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Topeak MTX and RX Bags & Racks

Matt.KMatt.K Posts: 105
edited November 2009 in Commuting chat
Quick question.
I'm still searching for the holy grail of carrying my stuff to and from work.
Think I may have found something near but need an answer first.

I'd like to get on of these:
(Topeak MTX Bag)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Topeak_MTX_Trunk_Bag_DX_with_Side_Panniers/5360012462/

To go on one of these:
(Topeak RX bag)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Topeak_Beam_Rack_RX_Rear_Rack_With_Side_Frames/5360017390/

The question is, are the MTX bags are RX racks compatible?
If so then great.
If not then I have a dilemma because the RX rack is nicer than the MTX one but the RX bags are too small for what I need.
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Posts

  • Mountainboy2465Mountainboy2465 Posts: 121
    I don't know about those two, will take a look though as I am after something similar - so far a Carradice thingummy was looking favourite - nice and narrpw & compact.
  • daniel_bdaniel_b Posts: 10,703
    Not sure about that exact one, but my friend ordered one from that range, and it was tiny.

    Personally I think you are paying a little over the odds for the mounting system.

    I use a creek 2 peak bag, and use one of the velcro straps and a bungee cord to secure, though 2 bungee cords would be even quicker I guess.

    Dan
    Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
    Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
    Scott CR1 SL 12
    Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
    Scott Foil 18
  • Matt.KMatt.K Posts: 105
    They are quite expensive, but I'm looking at them as Christmas presents, AKA the time of year when I can convince people to buy me things that I wouldn't normally spend that much money on!
  • bumpitybumpbumpitybump Posts: 76
    Matt.K wrote:
    Quick question.
    I'm still searching for the holy grail of carrying my stuff to and from work.
    Think I may have found something near but need an answer first.

    I'd like to get on of these:
    (Topeak MTX Bag)
    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Topeak_MTX_Trunk_Bag_DX_with_Side_Panniers/5360012462/

    To go on one of these:
    (Topeak RX bag)
    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Topeak_Beam_Rack_RX_Rear_Rack_With_Side_Frames/5360017390/

    The question is, are the MTX bags are RX racks compatible?
    If so then great.
    If not then I have a dilemma because the RX rack is nicer than the MTX one but the RX bags are too small for what I need.
    [/url]

    Checking the Topeak website I don't think that combination of bag and pack are compatiable - see here http://www.topeak.com/products/Racks/RXBeamRack_w_side_frameV-Type

    Racks that are compatiable with the bag are here - scroll down to the compatiable products bit:

    http://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/MTXTrunkBagDXP

    BTW - the MTX bag you've picked is great for commuting - been using mine regularly, have been carrying a laptop in side pocket, clothes in other side pocket and heavier items like lock in the main compartment. If you expand the top compartment you can also fit in three bottles of wine - although that does compromise the handling of the bike to have so much weight high up. :D
    exercise.png
    FCN = 8
  • bumpitybumpbumpitybump Posts: 76
    Still can't suss out how to embed images from flickR - sorry - follow the link to example of how useful the bag is....

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/4134630276/[/url]


    4134630276
    exercise.png
    FCN = 8
  • rally200rally200 Posts: 646
    I've got the MTX bag ,and MTX "super tourist" (conventional ) back rack) - It's very handy for commuting but while the rack is sturdy and light, the bag itself is unfeasibly heavy so I wouldn't recommend putting it on a beam rack even if it does fit.
  • commuterconvertcommuterconvert Posts: 68
    I have an older version of the MTX bag but it's the one without side bags. For commuting that works for me because I can stuff my clothes in the main bag and other day to day stuff in the side pockets. Having no side pockets would be a pain so I prefer that over the paniers.
    While not completely waterproof i've never had any problems particularly with the stuff in the middle because it's protected quite a lot by all the outside layers.

    I also agree with the comment about the beam rack, best fit a proper rack.
  • BrixtonbikerBrixtonbiker Posts: 100
    The carridice system is a much better system than the top peak. I have the Carradice SQR Slim, This holds about 4 times as much as the top peak, perfect form commuting about 4 times the weight as the top peak can manage.

    It does not rock side to side like the top peak when your pedaling hard, Is much better made.

    They can be expanded to hold about 20 liters...

    I use mine on a carbon seat tube without any problems. Used on Pearson Touche bike.

    http://www.carradice.co.uk/commuter-bik ... index.html

    The carradice bag itself has a built in carrier, the is a bracket that is attached to seat post so the bike looks standard when not using the bag.

    3 versions

    http://www.carradice.co.uk/commuter-bik ... tour.shtml

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Carra ... 360042573/

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Carra ... 360042572/
  • Matt.KMatt.K Posts: 105
    I think you may have convinced me on the Carradice there.

    Now I'll probably go for the SQR Tour as the side pockets look like a nice addition.

    I can't believe I've not seen these before, though it's probably because I've been looking in the rack bag section on websites and these are classed as a saddlebag (all be it a massive one).

    So it's same capacity as the MTX bag but without the heavy and cumbersome rack bit. Looks like a win win situation to me.

    Thanks for pointing these out Brixtonbiker, just hope I can find somewhere with them in stock now as everywhere seems to be sold out.
  • Mountainboy2465Mountainboy2465 Posts: 121
    That's the one I referred to as the Carraidice thingummy above...

    Wiggle had it a few weeks ago, the Slim that is!
  • commuterconvertcommuterconvert Posts: 68
    interesting, I hadn't considered the carradice when i got the topeak about 18 months ago. I'm sure I saw someone riding with a carradice (or similar) and it was flapping all over the place, something that's never happened with my topeak. If you say they don't though then I guess the one i saw wasn't properly attached. I'll definitely give them a second look as it's just about replacement time...
  • BrixtonbikerBrixtonbiker Posts: 100
    Contact Carradice directly, they are very helpful [email protected] ,
    44 (0) 1282 615886

    http://www.carradice.co.uk/commuter-bik ... tour.shtml

    I looks like they have them in stock, I wish i got the tour as the outside pocket for keys and lights would be handy.
    Matt.K wrote:
    I think you may have convinced me on the Carradice there.

    Now I'll probably go for the SQR Tour as the side pockets look like a nice addition.

    I can't believe I've not seen these before, though it's probably because I've been looking in the rack bag section on websites and these are classed as a saddlebag (all be it a massive one).

    So it's same capacity as the MTX bag but without the heavy and cumbersome rack bit. Looks like a win win situation to me.

    Thanks for pointing these out Brixtonbiker, just hope I can find somewhere with them in stock now as everywhere seems to be sold out.
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