FlashBazbo

I must not be using the right search terms. This topic HAS to have been covered dozens of times by this forum, but I'm not finding anything. So, for the OCD control freaks among you . . . lighten up!

I plan to become a regular bike commuter for the first time this year since about '74. I need to carry a laptop. And I need to carry whatever else a regular bike commuter needs to carry. I plan to ride a Trek/Gary Fisher Mendota with disk brakes.

What recommendations do you have for a disk brake-compatible rear rack and for panniers or pack that can handle a laptop and various commuter necessities? What's good? What's bad? And what should never have been manufactured?

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

canyoneagle

First off, because the disc caliper is mounted on the chainstay, any rear rack will work. That's a really cool bike, BTW.
I highly recommend racks with telescoping arms (for the seatstay bolts), such as these:

https://civiacycles.com/components/hyland_rear_rack/
Tubus Vega or Logo https://www.tubus.com/en/rear-carriers
Axiom Streamliner (or others from their wide array of choices) https://www.axiomgear.com/products/ge...reamliner-dlx/

On this type of rack, once you assess the correct length for the telescoping arms, you can (if necessary) cut the arms to the right length for a very clean, solid installation. General rule of thumb is to set up the rear rack so the horizontal portion is close to level.

There are many panniers that provide a padded laptop compartment, and I'll defer to those who have direct experience with those (I haven't used one).

fietsbob

Set.. Rack Tubus , steel tubes, Logo lets you sit the bags back further for foot clearance
.. Pannier, Ortlieb Back Roller , contents stay Dry.,
slot adjustable top hooks also aide the rearward shifting of the bags, so heels dont hit them.

Padded lap top sleeve from many sources , inc Ortlieb, will be OK.. or wrap with clothing. , Bubble wrap , etc..

Busch and Muller 4 D toplight is a good bright, steady on rear light,
that mounts on the rack .

Wayne at Touring store . com a good [US] source. all of above, post paid.

tsl

Yup. Tubus, Ortleib, and B&M. Get 'em all from Wayne at TheTouringStore.com. Ask for his advice on which specific models, and mounting kits (if any), then take his advice.

irclean

If the Mendota you're referring to is this one, then the seatstay-mounted brake caliper will definitely necessitate a disc-specific rack. My bike is set up the same way and I use a Topeak Super Tourist DX Tubular Rack w/disc mounts. I also use one of Topeak's MTX trunk bags and their proprietary "QuickTrack" system is very slick. If I just had to carry a laptop and some files/folders then I would seriously consider a MTX Office Bag to complement the rack.

If you need a laptop-compatible pannier then I can recommend the Arkel Commuter. I have been using it through two years of 4-season commuting and it still looks and works like new. Arkel offers many laptop-compatible bags in their Urban/Commuting lineup. They're not cheap, but are top shelf and will hold their own against the best offerings from Ortlieb and Axiom.

exile

I have the Axiom Odyssee rack and Axiom Kootenay panniers on my bike.

I am not sure if the rack has a disc specific version, but I am happy with it. The panniers on the other hand have been overkill so I don't use them much. If I was going to carry a laptop I would have a protective sleeve around it which you should be able to get at an electronics store.

FlashBazbo

That's the one.

tligman

I'll second the recommendation for the Back Roller Classics (or Plus). I had a set of cheaper bags that seemed good, but only lasted 6 months. They're going to get duct taped up and used as a backup set, or for my son to take snacks when we go on longer rides, but at $25-30 every 6 months for low end bags that don't seal against weather, don't hold a 15" laptop easily... just not that good. I know the Ortleibs aren't inexpensive, but they are waterproof (filled one with water to test it ). That seems like the right idea for keeping my laptop safe on the daily ride and my clothes safe for the trip I'm planning for this summer. Plus they look great

no1mad 

If it is just to work and back with no stops in between, then almost anything pannier wise could work. But if you make frequent stops off the bike, or are multi-modal, then either moving everything to your back or go with the Ortliebs. The mounting system (so I've heard) is a rather simple, yet secure system. Plus the Ortlieb bags have the waterproofness built in- no cover to mess with or taking up space when not in use.

ZCow

I would recommend the Topeak explorer rack with the accompanying bag/pannier. I have been using the MTX EXP for a day or two and love it. Fits plenty, and you can get together for around $80.

daaxix

I agree that the Topeak quick release is slick, but recommend against buying one of there bags unless you are a light commuter.

Both my wife and I are fairly heavy commuters, ~50-70 miles per week each, and we both got the Topeak systems. Both bags failed after a year of use, the double stitching at the top of the pannier bags fails. I then replaced one bag through REI, and it will probably fail after another year. I replace the other bag with a set of Ortlieb's. I recommend a more traditional setup up like the Ortlieb Backroller Classics, these will last a lot longer and are really not that much more expensive than a large Topeak bag.

FlashBazbo

Thanks for the recommendations! This definitely gets me headed in the right direction. The Touring Store's website answers most of my other rookie questions.