Ebay Panniers Topeak MTX clones - Anyone brought any?

[jamin100]

So im thinking about getting a rack and some panniers for my morning commute.
I currently have a Chris Boradman Hybrid Comp 2010. I use a packpack which is loaded! and my journey is 10.5 miles each way.

In my bag i carry shoes, trousers, t-shirt, lunch box, phone, wallet keys. Its pretty full on my back. Not to to the point where it hurts or anything but I know its there.

Anyway, i thought i might give panniers or rather a top rack back a try. Obviously I love the look of the Topeak MTX bag which has the sides that you can open down if required. What i dont like is the price

Ive not got a lot of money to throw at this so i need to cut corners unfortunatly.

Ive found this bag on eBay from a HK seller. It comes in at £25
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130585892...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_9301wt_1061

I know its not going to have the quality of the topeak but I was wondering if anyone had any experiances with it?

Thanks!

 

[Monkspeed]

I recently bought a Topeak Super Tourist DX from halfords where they are selling them for £20 if reserved online, and I also purchased their "Bikehut" panier bag also for £20, it is quite spacious inside (18l capacity I believe). It also has a rain cover which comes with it, and you unzip it from the bottom to use.

I got caught out in the last severe downpour and it kept the contents surprisingly dry. I had a book in there and the bottom edge of it got slightly damp. I suppose you could put the contents into another bag inside. So you can realistically be up and running for around ~£40.

I know this hasn't answered your original question but I hope it helps in some way.



EDIT: Just had a look on the Halfords site and they have put the price of the rack up to £30, gits!

 

[jamin100]

any chance to a link on the bikehut bags?
is that a bag that attaches to the side of a rack? If so id ideally like on that stays on the top with the option of drop down sides if i need it

 

[Monkspeed]

Sure..

Here is the link to the Topeak Super Tourist DX, keep an eye out and hopefully it will go back down to £20.
and here is the link to the Bikehut Pannier bag but it's not a drop down sides type...

 

[jamin100]

thanks, these look like bags that attach to the side of the rack yes?
i ideally want one that attaches to the top of the rack and gives you the option to use the side bags if needed.

 

[potsy]

jamin, I know it's expensive but when you think of it possibly lasting for many years then it really is worth spending the extra now, rather than wishing you had later.
There is a site selling the bag you want for 44ish (will find the link if you want)

Obviously this is just my thinking as I have just got one myself, the ease of the QR mechanism, and the quality way they are made make it worth it to me.

 

[jamin100]

argh, i know your right. buy cheap buy twice is what im always saying....
I think its probably just the time of year and money is very tight at the moment...

 

[jamin100]

If i could also have the link to the £44 bag, as the cheapest i can find is £60

 

[potsy]

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/2551.html

 

[jamin100]

Thank you. I'll defiantly give it some thought.

Do you know which rack would best suit my board man hybrid and that bag? There's quite a few to choose from.

I know the bike has the mountings for a rack but also has disc brakes

 

[fossyant]

If using an MTX bag, you best get the MTX compatible rack. Got the Super touriste myself and the MTX panniers - been quite good - just need to factor in a rain cover £12. Got mine from Halfords. £30 for the rack is good. Had mine 2 years now.

 

[smokeysmoo]

If panniers are a must SJS Cycles on Ebay are selling them, and they're currently going for anywhere from £8 to £15 ish. Then a Tortec rack for a tenner and your safe as houses as opposed to buying from HK via Ebay.
SJS - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIKE-CYCL..._Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item231880ab37

 

[jamin100]

thanks,
I dont actually want the panniers bit if i can get away with it but there a nice option to have incase i need to load up. The topeak and the ebay bag had fold down panniers if required. I ideally want a rack top bag with that option rather than just straight panniers.

 

[MossCommuter]

If buying MTX rack there is specific one for bikes with discs.

I've got MTX disc rack and DXP panier, never looked back. Quality stuff

 

[jamin100]

im leaning towards it but am still trying to justify spending £80 on the setup :S