I just recently got a road bike and was tossing up the idea of throwing a rack w/trunk bag on it, instead of getting some cycling jerseys just so I can have the little back pockets to carry necessities (tube, pump, keys, etc). I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience with these trunk bags:

Jandd Rear Rack Pack Economy
https://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FRRPE

Lone Peak RP-200
https://www.lonepeakpacks.com/rp_200_bg.html

Transit Metro Trunk Bag
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...rue&quantity=1

IMO, a rack and trunk bag would be overkill for the stuff you have in mind. I use a little under-the-saddle bag for tube/patches/tools/keys and mount my pump on the seat tube. That said, if you needed to pack food and a change of clothes, those trunk bags would be perfect!

I second the seat bag. Trunk is overkill for many occasions.

I already have a saddle bag, but would like something a bit more. I guess I could use the extra room to carry some food, jacket, etc. also.

Forget the rack and get a bigger seat pack. Jandd's Mtn Wedge III is as big as their rack pack, but doesn't need the rack. It'll save you some weight and handling will be better- just ask the ones who ditched rack and panniers for Carradice saddle bags.

Lol... Okay, I just hate how saddle bags look and would rather have a clean looking rack and small trunk bag, rather then have a bunch of stuff hanging off the bike. The weight doesn't bother me.

Got this one from Nashbar.

Of the three you linked to, I like the looks of the one from Performance, though the Jandd and Lone Peak are arguably of better quality. If cost wasn't a consideration, then the Arkel Tailrider would get the nod. And if you're commuting with this thing and need to remove it daily, then the Topeak MTX and matching rack would fit the bill.

That being said, try to find one that has a rain cover built-in (Arkel) or at least can purchase one that fits the bag (Topeak).

I have to toss out a suggestion for the Topeak MTX line of trunks. I have the DXP and it is superb. They have smaller ones if that is too large.

Also have to contest the seat bag suggestions. While most of the rime the trunk bag had a lot more space than I needed for the average commute, there were enough occasions where I needed to unexpectedly carry something more either to or from work (or stop for a few things at the store on my way home) that made the extra space a lifesaver.

I love the look of the Arkel, but ultimately chose the Topeak because of the MTX attachment system. It was very handy to be able to slide the bag off when I got to work, and slide it back on when I left.

I use the Topeak MTX system at work. It is a nice set-up that works very well. The one I have (at work) is the one that has the zip out side panniers. However, they are not waterproof, and they require the Topeak rack.

My order of preference if it was my money on my own bike:

#1- saddlebag (Carradice, due to it's durability and waterproof fabric; there are several sizes available, depending on need). I have several Carradice bags for my personal bikes. I have never had one fail on me, they perform as they should year after year. They look like new after having them for several years. They are waterproof and breatheable. I love that no cover is needed and there are no zippers to eventually fail. I expect my great-grandkids will inherit my Carradice bags in 50 years, and they'll still probably look like the bags Carradice is selling 50 years from now.

If you need a quick release option, the Carradice SQR provides that. It's probably negligible, but I also believe saddlebags are more aerodynamic as much of the bag is directly behind the thighs. For either a trunk bag or panniers, they would not be directly behind the thighs.

#2- (if you're not taking the bag on and off daily and/or require a beam rack) Arkel Tail Rider trunk bag with Arkel Randonneur Rack. This rack is the best of the beam racks, and shouldn't have any problem mounting to just about any frame. However, you can't use panniers with it, and it's a bit more expensive than many other racks. If you have to have a beam rack, this is the only option, in my opinion.

#2- (if you're taking the bag on and off daily): Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP and Topeak MTX rack (disc or non disc depending on what you need).

I really like the Topeak MTX bag system. It's very easy to put on and take off the bike. It holds a ton of stuff, particularly with the fold-down side panniers. However, there are two limitatios of it: 1- the side pockets hold the panniers. They are mostly filled with the panniers. If you put anything in them, when you deploy the panniers you have to re-locate anything you had already put in the side pockets. You can put very small items in the pannier and then put the pannier away in the side pocket, but then you have to deploy the pannier to re-gain access to whatever small item you stowed in the put-away pannier. I wish the panniers deployed separately from the pocket. 2- they (the MTX bag and/or deployed panniers) are not waterproof. You will need a rain cover if you ride in the rain. You'll be fine in light sprinkles without a cover, but anything more than sprinkles and a cover is necessary. It's also worth noting that the zippers seem to kink easily. I haven't had a zipper fail, but I've only been using one for about a month. I think the zippers are probably the weak link.

