cmherrmann

Hopefully someone can steer me in the right direction on this. I want to buy a rack and bag mainly for putting my work cloths and lunch in for my commute to work. I like the Topeak but would consider others.

First on the Rack: https://www.topeak.com/products/Racks...de_frameV-Type

Should I go with the RX with the side frames over the MTX without sides? If so do the side Frames come off if I'm not using the panniers?

How far does the V Type drop down? It will be going on an older Trek 2300 and would like to keep the weight as low as possible. Also how well do the side frames on this rack work to keep the panniers out of the wheel? Do the bottom of the side frames rest on anything? They have the upside down U on the bottom that looks like it would rest on the frame or wheels somehow.

As you can tell I'm a newb at using a rack.

opie

Here's a V Type with a DXP bag on my 7.3 FX

JeremyZ

I have no experience with the post mount rack. However, I will tell you that it will be pretty easy to load the MTX bags to over 15 lbs. (which is the weight limit of the post mount racks) For a change of clothes and a lunch, you'd be OK. More than that and you're pushing it. The bag itself weighs a pound or two. I wouldn't bother getting a post mount rack with the pannier clips. If you're using the panniers, you're probably over the weight limit.

JeremyZ

opie - Does that rack ever swivel when it is loaded down? Also, what seat bag is that?

opie

I only have my lunch and a change of clothes in it but no, it hasn't swiveled or moved (yet). The seat bag is a LBS branded thingy. I'm not sure if it has a manufacturer on it. I'll take a look and see

colleen c

I have a straight rack and added the side frame afterward for my FS MTB. Looking at the picture from your link, the side looks idenitcal to mine. All you have to do is remove the center Allen bolt from both side, and slde the frame out from the tube on the rack.

If my memories serve me right, I believe the offset height is about 1.5 to 1.75 inch diffrence from one model to another.

cmherrmann

Thanks for all of the info, looks like the MTX might be a better choice since it will handle a little more weight if needed. Does the MTX rack come with the side frames or do they have to be purchased separately?


Opie,

Have you used the panniers?

colleen c

I believe they come separate.

You mention in your earlier post about keeping the weight down. Why not go with a Topeak rack that works for the bag you want? After a post rack and side frame, you are close to 1000 gram. The rack weghts less than that. It carry more, takes most pannier, and probably cheaper than a post rack/ side frame combo. The only drawback is if you want to remove it, but if that bike is for commuting, you'll probably leave it on anyway.

bike_boy

A cyclist that was on same organized charity ride I did over weekend had this setup.
He demonstrated it for us i.e. quick release ease from quicktrack rack. I liked the size and features
of bag/rack system.