Rear Bag Recommendation.

[MarkF]

Every spring I buy something similar to the below, and every autumn I throw it away. They are cheap, zips break, velcro pulls off, worse though, is that they move around too much, particularly when I have beer in them.

I'd like something sturdier, more stable and about £20, any ideas?

 

[jefmcg]

@vickster (topeak rack bag)

 

[John the Monkey]

Depends how wedded you are to the idea of a rack pack (and something costing £20) but a Carradice saddlebag would probably outlast you.

 

[mjr]

I know what you mean. I've a bag almost exactly like that in the cupboard awaiting repair after a bit started to come unstitched.

When I don't need smart, I keep returning to Alpkit Airlok Xtra under axle-mounted bungees. The main sacrifice is ease of access.

(For smartish, I hang a satchel from the saddle rails by threading a ratchet strap through a length of pipe under the flap. For really smart, I've a solid briefcase which can bungee onto the rack.)

 

[MarkF]

Thanks for the replies, l have plenty of luggage stuff & don't want a saddlebag, all my bikes have good racks on them. I like the design of these things but the quality is terrible, unsurprising at less than £10 posted.....
Ok £30.

 

[mythste]

If you can stretch to £40, I have a topeak racktop expandable pannier bag sitting in my wardrobe at home. Not sure how well it would play with your current rack but you're welcome to it if you want it. The side panniers fold into the side compartments to neaten it up


one of these - http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-baskets-panniers/topeak-mtx-dxp-trunk-bag-with-pannier?cm_mmc=Google+PLABike+AccessoriesBike+Baskets+&+Panniers572513&_$ja=tsid:60494|cgn:GoogleShopping|kw:572513&istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=xwplqqrwp&istBid=tzww&_$ja=tsid:35522|cid:344520484|agid:24344824324|tidla-221542945204|crid:83794506724|nw:g|rnd:3994559154184501591|dvc:c|adp:1o5&gclid=Cj0KEQjwoYi4BRDF_PHHu6rI7NMBEiQAKZ-JuGaDOefIzMLzrf5sPZZVwt87nHYWUzuAWj9oiPMC2vQaAvqJ8P8HAQ

 

[mjr]

I know Topeak's better quality control may help, but isn't the design of those bags part of the problem? They fix on only at the bottom and have nothing to stabilise them, so they're always wobbling about a bit and wearing themselves out. After my first repair, I started putting the bungees over it, but that's mainly worn shiny bands into it where they usually sat.

It's an attractive design but I suspect it's flawed. The good old rigid crate/basket is probably a better idea.

 

[MarkF]

Thanks for the offer mythste but I have loads of panniers/luggage/bags etc.

I know Topeak's better quality control may help, but isn't the design of those bags part of the problem? They fix on only at the bottom and have nothing to stabilise them, so they're always wobbling about a bit and wearing themselves out. After my first repair, I started putting the bungees over it, but that's mainly worn shiny bands into it where they usually sat.

It's an attractive design but I suspect it's flawed. The good old rigid crate/basket is probably a better idea.

I agree, and I don't just use the bags fittings, I use other straps and cable ties, but they always shift about. I might see if I can find a top box rather than a bag.

 

[Katherine]

I find the velcro straps are not long enough or secure enough to hold the bag on or to stop it moving about . I use this elastic webbing ( black ) with a hook at each corner, (red) which you can see in the picture, to go over the top of the whole thing. I got mine from Ev ans. I've been using this bag continuously for a year and it's hardly worn at all, though I have stuffed it with heavy locks and far too much paraphernalia.

 

[mjr]

I use this elastic webbing ( black ) with a hook at each corner,

Doesn't that make it rather hard to get into?

I never got on with a cargo net. Mine kept hooking onto everything except what I wanted!

 

[MarkF]

Thanks Katherine, I have a cargo net, but I use the bag for long sunny day canal rides, I know it's lazy but I just can't be bothered to mess about with one when I want to get food and beer out.

I am thinking along the lines of something like this, only not so ugly. I suppose the "moving around" problem may be replaced by a "rattling" problem.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIKE-PANN...649289?hash=item2a633e3b89:g:RHwAAOxygPtS8RxH

 

[Katherine]

Doesn't that make it rather hard to get into?

I never got on with a cargo net. Mine kept hooking onto everything except what I wanted!

No problem, I expect that is because it's a stretchy one. I make sure the zip opener for the bag is at one of the back corners, then I just undo the hook at the back and it's easy to get at whatever I want.

 

[Katherine]

Thanks Katherine, I have a cargo net, but I use the bag for long sunny day canal rides, I know it's lazy but I just can't be bothered to mess about with one when I want to get food and beer out.

I am thinking along the lines of something like this, only not so ugly. I suppose the "moving around" problem may be replaced by a "rattling" problem.

I find it's easy to open. I often stop to change gloves, get a snack, put my jacket in, take it out again, swap glasses, Get the lock out etc etc.

 

[vickster]

@vickster (topeak rack bag)

About £70-80 for bag and compatible rack. Going strong after a few years use so well worth the outlay IMO

 

[MarkF]

About £70-80 for bag and compatible rack. Going strong after a few years use so well worth the outlay IMO

Thanks, seen them in my LBS, but I have a motorbike too and have spent less on a far higher quality Givi top box & rack that'll last decdes. I'll keep looking..........