I looked at that one from Performance that you linked, and it seemed ok for a basic trunk, but I needed somethning that had a little more capacity and padding for my camera. I settled on it's big brother: https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...8_20000_400103
(It's not normally that tall, the top expands when needed) It may be the same one that 10Wheels got with the Nashabar name on it.

+1 on Carradice... it is the kind of gear you can leave in your will and just got a Pendle saddlebag to go with some of the other long serving Carradice Super C bags we have been using and abusing for some years.

The Carradice roll bag might be quite suitable for small essentials.

+1, the Arkel was really nice but in the end I also went with the Topeak because of the quick attachment and removal. I was worried I'd wear out the hook and loop closure system on the Arkel during daily commute use.

My GF has the Lone Peak bag, but never used it due to not wanting to permanently mount a rack to her bike. It looks well made, and should work fine. Many of us have used the Nashbar trunk mentioned above for years, they're great bags. I like the Nashbar versions better than the Performance versions (the 2 companies are owned by the same parent company) YMMV.

Could I possibly get pictures of that bag? The lone peak website doesn't have much for photos. I think I've narrowed it down to either the lone peak bag or the performance bike bag. Any other suggestions welcome though.

I've been using the small Transit trunk bag from Performance for 3-1/2 years, and it doesn't owe me anything, but still looks like it has a few years left in it. I have it permanently loaded with all the necessities for distance riding - pump, patch kit, tools, waterproof covers for my panniers & handlebar bag, spare tubes, removable headlamp & taillamp, & folding spare tires (700C & 27"). I move the bag & contents from bike to bike in my fleet as I go through the rota.

Google Image Search basically just has the stock photo as well. Here's one that might interest you. It has multiple pockets, pump straps, blinky tab, reflective bits, and a helmet holder. This is the smaller of the two LG bags on bikesomewhere.com and appears to be a discontinued model after trying to find the dimensions on the Garneau site.

I've bought and own all three kinds of bags (panniers, rack top and saddle) and use them depending on the occasion/mileage. f you don't want to spend spend too much money on something you don't know you'll need, I recommend the following bag bought on eBay for $15 and after 2 1/2 months of almost daily use, still holds up.

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...d=615976444020

FYI: now that I know that this type of bag fits my daily commuting needs, whenever it fails, I will go ahead and invest in something of better quality, not that it's falling apart, but the suggestions above will probably last quite longer.

Hope this helps!

If anything, I'm considering adding a handlebar bag for next spring's touring rides. That way, I can keep wallet, iPhone, keys, a thin rain jacket, food, and other small things handy without needing jersey pockets. Then I can devote the under-saddle bag for things I hope I don't need to access.

OP - I'm with you... I have a new Jandd trunk bag that I like a lot. I also have a larger Lone Peak, and another smaller one made by Axiom. I'll take some pictures for you and will post them later today.

I can take some low resolution cell phone pictures, what part would you want to see?

Maybe just a side shot, with it open, and if possible, with it on the bike.

How about one of these? It is roomy, has a waterproof cover and is detachable?

OK - some pictures...

Jandd Rear Rack Pack I. This truck bag looks different that the picture on the web site. Basically the same - except that (maybe) the newer version of this bag now includes the elastic chord which is woven on the top of the pack. Great for lots of options while on the bike... It also has a zippered top - which gives you the option to store item(s) on top of the pack - below the woven elastic chord. This version of the pack shipped to us as a Christmas gift.







This pack is turning out to be a great size for me...

Another detail that is not mentioned on their web site is the color of the interior. Besides the great quality of construction - Jandd colors the inside in an almost neon yellow. Make it much easier to see what's inside...



Definitely recommended....!

Next up is a bag made by Axiom. It's the Magellan - which is part of their Journey series. This bag is about three years old. Not sure if this exact version is still available...





Great features include side pockets, a rear pocket, and a front mesh pocket. Plenty of places to store things without the need to open up the main bag. Very convenient!

And last up... The Lone Peak RP-700:



Larger yes. And a separate zipper allows this bag to expand if you need it to as you fill it up. It has a pocket on each side. A nice feature - but not roomy at all compared to the Axiom. They still work though. And like the Jannd - is has a pocket on the top. It has been used as my long distance cruising bag. Tons of room. Though now I'm thinking about checking out the Jannd Rack Pack II.



Picture of the Lone Peak compared to the Jandd - side by side. The Lone Peak is definitely taller even before it's opened up for expansion...



They are all great trunk bags. I guess that it comes down to functionality and how it will fit on your bike. I'm rather tall - so most bags work easily on my bikes. My wife is much shorter - and some bags are too tall to work properly. (There is not a lot of room between where the rack rails are compared to the back of her seat...)

All of the bags do great in the rain without a separate rain cover.

Hope this info helps!