Back rack bags
 

So my husband and I both bought new bikes today, and his has a rack on the back. The bag they had at the shop that is made FOR the rack and snaps onto it was around $75. Didn't want to spend that, since we just put out so much for the bikes and all the other items. Where can I find good bags for a decent price that will go on these racks?

BikeBagShop.com

If you have some skills, it's not hard to modify a cheap backpack (thrift stores are full of them for a couple of dollars). Just fool with strap positions until you get it right. You may need a firm backing to keep the pack from getting into the spokes.

I would look at http://www.modernbike.com/k_Pannier-Bags/

I bought the axiom Dutch Shopper Pannier Set from them back when they were $100 and just love them. I have had them not well over a year and they are holding up quite well. They are now on sale for almost 50% off.

You could also make a bucket pannier. These are usually made from a plastic bucket with a sealing lid, like some brands of cat litter come in. Add rope cleats from the hardware store, figure out a hold-down of some type so it doesn't hop off when you hit a bump, and there you go. Do a Google search for "bucket pannier" and you'll see some examples.

Look at these


http://www.bikebagshop.com/vaude-sil...ag-p-1785.html

http://www.amazon.com/Litre-Rear-Bic...050897&sr=1-83

In my search i found these I actually went with the http://www.bikebagshop.com/racktime-...ag-p-1617.html and http://www.sierratradingpost.com/rac...niers~p~4235j/
They have enough room for a weekend trip. I put my tent in the Camel bak

Some racks such as Topean take propietry racktop bags. Do you have room to fit a clip-on racktop bag around the special rails?
Rixen and kaul do a special mount that allows any rack to be used with their clip-on system.

thanks everyone I will check these out!

I use the largest size fanny pack, similar to this:

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CKsBEPICMAM

held on with a bungee cord.

It's big enough for my wallet, keys, mini pump, tool kit, tube, and patch kit with space left over for Cliff Bars and other road snacks.

I've seen quite a few people suggest panniers of some sort, but I'd like to see a pic of the rack that the OP is talking about. Not all racks are optimal for pannier use.

As far as the QR systems go, quite a few manufacturers incorporate some version or another, but they add weight/price and tend not to be interchangeable with other brands.

Odds are the OP got Trek (I can't keep up with everyone's new bikes...) and if so, that means the Bontrager w/Interchange system... and that is probably the most expensive of all QR set-ups as far as value goes.

Here's a few sites to check out:

http://www.carradice.co.uk/home

http://www.axiomgear.com/

http://www.jandd.com/

http://www.ortliebusa.com/

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/saddle-pa...s&currency=usd

http://www.arkel-od.com/

http://www.deuter.com/en_US/accessor...Triangle%20Bag

Yes, it is the Bontrager (not sure about the interchange system). They had the specific bag at the shop made to snap into the rack, but like I said, it was expensive. So I'm looking for a cheaper alternative.

Cheaper alternatives are plentiful, though you'll sacrifice the convenience of being able to just "snap" into place. That is if we're talking trunk bags.

Goodwill/swap meets are your friends. I got my favorite pannier (an Inertia Designs Metro) for under $10 at a Goodwill. Panniers are some of the longest-lasting bike parts, and even a used set can still have years of use in it, so if you have the time to wait, go to some Frankenbike/similar events in your area.

I got bags like this (mine were black and yellow): http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...3533_200493533
And bought webbing straps with buckles at Academy, sewed them on the toolbags, and have used the result for many miles now. You can cut the handles off, by the way.