Anyone using Topeak Tetrarack M1 (mounts to suspension fork)?

[smorgasbord]

I just installed a Topeak Tetrarack M1 on my wife's bike's front suspension fork. Seems to be just fine, even though it's 5mm over the 145mm max width specced.

Now we need a bag for it. Was thinking of getting a Topeak QuickRack compatible bag. Suggestions on which one would work well? The rack seems to support panniers, so should we get the DXP rack with built-in panniers? We don't need a ton of storage.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Unfortunately, my only experience is the M2.

 

[smorgasbord]

wow, that rack alone is 2lbs.
And if packed up with gear, yikes.
The front steering will be heavy heavy heavy.
May want to weigh it down (add your panniers and stuff it with gear) and then test ride for a while to see how comfortable you are with it.

Like I said, we don't need a ton of storage - mostly things like sandwiches or an extra jacket.

I don't have panniers - I'm asking what kind of bag would work best on that rack (and don't need the largest).

 

[Sierratim]

Like I said, we don't need a ton of storage - mostly things like sandwiches or an extra jacket.

I don't have panniers - I'm asking what kind of bag would work best on that rack (and don't need the largest).

The Topeak Tetrarack M1 rack is compatible with all Topeak QuickTrack TrunkBags. These bags will easily clip into and out of the Tetrarack M1. The rack it self can also accommodate generic bags that strap onto a rack. Personally, I'd recommend a Topeak QuickTrack compatible bag for the convenience.

 

[smorgasbord]

Personally, I'd recommend a Topeak QuickTrack compatible bag for the convenience.

OK, which one? They're made for the rear, and so will look a bit dorky on the front, with backwards aerodynamics.

 

[Sierratim]

OK, which one? They're made for the rear, and so will look a bit dorky on the front, with backwards aerodynamics.

Personally, I'd go with either of the 8L bags, the MTS or MTX Trunkbags. It doesn't sound like you'll need the extra storage of the fold out panneris in the DXP/EXP versions of these bags. I'd also be concerned about the mechanical stability of these 'soft' panniers on the front of a bike.

These are all rear trunk bags in that the low end of the bag is nearest the saddle and would be nearest the fork. The aesthetics of these bags on the front are certainly in the eye of the beholder. The MTX Trunk Drybag avoids this is that it's basically a cube, equally odd from all angles. Another option would be a generic strap on type bag. My wife and I have used the Topeak Tourguide Handlebar Bag on our mech bikes for quite a few years. The clip in and out feature is very handy. I would definitely want this in another bag.

 

[smorgasbord]

I bought both bags from Amazon. Here's the side by side comparisons (EX on the left, DX on the right):

We ended up deciding to keep the DX. It's not that much bigger on the outside (even not as tall), yet has a lot more capacity. In particular, the side pockets on the EX bag are useless unless you want to carry thin things like credit cards.

 

[Sierratim]

I bought box bags from Amazon. Here's the side by side comparisons (EX on the left, DX on the right):

We ended up deciding to keep the DX. It's not that much bigger on the outside (even not as tall), yet has a lot more capacity. In particular, the side pockets on the EX bag are useless unless you want to carry thin things like credit cards.

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I'm sure your new Topeak bags will serve you well for many years, as ours have.

 

[smorgasbord]

I'm tempted to buy this for my wife as a gag XMas gift:

All she would need then is a little yapper dog to sit in it while she rides through a flock of flying monkeys.

 

[Sierratim]

I've found my wife a bit sensitive about presents like these!