole experience for you.

Trust me, man. Nobody behind the wheel of a car or on another bike gives a sh-t about your trunk bags. Buy the Topeak system (I have the MTX DXP version for some extra room) and get out and ride. Life is too short and unpredictable to worry about kiddie stuff like "dorky" bags.

I have this one from Banjo Brothers. It's given me a decade of good service so far. It doesn't hold as much as some of the other bags, but it has a nice look to it.

Yet another vote for the Topeak, I run an RX bag, but it's kinda small (2.8l). I'd say the 8l MTX bag is a more useful size.

I left off using my trunk bag during my recent kid-seat era, and haven’t started again. The one I had was Avenir branded and seemed ok.

On my old steel roadies it would cause head shake when coasting downhill no-hands. Easily stopped, though

I knew "dorky" was going to trigger a few folks. Sorry for that! Also forgot to mention that I already have an Iberra rear rack, but not too impressed with styles/reviews I've seen of their bags, so I need something with universal fasteners. I'm being choosy, but if I wasn't, I'd be wasting my time asking the BF crowd, right?! Here are a couple of examples of my opinion of "dorky" vs "stylish". By the way, if you like dorky bags, I still love you! 😉


*Good*
This is actually my fav, so far. It's a bontrager bag and I'd like to support a smaller company/maker.

*Bad*
Too rigid. Asymmetrical. I want something more like a small duffel/large sling for carrying off the bike as well.

Half of the reason I started the thread, by the way, is because I hadn't seen this topic mentioned anywhere else, and have to believe that I'm not the only person looking for a more casual, edc type of trunk bag. Let's start a conversation!

Putting a rear rack on an otherwise sleek, nice looking bike is dorky to begin with. I am much more concerned with function than style. I have a (dorky) rack and bag that is large, and can carry what I need to commute with.

Bontrager is owned by Trek. Not exactly a small company.

That's what I meant. I'd rather find something similar, but made by a smaller company.

Wish they made one of these in a bigger size!

Really like my Arkel Tailrider, well made and well thought out, integrated rain cover is great. Pretty spacious too. Even with my wallet, phone, tools, a cable lock on board I can still fit 4 tall cans of beer and my rain coat strapped to the top.

I had a trunk bag to carry tools lunch that sort of thing but soon decided it was to small and I bought some panniers, if I get the urge to buy some adult beverages or gorcerys on the way home I need somewhere to put the stuff.