Igo

OK, I already did a search and as many times as I've seen the words Luggage Rack in the past, when you do a search damn near nothing comes up as is the case in almost any forum search.

I have a Giant Defy II. I really have been avoiding the rack and pannier set up but the fact is, I've become a real commuter on this bike and I like to carry camera gear with me on the cool trails around here so it looks like rack and pannier time. What do you guys like and can you point me in the right direction? If I'm going to do this, I'm going to get pretty good stuff.
I appreciate it in advance all!

rekmeyata

How much stuff are you wanting to carry? You may not need a rack and pannier, you may simply need a good size handlebar bag and a rear bag. OR, since handlebar bags interfere with lights and you may need those commuting, you can get a good size rear bag such as this: https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-MTX-Tru...ef=pd_sbs_sg22 But you will need the Topeak Explorer bike rack pictured on the same page just scan down a bit. It's also a good idea to get the yellow rain cover also pictured where the bike rack is. PLEASE NOTE I don't think your bike comes with eyelets on both sides of the rear dropouts for bike racks, please check to make sure, if not that rack will not work.

If no eyelets then there's this option: https://www.distancebiker.com/store/i...bags/q680.html It's a good size bag, expensive, but the biggest offered without needing a rack.

There are some racks that don't require eyelets, they fasten to the seat post and hang down so you can strap a pannier to it but if you should have something hit it from the side while moving it could shift the rail into the spokes then you got issues.

There is also just racks without the hanging rails but you cannot put panniers on which in your case is not a big deal. Performance and Nashbar sell these racks, they fasten to the seat post then you buy a bag that will fit that rack. Those racks are only good for about 25 pounds.

No matter which bag you get DO NOT expect them to be completely waterproof. You'll need to see if they sell a rain cover, and/or keep anything you don't want to get wet in ziplock plastic bag.

bragi

I like Jandd racks. Specifically the Jandd Expedition. It's very sturdy and durable. For panniers, I'd opt for Ortlieb; they have a lifetime warranty, and they're totally waterproof.

Neither of these is cheap (about $200 for the whole setup), but they're good.

Indigo Mule

Why were you avoiding it? Is it because of the esthetics? Cost of rack and bag? Preference for carrying your baggage on your body for security or convenience? Lack of funds or lack of braze ons? (Just curious.)

MichaelW

The Defy series usually come with rack eyelets. For a speedy road bike you wont be carrying a heavy load so you dont need an expedition rack. Check out the Tubus Fly. It is very strong and stiff with very little metal. The narrow width is more aerodynamic than a wide one. You cant do much with the rack top-plate but you can hang panniers.

Igo

Excellent lead sir. I think you're on to something. I'm going over to REI to look at this rack and bag today. Unfortunately, REI has gotten too proud here lately so if I like the setup then I'll order on'line. Let me ask, why do you recomment the DX over the DXP? I ask because I'm actually thinking about getting the DXP for one reason and the EX for another. I live right beside Northshore Road at Lake Mead National Recreation Area and I'm a backpacker. Northshore road is 75 miles of bicycle bliss. I can use the DXP, run a water cache out about 60 miles then do easy over nighters and the DXP could be of great use. Then I can use the lighter/simpler EX for my River Mountain Trail day rides where I just need a place for a couple cameras and a jacket.
You are tops and I thank you.

Igo

I saw somebody do an extensive comparison between his 12 year old Jandd bags and the Topeak. He took the Jandd hands down but wished he could scab on the Topeak quick release option. I'll find someplace here in town I can look at Jandd and Ortlieb tomorrow. Thank you very much.

Igo

My bike is pretty slick for a commuter. I enjoy the light weight quickness of it the way it is and I've been doing a once a week re-supply at work with an REI Ultra Light backpack which is a marvel for what it is. I have to admit I do like the looks of the bike just as is. I can afford whatever ends up being the right thing I guess. Not too worried about cost. My bike does have the braze ons.

tsl

If there's a chance you'll simultaneously use panniers and strap something to the top of the rack, serious consider dual-siderail racks. While you can do both with a regular rack, IME, it involves a lot of cussing and fussing. Dual-siderail racks make it easy peasy instead.

I have a Tubus Cosmo. The Topeak Super Tourist DX is another.

jdefran

I recommend the Topeak MTX system, you can get the rack and bag with foldout panniers for less than $100: https://www.modernbike.com/search.asp...=17&submit.y=8

I went with the DXP. It isn't that much larger or heavier, even though the capacity is greater.

