Axiom Columbia FT Rack Trunk

I did a forum and a google search and couldn't find any reviews. Anyone out there use one?

I was going to order a Arkel Tail Rider but thought I'd try and learn a little more about the Columbia trunk before I pull the trigger.

Thanks, Mikey

No I haven't and at those prices would I. You can do better for less at Jandd and Nashbar if
you look.

I've used the Axiom Hudson trunk along with an Axiom Atlas handlebar bag for commuting and have found them to be well made and durable. Axiom has been around over 20 years and actual cyclists work there. They test everything they make.

No financial interest, just a happy customer,
Roy Curry

As far as the brand goes, I've been using Axiom Champlain panniers and they've done pretty good.......

i use the topeak ones, simply awesome

https://topeak.com/products/Bags/MTXTrunkBagDXP

You're really comparing apples and oranges between that Axiom and the TailRider, sort of like comparing a UPS truck to a Corvette.

I didn't see it on their web site, but with my own two eyes I have seen an Axiom knock-off of the TailRider. It doesn't have the built-in rain cover and I didn't get a look inside, but the size and shape are the same as my TailRider.

This is the one that I use.

https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1243898696068





It's long and narrow and well made and inexpensive.

Wasn't really looking for a comparison of the two...just looking for a good rack trunk. I like the design of the Arkel. Then I saw Axiom Columbus...(by the way, both bags can be bought cheaper but I couldn't link directly to it). Yes, I saw the Axiom knock off... a little less volume and a whole lot cheaper than the Arkel. (Truthfully, I've not seen any of them...only pics. The closest bike shop is 70 miles away)

Anyway, tsl, how do you like the Tail Rider? Do you believe it to be worth the money?

Thanks for the input everyone.
Mikey

Worth the money means different things to different people. Some think anything priced more than $4.88 at WalMart is a rip-off.

For me, worth the money means it does what I want it to do, has the qualities and features I need, does not require a proprietary rack or mounting system, is likely to last a good long time, and has a little extra something. The TailRider met all these criteria, so I bought it.

In three years of daily use, nothing has broken or worn out. I got the red one, and it's beginning to fade. It could use a wash, too. But otherwise, it's indistinguishable from new.

I use it, and I use it hard. It's frequently overstuffed--my only complaint is that is just a smidge too small to comfortably accommodate hardcover library books in the main interior compartment. Every workday it's packed with my lunch, work clothes, lock and the usual bike repair stuff. On weekend rides it holds snacks and extra water bottles. The insulation keeps stuff cool on hot rides.

I really like the built-in raincover. By itself, it's pretty water-resistant. The raincover makes it waterproof, and it's big enough to cover anything I've put under the straps on top, like a rolled-up pair of jeans.

I like the outer side pockets. Most are flat and seem designed only to hold papers and thin stuff. The TailRider's are of a useful width. My glasses case and camera fit in them well without any bulging or stretching. My hand fits inside to easily fish out coins and such. I don't have to fiddle using only a finger or two.

I wanted a trunk bag that was good-looking and relatively small. I didn't want something that looked like a black nylon camper on the back of my bike. First, I'd carry too much needless stuff. Second, I plain don't like the looks of 'em.

I'm also the sort who prefers to own several bags of different sizes to accommodate varying needs, rather than one monster. The TailRider fits only what I must carry on my daily commutes. When I need to carry more--once or twice a week--I add a pannier or two of the appropriate size. Some people would find my method a pain in the @$$, but it works for me.

The only caveat is that it likes a wide rack. It does okay on my current rack which is 4¾ inches wide. It was happier on my old rack which was 5½ inches wide.

Would I buy it again? Well the price has gone up since I bought mine. Making an original purchase, I'd think about it and maybe consider the Axiom knock-off instead. As a replacement, there's no doubt. I'll buy it again when (or if) it ever wears out.

Wow! Thanks for the response and great info, tsl. You discribed exactly what my needs are and use would be. As I said, from what I could tell by the Arkel website, I like the design of the Tail Rider. I like the fact that it can be sinched down tight if you have a light load or can be expanded for extras. I think I'll go ahead and order one. It sounds like it will fit my needs about 98% of the time and for a long period of time.

Thanks again everyone, and you, tsl.
Mikey

I've been using the Axiom Columbus for about a year now, and love it. In fact, three of my other riding buddies use one as well. All are regular commuters and utility cyclists, and I'm pleased, and often surprised at what I can carry in that thing. I've found it to be waterproof during the recent monsoons we've had around here, at least in the main compartment, the side pockets are very useful, and even more so when you fold them down and use them as panniers. It'll keep a six-pack cold/cool for most of the day. I can carry a spare set of clothes in there for commuting to work, and I can fit most of my LCI road class gear in there. Slap it on the back of my mountain bike, and it's ideal for all the National Mountain Bike Patrol kit. It comes with a yellow/reflective rain cover that doubles to cover my Brooks saddle when need be. I like the way it slips on and off with the velcro straps, and it's been secure over just about any kind of rough road and even singletrack trails.

If I were to to go out and get another rack trunk, ay kind, I'd most likely go for this one again.

+1 for the Arkel Tail Rider. Useful, well-made and stylish.

I needed a new bag and ended up getting a Topeak because I like the attachment system. I was unhappy with having to attach and de-attach the four velcro fasteners each time I commute. Not a big deal but I find it annoying. The Topeak system has a rack with a slot that the bag slides into, and the bag clips onto the end of the rack. So, all I have to do is slide it on and unclip and slide it off. Much easier (and surer) than that velcro stuff.

It does weigh a bit more than my old bag though, because the bottom is rigid to fit into the rack, but I like that it's so sturdy and a bit more weight isn't going to kill me. The side pockets turn into panniers if need be which is a plus as well. I rarely need them but when I do I have them.

It's this system.

i'm using this one https://topeak.com/products/Bags/MTXTrunkBagDXP
with the A Rack, i can say it's has been the best & useful purchase i've ever made for cycling accessories.

Thanks everyone.
It's nice to have sooo many quality bags available to choose from. It does sometimes make the choice difficult though. I ordered the Tail Rider today.

Thanks again,
Mikey

they both look small, specially for $70