In search of a new rack trunk
 

Not going to pay to 'convert' to the QR types (Topeak, Racktime), but also don't want the attachment straps to be velcro, either. I'd prefer something with buckles. Doesn't have to be water tight, nor overly large. Just big enough to take the bike specific gear out of my backpack- lights when not in use, batteries for said lights, gloves, safety vest, safety goggles that I plan to get that fit over my glasses.

Any ideas?

Take a look at the Arkel Tailrider.

I've thought about the Tailrider, but the wife would absolutely go ballistic if I spent that kind of $$$. I'm kicking myself for not getting one of the Axiom variants of the Tailrider when I had the chance.

Don't worry about it. Both the Tailrider and the Axiom knockoffs attach with Velcros, which you said you don't want.

About the only things I can think of that buckle, not Velcro, are Carradice bags, but they're all designed as either seat bags or panniers.

With all your 'don't wants' you will really limit your choices!

So it would appear. My aversion to 'converting' to a QR system is I'd have to invest in a new rack, when the one I have is still functional. But if I were to do so, I'd probably opt for Racktime products over Topeak stuff (and I've heard that Axiom's can be a little too finicky).

I have two different sized camera bags that I thought I'd share if you're interested in thrifty DIY solutions. The small one is a camcorder bag, $7 thrift store find. I have a picture. https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e...640/cambag.JPG

The second one is a photographer's bag about twice the size - belonged to my grandpa. I use the small one for grocery errands; the big one works for my commute to work with a change of clothes, toiletries, and roadside tools.

seattle sports duffle.

it is water proof. straps go around the bottom and buckle.

[IMG]http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...t/IMAG0019.jpg[/IMG]

picked it up at REI clearance,

I used to use a Inertia designs expandable trunk. Volume is 689/1051 cu in. But it velcros:( It is yours for $20 shipped.

Sounds like you could get away with a large saddle bag, frame bag or a handlebar bag. I've seen some decent capacity gear on the touring subforum.

milk crate and bungee cords

Been there, done that. Adds unnecessary weight, blocks the seat post reflector, and forces me to remove the seat wedge.

A handlebar bag might be nice, but unsure how it would play with the cables and one cheap light mounted to the bar.

Tempted, even though it is a bit bigger than I originally had in mind...

Found one that doesn't use Velcro, but kinda spendy...

“In search of a new rack trunk"

I’m curious as to why you don’t want Velcro straps. Velcro allergy? :innocent:

I have a Jandd bag that I bought about five years ago mainly because it looked suitable and was reasonably priced, maybe about $50 or so, and has Velcro straps. These are very convenient to switch the bag between my two bikes. Is the strength of the straps an issue? I'm well known to carry a lot in my trunk bag, and the straps hold well.

For reference, I’d like to mention a couple of special features of trunk bags to consider, that are not on my trunk bag. First is an attached rain cover since the bag itself is not totally waterproof. A reliable substitute for me is a large plastic shopping bay (the environmentally unfriendly kind) of a fairly heavy guage plastic, with carrying handle loops. It should be just large enough to go over the bag, and the loops can be secured by the Velcro straps. It works for me even in drenching rain and I've never had problems with the wind tearing off the bag.

A second nice feature is a lightweight drop down pannier bag especially for carrying extra clothing for the vagaries of temperature and weather. I usually secure my bag from tilting with a bungee cord, and when ithe bag is stuffed, I clinch the extra clothing under the bungee cord. I have to be very careful to make sure sleeves and leggings are tightly stowed so they don't drape over into my wheel.

Also, FYI, see this concurrent thread on the commuter forum, “Luggage Rack favorite?”

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-Rack-favorite

BTW, I also wear safety goggles over my eyeglasses for winter riding. They are the best and keep me clear-eyed and fogged-free in into the single digit degrees F, even breathing hard going uphill. :thumb:

To answer the question as to why I have an aversion to velcro is simple- it doesn't last. The more you use it, the more likely little hairs, fibers, and other debris will get trapped in the hook and loop material.

