Rack Trunk Bag input
 

Hey all - thought I'd get some insight from you guys...also posted this over on the tandem forum as well, but I think most of the time I'll be using this for commuting and just be switching it over onto my tandem for the weekend rides with my wife....

Looking for a trunk bag for my commuter bike during the week to get to/from work. Going to see if I can get away with using that instead of investing in a pannier, so I *think* the following are key considerations:

- ease of removal from the rack
- handles/shoulder strap for carrying when not on bike
- "weatherproofness" - don't know that I've seen any that come with a rain cover like some panniers do...is that because many of them are already waterproof?
- space to accommodate my work clothing (typically just a towel, pair of dress slacks and a dress shirt...I can keep shoes and other stuff at work)
- space to accommodate a small amount of tools for commuting, a larger amount of tools for tandeming
- durability/quality of construction (are the inexpensive Performance/Nashbar bags built well?)

What are you using?

I'm using the "deluxe" nashbar model:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...20Trunk%20Bags

I've used it for 2 months and it works well. I've been able to cram a lot of stuff into it on shopping trips. Its waterproof and has a rain cover. I've been caught in rain once, and even without the rain cover, everything stayed dry. We'll see about long-term durability.

Zip tie a metal basket to the rack. Then you can throw whatever bag you want into the basket.

The expanding version is even better.:thumb:

I use to have a Topeak quick release bag&rack. Worked great. Not sure if they make a bag big enough for what you want, but they may.

I have a Performance Transit Epic that has lasted for more then 5 years. Not terribly waterproof but if that's an issue there's always ziplocks;) It expands (rarely used feature), has 3 side pockets and one top pocket as well as elastic straps on top. And it was...and is cheap.

^^Yup, me too. The Nashbar bag is great. I fit all this in there:

64-oz water bag (full in the am, empty in the pm)
Kryptonite NY Lock
Undershirt, belt, socks, sometimes a dress shirt or dress pants folded just for the commute
Wallet, phone, headphones, keys
Extra tube, inflator, multi-tool, tire iron

The bag works brilliantly.

The only problem with the bag is that the zippers tend to open on you while walking, if you wear the bag messenger style. You need to be careful of how you place the zippers and how your body is positioned relative to the bag. Otherwise, super piece of gear. It mounts to the rack with 4 velcro strips that take just a few seconds to install and remove. very sturdy once mounted.

Arkel Tailrider

Mounts/removes easily
Built-in handle, shoulder strap optional
Water-resistant zippers and fabric, plus built-in rain cover
Extremely durable

I carry the stuff you want to carry, and have room for lunch too.

I switched from a trunk bag to a single sided pannier.
It fits my tool kit, clothes for the day, lunch, and thermos.
I found that the trunk bag was a little small and I like the way the pannier easily detaches and works like a messenger bag.

+1 for the Nashbar rack trunks. I used the Elite model for a couple years out here in PNW rainy winters. It's a great trunk because of the vinyl bottom (protects from spray w/o a fender) the neon rain cover built into it, and a ton of cargo space. 4 velcro straps make it easy for on/off switches, and it has a shoulder strap, and a cargo web on the top for quick stowage of wet jackets, etc.

+1

I'm actually using a dairy crate that a friend of mine found in the garage. I zip-tied to my rack and have more than enough room for backpack (change of clothes, laptop, wallet keys) and lunch. I could easily cram more stuff into if I needed. I use a carabiners to keep stuff from bouncing out, although the pack has a low center of gravity and would need a serious jostle (read: crash) to come out flying out of the crate.

I use a wedge pack under the seat to carry tools (extra tube, patch kit, pressure gauge, multitool).

If you already own a backpack that isn't water proof, just head to your local X-Mart and get a can of sealant that is safe for fabrics. You'll be all set. If you're extra concerned about keeping certain items protected (wallets, cell phones, mp3 players) you can put them in a large zip-lock bag, or purchase a water proof stuff sack from an outdoors store. I've used both methods to protect electronic devices and never had any trouble.


Hope this helps. Good luck!

+1, Performance blows these out in their retail stores at the end of every summer...

Topeak MTX Trunkbag series works well for what you want.
Quick release with shoulder strap is pretty convenient.

http://www.topeak.com/products/Bags

I use the TransIt Epic DX Rack Trunk, its easy to orgnize, and expandable. Never hed water get into it even on my all day 100 miler in teh rain.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...slisearch=true

I am going to see if I can make the switch from panniers to a rack pack as I don't carry that much stuff right now. I just ordered the LonePeak rack pack but am still waiting for it to come in. If I remember it was like $50 at www.Lickbike.com. It also has an optional shoulder strap. Jannd makes a rack pack rain cover if you need one.

I use the MEC Rackpack Backpack. Most days, I have plenty of free space leftover. I carry a lunch, pants, shirt, spare tube, and a lock in this pack. If it's raining heavily, I wrap my clothes in a grocery bag, but for the most part it's fairly water resistant.

Not sure about the "backpack straps", they look kind of flimsy, although I've never used them. Good luck!

I have one version. The bag actually has faux panniers to increase load carrying capacity

What CAN you fit in this bag? I've been eye-humping this bag for a couple weeks now, and the only thing worrying me is the space. Also, how does it mount? Clips? Velcro?

I also have the topeak, it fits into a rail on my topeak rack. It has side pockets that have panniers. You unzip them and the bags come out. I don't care for the shoulder strap, it seems too short but I have other straps I can use for it if I wish. It also has two handles. I love it!

http://www.topeak.com//mediafiles/products/61/

Just came home from my local Performance store. I went in intending to buy a trunk bag to hold roughly what you're looking at. I didn't see a single one that I would feel comfortable putting a shirt and slacks into. I ended up buying a single pannier (this one) that looks like it can hold what I need.

When I have to start wearing shirts and ties again in the fall (I work in a school and we're on summer hours and dress...), I'll probably pick up this garment bag pannier. Seeing it in person, it is really nice.

The refletive strips on the side are velcro straps. Just wrap them around the rail and stick 'em to the side.

The Tailrider holds more than you might think since it expands quite a bit. But it remains one of the smaller trunk bags. If you travel light, it's right. If you need to carry every tool known to man, a half-ton of spare parts, plus food and extra clothes "just in case", skip it and get a steamer trunk.

I fit a multi-tool, tire levers, tube, master link, glasses, keys, camera, flash drive, U-lock, two apples, two oranges, two sandwiches, some granola bars, and work shirt and jeans. That fills it. If I take more, the jeans ride outside on top under the straps.

Thanks tsl! That is plenty to suit me. :D

Great input everyone...of course I'm realizing that since I don't already have a rack for my commuter bike, this is another part of the equation I need to consider before I decide what bag I am going with - decided to split that into a different thread...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...43#post6911343

I use the Trek Interchange system. I have the big daddy with the zip-out paniers. It's very stable even in rough/wet conditions. There are cheaper and easier ways to go, but this thing zips out all over the place. I have a friend who toured accross the U.S. with one. You have to be careful of the 20 pound weight limit, though. The panier straps require some kind of additional bungee or zip tie to reach down to the rear axle, though. Also, mounting a taillight to the back of the rack requires a very creative mind (or two) and some spare reflector parts and pieces.

http://cyclewerks.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=642

http://penncycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=5364