If you don't have eyelets down on the chain/seat stay area, they also have seat post mounted racks compatible with the MTX bags: https://www.topeak.com/products/Racks Then lastly, if you don't have eyelets on the seat stays near the seat, then get some p-clamps from your LBS or hardware store.

phillybill

Tubis or an Old Man Mtn if I have the monies..... but as of late I have been using the Klixflix system.

Igo

This Topeak is perfect but cannot be obtained on this side of the planet.

Igo

The advice on the Topeak Super Tourist was just great. My gear is ultra light weight and my bedroll and or tent would lash in there splendidly but I couldn't find one of those racks to save my life. I ended up buying the Explorer, the MTX DPX and the MTX EX. Ya'll keep your eyes out for the Super Tourist rack W/O spring and NOT for disc breaks and I'll pick one up then.
Thanks for the help all. I didn't know what to do until everybody pitched in. Now I can change up on my winter commutes and carry all the camera gear I want on the weekend trails.

rekmeyata

I'm having problems posting on this forum today, so here I go again.

The only reason I suggested the DX bag was only because it was slightly larger then then the DXP. The DX bag is 14.1 x 9,8 x 11.4 whereas the DXP is 14.5 x 8.5 x 9.8. But bag size is up to you.

This beam rack will hold up to 20 pounds and will work on the EX, DX, and the DXP bag and requires no eyelets on the dropouts of course, just mounts to the seat post; see: https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Beam-Ra...253305&sr=1-20

Remember trust no bag to be waterproof, either buy a rain cover for the bag, and/or put everything you don't want wet into ziplock bags.

Igo

I have the eyelets on my bike. I ordered both the EX and the DXP. The EX for day to day commutes and hauling cameras when I'm documenting trail and I ordered the DXP for camping. You all did a great job. I ordered the Explorer rack so I can get started but I am in serious per-suite of the "No Spring/Not for disc" Super Tourist DX rack for its lash points.

Jim from Boston

Perhaps you should try a different search term, to include the word trunk, e.g. "trunk bag, "rear trunk bag, "rack trunk. See also this concurrent thread on the Commuter Forum: “In search of a new rack trunk":

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...new-rack-trunk

I just now posted to it myself (#14).

rekmeyata

I didn't realize you had eyelets, the pic of your bike model on a web search I did appeared that it didn't nor did the specs mention any. So since you do have the eyelets then the Explorer rack is the better way to go then the seat post mount rack. And with that Explorer rack later if you decide to use panniers it will accommodate you without having to buy another rack. Make sure if the day comes to load up with panniers that you double check the instructions for max weight carrying capacity of the rack so you don't exceed it.

mgw189

What kind of cameras are you hauling around? Are we talking dSLR bodies and lenses or a couple point and shoots? I would worry about storing my dSLR in a pannier bag. I will store mine however in my trunk bag it is padded like a camera bag and even has some dividers like my camera bag. I have noticed that a lot of the trunk bags are similar.

Igo

Thanks Jim. I'm reading that now. It's odd though, that thread was started 6 hours before this but I went through the most recent 3 pages on "Commuter" looking for this topic before I decided to start a thread. Though that thread is about bags and mine is about racks. I was just as interested in both for my research.

Igo

The rack is rated at 55 pounds which is heavier than a week long backpack with cameras and 2 days water. LOL. It should do exceptionally well. Thanks ever so much.

Igo

I'm an adventure photographer and never leave home without 1 or 2 dSLR cameras; sometimes HD video. Though I too will carry my cameras in the trunk section, I wouldn't worry too much about your cameras however you choose to carry them. My Pentax cameras have survived thousands of backpacking mile in really bag conditions. I am amazed at how sturdy they have been.

mgw189

I was just thinking the trunk vs a pannier the reason being is you could hit the pannier on something doing damage to the camera or if you dumped the bike on the side having the same issue. I am surprised nobody has made a bike specific camera bag... or maybe they have and I just havent found it yet...

AndrewClaycomb

I like my Topeak Explorer and I picked it based on the recommendations for it here. I bungie a basket on top and carry a backpack inside.

Igo

I have to retract my statement. It would not be good to lay your bike down hard on a camera in a side pannier. HAhHhahaaa

Igo

And it looks great, that black on black. My bike is gloss black and the Topeak is in gloss. Cool. What size wheel is that. It doesn't look like you had to bend the connecting bars very much at all. That's what I'm hoping for too.