The idea of a handlebar bag is interesting. However, I have riser bars with minimal sweep and not sure if there would be clearance to operate the brakes with a bar bag installed. I'm planning on getting a light for the helmet and ditching my current bar light to household duty- can't stand its 'tool-less' mounting bracket, so a bar bag interfering with the light is a non-issue.

Here's the link to Kona's archived site for my bike. It's a better pic than I could offer in real life, if it helps anyone. And notice how this thread is starting to morph from the original topic?

Late reply to you No1mad. Teh Bikeforums says i can't send PM's even though i replied to yours!
Link to image of my trunk FS http://www.flickr.com/photos/5814284...7627835383008/

Yea, need 50 posts before the PM's are allowed, but VM's should be good... Interested, but gotta give up the 'puter for a bit...

I got a Lone Peak Rack Pack RP-700 to replace a ugly, floppy, won't-securely-close shoulder bag that I fastened to the rack with bungies. Bungies are just a pain in the rear, for me. the Rack Pack is a little smaller and I have to fold my office shirt and pants a little smaller and tighter, but it works. Plus, it looks a WHOLE lot better than the sad sack shoulder bag I had been using.

I got the Lone Peak at thetouringstore.com and the webpage for the pack is:
http://www.thetouringstore.com/LONE%...ACK%20PAGE.htm

I usually carry in it:
Patch kit
Tire pump
Bike security chain
Office shirt
Office pants
Tupperware for two sandwiches
Apple and orange
Newspaper
Keys (don't like them in my pants pocket when riding)
Sunglass case

And this time of year when I'm wearing more in the morning than in the afternoon, I'll stuff a long sleeve "compression" shirt in the bag along with my windbreaker and full-finger gloves for the afternoon commute home.

(By the way, new inner tube and tire spoons are in a little tool bag under the saddle.)

I wish the RP-700 were slightly larger, specifically in the width dimension, but I'm making do.

And I definitely can recommend it as useful item for commuting.

Ray

I had this issue at first as well. But in the end I just wanted something that would mount quickly, easily, and cleanly, so I bought the cheapest Topeak Explorer rack and the Topeak MTX DXP trunkbag. I do not regret it.

I'll probably go sell the Blackburn I replaced, or donate it to someone who needs a rack, or at the very least just put it on a bike I'm not going to use as often. It's very worth it IMO.

You could just mount a reflector or light on the rack itself. That's what I'm doing as soon as my Planet Bike superflash rack adapter arrives on Friday.

I do have a light mounted to the rack, a B&M 4D Toplight Permanent.

And I removed the milk crate after just two days of commuting use. Replaced it (for now) with a DIY solution. Had a soft sided, insulated lunch bag with two compartments that is about the size of a shoe box. The top compartment has a square container that I put my batteries and back up tail light in. Knit cap under that container until I need it. Lower compartment currently stores safety vest, gloves, and neck gaiter. The lid to the upper compartment has a small zippered pocket that I put a small ziplock bag in. That bag will have 2 $1 bills for emergency use only- phone, tire repair, or batteries at a c-store.

For now it's bungeed on there, but may try either some velcro straps, make a QR system using hook and loop tape, or find some flat bungees that hook to the bottom of the rack instead of the rack rails (makes it a bit more difficult to mount the Townies).

I've been reading this with interest since I've been looking for a rack trunk for my commute bike to replace the over-used, old and mostly-dead Kirtland "Rac-Pak" that I've been using (probably 15 - 20 years old).

My problem is that with my commute bike (DaHon Folder with 16" wheels) all the new rack trunks I've tried cause heel clearance issues. Obviously not a problem for those of you on conventional bikes (or recumbents). Essentially, I need a rack trunk no more than 5-1/2" wide. Tall and long, not too much of an issue. And since I won't be taking it on and off very much, I don't have an issue with velcro.

So I will check back on this thread to see what other products are suggested to the OP.

Rick / OCRR

@Rick- Banjo Brothers.