All These Different Rack Mounting Systems
05-13-21, 08:09 PM
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All These Different Rack Mounting Systems
Hello there. I am a very casual bicycler with a Trek 820. It currently has a Bontrager BackRack with Interchange mounting. This is convenient for the little trunk I frequently install and remove, but I've noticed they (Trek/Bontrager) are pushing a new system called MIK. Now Interchange, as I understand, was exclusive to Trek. But MIK seems to be multi-vendor. And that, to me, means more options from more companies.
I was about to immediately switch over to MIK, but it seems like there are a plethora of other options. Topeak has something called MTX QuickTrack. And then there's Racktime. But it seems like MIK and Racktime bottom plates are interchangeable? So if I get a Racktime bag, I can swap the plate out for a MIK one and vice-versa?
Do any of these systems have a clear advantage? Does anyone see a single system becoming dominant in the future?
Because it's not Interchange. Going by their website, Bontrager wants you to forget all about it.
I was about to immediately switch over to MIK, but it seems like there are a plethora of other options. Topeak has something called MTX QuickTrack. And then there's Racktime. But it seems like MIK and Racktime bottom plates are interchangeable? So if I get a Racktime bag, I can swap the plate out for a MIK one and vice-versa?
Do any of these systems have a clear advantage? Does anyone see a single system becoming dominant in the future?
Because it's not Interchange. Going by their website, Bontrager wants you to forget all about it.
05-14-21, 08:40 AM
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Buy something (rack and bag[s]) that works for you and use it until it's worn out. Then get something new and keep riding.
Although I'll note that my Tubus rack and Ortlieb panniers are doing fine after their first decade, and replacements for both are easy to find. Initially they were expensive, but since they've continued working for a long time, the cost per year has dropped below their predecessors.
Although I'll note that my Tubus rack and Ortlieb panniers are doing fine after their first decade, and replacements for both are easy to find. Initially they were expensive, but since they've continued working for a long time, the cost per year has dropped below their predecessors.
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05-15-21, 09:32 AM
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Buy something (rack and bag) that works for you and use it until it's worn out. Then get something new and keep riding.
Although I'll note that my Tubus rack and Ortlieb panniers are doing fine after their first decade, and replacements for both are easy to find. Initially they were expensive, but since they've continued working for a long time, the cost per year has dropped below their predecessors.
Although I'll note that my Tubus rack and Ortlieb panniers are doing fine after their first decade, and replacements for both are easy to find. Initially they were expensive, but since they've continued working for a long time, the cost per year has dropped below their predecessors.
pdlamb pretty much sums up EVERYTHING in cycling accessories these days by saying "Buy something that works for you and use it until it's worn out. Then get something new and keep riding." I may even have a t-shirt made up with that saying.
Last edited by Papa Tom; 05-15-21 at 07:06 PM.
05-15-21, 12:40 PM
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MIK seems to be the new standard. Several manufacturers sell a "MIK compatible" rack. Who knows how long it will stick.
The MIK is a bit cleaner that the Topeak MTX when the bag is off.
Either of these systems will cost minimum $200. I'll stick with my current rack and velcro attached bag that has served my well for thousands of miles.
The MIK is a bit cleaner that the Topeak MTX when the bag is off.
Either of these systems will cost minimum $200. I'll stick with my current rack and velcro attached bag that has served my well for thousands of miles.
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05-15-21, 08:42 PM
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I'm happy with my $30 Eco Rack and Axiom panniers and expect them to last a very long time.
Basically, what everyone else is saying. Use it until it wears out then buy something else.
Basically, what everyone else is saying. Use it until it wears out then buy something else.
05-15-21, 10:05 PM
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Another Ortleib fan. I went to their panniers in 1999. Smalls used on LowRider front racks. 10 years later I set them aside and bought a new pair that dropped right on the same rack. Got new hardware for the old panniers and set them up as rears. Now, I've lost a shim or two and a couple of bags have loose fits and are noisy but work just fine. With a little effort, getting those parts would be easy and cost me what? $10?
Aside from that, those bags (all 4) are doing just fine. Mostly as weekly farmer's market use. Before retirement, both pairs saw year round commuter use. All 4 bags are still 100% waterproof. (Well, I did stick a very sharp knife through one of the older ones. They are straight raft fabric. You can call any rafting outfit in their off season and they will happily tell you everything you need to know to do a repair as good as original. (They do this stuff to their rafts all the time. Don't call in season, they are too busy, quite possibly doing one of those repairs. And like those rafts, Ortleibs are very resistant to abrasion. I've had them come off at high speed and slide loaded for 30 feet with zero damage. User error, neglecting to insure the hooks are fully engaged and locked. Easy to get right,)
Aside from that, those bags (all 4) are doing just fine. Mostly as weekly farmer's market use. Before retirement, both pairs saw year round commuter use. All 4 bags are still 100% waterproof. (Well, I did stick a very sharp knife through one of the older ones. They are straight raft fabric. You can call any rafting outfit in their off season and they will happily tell you everything you need to know to do a repair as good as original. (They do this stuff to their rafts all the time. Don't call in season, they are too busy, quite possibly doing one of those repairs. And like those rafts, Ortleibs are very resistant to abrasion. I've had them come off at high speed and slide loaded for 30 feet with zero damage. User error, neglecting to insure the hooks are fully engaged and locked. Easy to get right,)
05-19-21, 11:23 PM
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I believe the non-topeak systems avoid that small issue.
Looks like the Bontrager bag is hella expensive ($130), but fairly fashionable:
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/e...olorCode=black
Last edited by PaulRivers; 05-19-21 at 11:30 PM.
