Panniers, Racks and Mudguards

[MattyK]

I've been reasonably happy with my Topeak MTX DXP trunkbag and matching rack. The mounting process is dead simple, a little rattle in it over bumps but doesn't bother me when riding. For convenience I think it would be hard to beat.

Do you have any issue with the size of the hole to get stuff in and out of that bag? I was having a look at one yesterday and it seemed a bit small relative to the bag . Ian

No, the opening is as big as the bag... The whole top flips open and the side panniers flip open and have a large access zipper

[Baalzamon]

Quite happy with my Ortlieb & tubus rear rack. Also having a Carradice camperlongflap is very handy. I was expecting a parcel today so took in my rear pannier, normally I can get away with just using my Carradice. Less wind drag with a saddlebag that is big enough to commute compared to a pannier.

[Thoglette]

There's no need to go for the expensive gold standard unless you have the cash and like the idea, not for commuting anyway.

Agreed - as long as it doesn't fall apart on the way. Also watch the second hand market - eg Deuter etc turn up regularly for not much money; are perfectly servicable and solidly built, if not as flashy/waterproof as the best of the best.

[lunar_c]

A definite +1 for the SKS Chromoplastics (now called P35/P45 depending on the width) I got a set for my commuter and they were easy to set up and look great on a classic steel frame, which is unusual for plastic guards. They were $73 delivered from CRC.

Whilst the Topeak Super Tourist is a great rack, after a couple of years use I've cooled a bit on the MTX DXP (? .. it's the biggest one) TrunkBag. At least in my experience I've found that except for the odd occassion here and there I just don't want to take my panniers off and carry an awkward shaped sort-of-bag in that doesn't stand up by itself and won't balance properly when you walk with them.

Like some of the other posters I generally keep some cotton shopping bags with my clothes and shoes in them in the panniers, and take those out to go into work. My bike clothes get hung up at work, and then I change and my work clothes go back into the bags to be carried to the bike and home.

There are better panniers out there that are easier to use and get your stuff into (it can be a bit of a squeeze getting size 13 shoes into the side panniers) if you are prepared to leave them on the bike most of the time, which has turned out to be the case with my Topeak panniers.

[MattyK]

My MTX DXP gets taken on and off daily, when I get to work and park in the cage and walk 100 metres to my desk. Yes it is an awkward shape and never stands up. But the main selling point is that it can quickly change size. Most days I just need the trunk bag, but sometimes I'll need to pack the laptop, and once a week I'll pack my towel and some casual shoes. So it's very handy having the panniers instantly available without having to lug around a full set of heavy bags all the time.

[lunar_c]

Yep.. clearly since you take yours off more often and carry slightly less stuff than me it suits you, you bought the right one, I didn't

[hartleymartin]

I quite happily used a Tioga rack and panniers which cost about $100 in total for a couple of years. I still have the panniers, but the rack was on a bike which got pinched last year. Cheap and cheerful - not the greatest for water-proofness, but they got the job done. As in most things, you get what you pay for.