Rack top bag?

[firedfromthecircus]

I'm contemplating a rack top storage solution for my Vanguard to swap out for the single pannier I'm currently using. Anyone got any suggestions?
Needs to fit to a standard rack, and while banana and tools storage is the principle requirement, if it made a wee aero advantage I wouldn't be unhappy about that! I think a carbon tailbox would look out of place however.

[hercule]

After months of scouring the internet for a replacement for a Carradice Prima rack bag (that just fell apart... but I had used it for 20 years!) Santa smiled on me the year before last and bought me an Arkel Tailrider. Fits on the back of my Fuego nicely, looks aero, capacious and has dividers and pockets inside and pockets on the outside for bits and pieces. Nice and bright red colour, the yellow rain cover also adds a nice bit of conspicuousness (I have it dangling behind the seat for visibility but it has its own pocket to pack into). Most importantly it fits the weirdly sized rack Nazca use. Well made and sits solidly (it fits normal bike racks too). Most importantly it looks good!

https://www.arkel-od.com/en/tailrider-b ... k-bag.html

Before this I used a Radical rack bag which looks aero and is nice and conspicuous too, has huge storage capacity but was just a bit too big for most of my needs most of the time. It does have the advantage of two bottle sleeves... handy on the Fuego as bizarrely for a touring bike it has no bottle mounts. Radical bags are very well made and they specialise in making bags for 'bents - they have a guide as to what might suit your machine.

https://www.radicaldesign.com/recumbent ... bag-m.html

Neither are cheap but I wanted something bright and most bags seem to be black... or... black

[firedfromthecircus]

Thanks Hercule.
That Arkel looks very nice, but it is spendy! I wonder how many pennies I have.

[pjclinch]

The thing that puts me off most rack-packs I've seen is they don't have the nice simple quick release of panniers. So, any input as to models that do have this, rather than faffing about with velcro strips, I'd be happy to know about. Over to the panel...

[squeaker]

I've used both the Tailrider (spendy, indeed!) and the Agu Yamaska 475 rack bag. The latter is affordable, with neat drop down mini side bags and expandable top, but the former looks faster and matches my shirt

[firedfromthecircus]

The latter is affordable, with neat drop down mini side bags and expandable top, but the former looks faster and matches my shirt

Shirt matching capability is indeed a boon for the fashion conscious recumbent rider!

Wait a minute. Is that an oxymoron?

[firedfromthecircus]

The thing that puts me off most rack-packs I've seen is they don't have the nice simple quick release of panniers. So, any input as to models that do have this, rather than faffing about with velcro strips, I'd be happy to know about. Over to the panel...

The only one I know that would get close is the Topeak MTX quicktrack system, but you need the specific rack for them. https://www.topeak.com/global/de/produc ... runkbag-dx

I have found the Carradice carradura one on offer at SJS so I've ordered one. I'll see how I get on with it and decide if I want to save up for the Arkel.

[Tangled Metal]

Topeak do some with a base you attach to the rack with hook and loop strips then the bag sticks to more steps on top of the base and two or three quick release buckles for security. Some even have little pockets become mini panniers.

The one we have takes seconds to remove and the carrying strap is permanently fixed to the bag so you can take it off and walk off carrying over the shoulder.

[pjclinch]

I see Ortlieb have now come up with Just What I Want, though with the usual proviso that I can't really justify the expense...

[Bikes`n`guns]

Have a look at Lomo.

They do a top box / rack back that is superb, and great value as well.

[UpWrong]

I have the Topeak RX rack bag, zip-tied on: https://photos.app.goo.gl/UKxrd5AIzEFRZKIg2

The main compartments is on the small side, although it does expand vertically. The side pockets are surprisingly useful.

[Tilley]

I've used altara rack packs in the past and been impressed at their value for money

[firedfromthecircus]

I have the Topeak RX rack bag, zip-tied on: https://photos.app.goo.gl/UKxrd5AIzEFRZKIg2

The main compartments is on the small side, although it does expand vertically. The side pockets are surprisingly useful.

That pack does look small on your Rans!
How are you enjoying the LWB experience?

[UpWrong]

That pack does look small on your Rans!
How are you enjoying the LWB experience?

I forgot to say that the pockets expand into side panniers.

Yes, very much enjoying the experience. I rode 70 miles on it on Sunday around the Kent Coast. That was with two 26" wheels on it.

[firedfromthecircus]

Yes, very much enjoying the experience. I rode 70 miles on it on Sunday around the Kent Coast. That was with two 26" wheels on it.

Good stuff. Gotta keep the LWB flag flying!