HiYoSilver

Anyone have any experiences with the Trek Bontrager Interchange trunk bags: either deluxe or plus model?

My current bag is starting to fail after five years and so time to think about replacing.

Primary concerns:

1. how heavy are the bags?

2. how well does the interchange system work?

3. how well do these bags stand up over time?

FredOak

I've had my trunk bag for a year now. The interchange is great, the bag locks right in and my route is pretty rough in spots and it stays right in place. The front of the bag has a protrusion that fits under the rack and the back has a clip that locks in place to the other end of the rack.

I have it packed with my pump, extra tube, mini tool kit, patch kit, two pairs of riding glasses...that's on the sides. In the middle I keep my extra stuff depending on weather, so it might be a rain jacket, boot covers, extra hat, HiViz vest, etc...so by my own packing it has a little bit of weight by not that I notice it.

Even though it isn't billed as waterproof it actually does a decent job.
So after a year and a full winter in Buffalo and used between two bikes, it looks as good as the day I bought it. Would highly recommend.

snowman40

I have the deluxe. I like it, I use the velcro straps as my bike is a little large for me (I was unaware bikes came in sizes when I got my Fuji.....).

1. Not heavy at all. My spare tire (that would be my tummy ) definitely weighs more than the bag.
2. I think it works great, it is a bunch better than a book bag with all that weight sliding around, and acting like a wind sail.
3. Had mine since August 2008, it has done well for me so far. It is very water resistant, but it does have a limit.

In the large compartment, I keep my change of clothes and socks, and my lunch. In each of the sides pouches I keep mini tool, spare tubes, mini pump, DayQuil (allergies), Blistex, Tube(s), belt, strap for the bag, and a Blackberry 8700g. In the pouch above the main compartment, I keep my smaller items like wallet, PDA, alternate lenses for my Oakley frames and cell phone. It is really adaptive to what you need it to carry/hold and can hold more than it would appear.

Caleab

Hey. Awesome choice if ya ask me.
I have used the trunk for about 9 months or so. I just bought the deluxe (maybe it's the plus.. it's the next one up that has side pockets - not the drop down pannier like style).
I absolutely love them both. I started commuting this summer and I had enough room in the expandable trunk to pack (read: roll up) my clothes for the day. I leave a pair of shoes and belt at work that I use on a weekly basis. I bought the upsized version so I could pass the trunk on to the wifey and I took the new one so that I had just a tad extra room to put stuff on the sides =)

it's held up through the 115 degree heat, wet fog, rain, and fully functional @ 27 degrees. LOL.
the conditions here aren't too bad, but it's done great and never fallen or even shimmed. It's solid.

JimF22003

I was using a single pannier before I got the Trek bag. For 99% of the time, the Trek bag is all I need. I've had to stuff it pretty full at times, but I haven't used the pannier since I got it.

HiYoSilver

I really appreciate the feedback. My present bag expands to about 1000 ci so this looked like a good choice. I have to start carrying some extra clothes so having a zipper start to fail is a good thing.

I'm thinking of putting it on a seat post rack instead of a frame rack since I need bulk but not weight, 10-12 lbs is about all I need.

knobster

I have the medium sized panniers. I like them a lot. Plenty of room and not heavy at all. Works with any rack. You don't need the Interchange rack. I paid $100 for them and have been very satisfied. I only use one as it's been large enough to take my change of clothes, laptop and lunch.

jbabic

I tried the Bontrager Interchange trunk - the deluxe model. I returned it a week later because it bounced off their Interchange rack.

cynyc2

I have a set of Interchange panniers, and they work great. I have been using them about 8 months now, and have not had an issue. I did have to move the lower mount up a bit, as my rack was a tad bit short. All I did was unscrew the rearmost screw, and drill a new hole about an inch up and reinstall.

The bags have built in rain covers, which I have never used, and a mesh helmet holder that unzips from the bottom. I have used the helmet thingy the few times I have needed to remove the bags out in the world. Getting the bags on and off quickly rocks, especially when cleaning chains and whatnot. The bags also have reflective piping all over them, which really light up when a headlight hits them.

One time I found one of the bag mounts unclipped from the rack, but the bag stayed in place. I might be a little paranoid, but I give them a look over at least daily. One can easily tell if the mounts are clipped in by a quick look.

I have hauled 2-liter soda bottles in these bags, amongst other semi heavy items, and have not had an issue. One nice thing about the bags is that they fit pretty flush with the rack, allowing larger items to be carried on the rack with no problem (like a 12 pack of beer).