ThePerchik

Hi All,

I live in a small apartment in Brooklyn and commute to my job in midtown Manhattan 3-4 times a week on average. I have only one bike (2005 Specialized Allez Elite Triple) for two reasons: I cant afford two decent bikes and I dont have the room to keep another one. Once a week i carry 5 or 6 clothes changes with me to work and bring the dirty stuff home. The other days I just need to carry a small tuppaware with my lunch in it. Currently i just throw it in my backpack and go. But my Shoulders and back sweat like crazy with that thing on and it is almost empty. On the weekend I use the same by for nice long rides to relax. Hence the question:

What is the best rack that I can add to my bike that I can easily remove for the weekends? The idea is that I would just need to keep my lunch in the rack on most days.

Thanks.
-Paul

exarkuhn15

Most basic racks are pretty light. Why not just leave it on all the time?

Removable ones (that fit on the seatpost) generally aren't as stable, and probably aren't lighter, since quick release mechanisms can be pretty heavy. A basic aluminum rack weighs very little, and adds a huge amount of usefulness to your bike.

El Gigante

Hi Paul,
Topeak makes several different racks as part of their MTX series, (https://www.topeak.com/products/Racks). They have a rack that clamps on to the seatpost and a more standard rack that bolts on to the frame. I have an old Specialized Crossroads that I mounted a Topeak Explorer Rack on, along with their DXP Trunk Bag. The rack has a set of slides on either side that the trunk bag slides into and the bag has a latch that clips onto a stop at the end of the rack.The bag slides onto the track on the rack, clips in, and you're good to go. To release it, just push down on the latch, and slide the bag off the rack. It also has a set of panniers on either side that fold down when needed, or can be zipped up inside the bag when they aren't. The bags on either side of the rack will carry a change of clothes, shoes, and a lunch, and the main compartment on top of the bag is pretty roomy and will carry a couple of spare tubes, extra water bottle, keys, wallet, sunglasses, etc. Don't know if you would be able to bring home a weeks worth of dirty clothes in it however.

I was in your same situation before I found this rack/ bag combo and its been awesome for me. I've had mine for about two years of daily commuting and other than a few small holes where the seams gave out on the panniers, I've had really good luck with it. Its not waterproof, but unless you're really in a monsoon, will keep things pretty dry. The quick on-off feature was the big selling point for me. You can probably get both rack and Trunk bag for about $100 from REI or you LBS. Hope this helps and good luck!
Best,
Paul

AndrewP

I use a trunk bag on my rack. For commuting it carries flat fixing stuff, lunch, shirt and underwear. For weekend rides it carries refereshments, extra water, camera, rain jacket. It looks more sporting than panniers and is small enough to discourage overloading. It attaches to the rack with 2 velcro straps.

ThePerchik

Well the once a week haul I would use a backpack for. It is just the daily lunch carrying that i am concerned with. I am thinking this may do the trick. Do you think that this would work:
https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-MTX-Com...0900245&sr=1-2

El Gigante

That looks like the ticket! Good deal too . . . I have heard from some that the seat post mounted racks are a little bit squirrelly, but if you are packing the trunk bag light, it shouldn't be a problem. You will be so glad to get that backpack off your back - it will change your commute, believe me!

ThePerchik

....and we are back to square one. Turns out seat post mounted racks are a big no-no on a carbon seat post. I like the rack you suggested, the explorer but it seems like it has to be bolted on and off each time.

Are there any racks that can be snapped on and off quickly without tools? I thought i saw a rack once that had some kind of mounts on the rear of the frame. The rack would just clip onto those mounts (which were screwed on) and then attach to the seat post with a clamp.

If I am just taking a casual ride i don't see a reason to having the rack on the bike. On top of that it is NYC and the less on a bike the less there is to be stolen, lol.

dwilbur3

In most cases it would be a lot easier to steal the bike than try to get the rack off.

ThePerchik

Agreed, but you have got to check out some of the crackheads we have in this city.

fuzz2050

you might be a candidate for a Carradice or similar saddle bag. They don't require a rack, but can still hold a decent amount.

Mr IGH

I have a bolt-on seatpost rack (from REI). It never slips with a good load on it, most folks w/the QR rack complain they slip. Only takes a little extra time to install.

Schnayke

I think it sounds like a bob trailer would be good for you. Is there a reason that won't work for you. It is a very handy tool if you are car free.

ecrider

[QUOTE=El Gigante;10148878]Hi Paul,
Topeak makes several different racks as part of their MTX series, (https://www.topeak.com/products/Racks). They have a rack that clamps on to the seatpost and a more standard rack that bolts on to the frame. I have an old Specialized Crossroads that I mounted a Topeak Explorer Rack on, along with their DXP Trunk Bag. The rack has a set of slides on either side that the trunk bag slides into and the bag has a latch that clips onto a stop at the end of the rack.The bag slides onto the track on the rack, clips in, and you're good to go. (QUOTE)

I have the same setup for commutes and the smaller Topeak RX trunk bag for weekend rides when I only need essentials like cell phone, keys, flat tire stuff, etc. Both bags click into place on the rack.

DG Going Uphill

Once a good rack is fitted to the bike, it's just a matter of an allen key and three or four bolts to add or remove the rack. Using locking washers on the bolts makes things even easier. It really doesn't take much time. You could also find some butterfly bolts if you wanted to avoid having to use the allen key.

waynesworld

Personally, I'd just put a rack on and leave it, but it really seems like the Topeak solution you found would work, if you had a different seatpost. So, maybe you could get another seatpost? If you want to make it super simple, get another saddle too, and leave one on each seatpost. Or just leave the non-carbon seatpost on all the time. Your choice.

Eggywootah

Axiom Streamliner DLX? There is a wider version too. I would just probably leave it on. Racks are meant to stay on securely, so a bag might better for you.