Recommend me a rack pack for commuting please

[tad]

My old Altura rack pack has given up the ghost after 2 1/2 years of day in day out commuting, both the zips on the side pockets have bust and the "landing strip" that fits on the the rack has fallen apart.

It was one of these:



Do I get another one or do folks recommend something else? The big plus for me was that it was so easy to clip on and off the rack, this is a must. Something a bit bigger wouldn't be so bad as it was a snug fit for all the stuff I used to pack in it. I ride 12 miles each way in all weathers so some degree of water resistance would be good. I can't find anything similar made by Ortlieb unfortunately.

All advice is welcomed.

Cheerio!

[foxy12]

Halfords BikeHut Rack pack. At 29.99 it is good quality and big enough to use for cycling to work. Halfords are doing a 3 for 2 offer just now so its worth buying something else you need to get the third item free.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_236256

[tad]

Halfords BikeHut Rack pack. At 29.99 it is good quality and big enough to use for cycling to work. Halfords are doing a 3 for 2 offer just now so its worth buying something else you need to get the third item free.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_236256

Thanks for the post. Unfortunately this is velcro fitting which isn't appealing, I don't want to have to replace it when the velcro wears out in 3 months. I need something for that will be used every day and taken off at work and when back home.

[Swallow]

Have you considered panniers or rather a single pannier, very versatile and available at a huge price range. Have a look at these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-rack-pack-uni-panniers/ or http://www.wiggle.co.uk/basil-sports-single-bike-bag/

[Vorpal]

I have to admit that I very much like my Altura rack pack and would probably replace it with something similar, if I needed to, but 2-1/2 years doesn't sound like very good service. Mine is a similar age, and still in good condition though I only used it for commuting for a few months. It has since seen (approximately) twice weekly service.

My panniers and other bags are all going on 20 years. The most frequently used panniers need replacing, as they are no longer waterproof, but they were only cheap ones & I think I got value for money about 10 years ago As the Altura bag was considerably more expensive, I would expect at least as good from that.

[tad]

I agree that 2 1/2 years isn't long but they do get used day in day our come rain shine or snow. Rather than for the odd Audax or just a couple of days a week etc. My ride is on and off road, bouncing along fire trails, farm tracks and bridle paths so I can understand the landing strip coming apart being constantly bounced up and down whilst full of stuff. The zips busting is my own fault for overloading.

I do like the sound of a single pannier, especially as I'd be able to get the lap top in it (not that I want an excuse to be able to work from home!), I'm just put off the idea by the lopsided weight distribution.

Keep the suggestions coming please.

[Vorpal]

I don't find any balance issues with a single pannier, though I also like the slung over style like some of the Basil bags http://www.basil.nl/gb/assortment/. When I carried a laptop, I used panniers and put the laptop on one side & all of the other stuff on the other.

[ishi0000]

I looking to get a bag myself..I am swaying towards handle bar bag for small trips. I think my laptop would go in one but it's mainly for a camera...i imagine it would be much less bouncing around than the back, and maybe they would last better as a result? I haven't really looked at much specific yet though...

One I just found...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/russroca/3053649377/in/photostream/

[Swallow]

I looking to get a bag myself..I am swaying towards handle bar bag for small trips. I think my laptop would go in one but it's mainly for a camera...i imagine it would be much less bouncing around than the back, and maybe they would last better as a result? I haven't really looked at much specific yet though...

One I just found...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/russroca/3053649377/in/photostream/

I don't think you will find a bar bag big enough to carry a laptop, a small notebook maybe

[ishi0000]

Yea it's a 10.5 inch notebook I guess. I imagine for a full size I would go for a courier bag just for the laptop, they can spread the weight pretty good...just some random thoughts..

[rollinbone]

dont forget Arkels stuff
http://www.arkelpanniers.co.uk/uk/?noredirect=1

the 'trailrider' rack pack come with its own built in waterproof cover
has many nooks and pockets for your various bits and pieces and your can expand the main compartment if it gets crowded
it does attach via velcro but i've never had a wearing out problem with it

very smart too - it comes in 3 colours red, blue or black (the waterproof cover is always bright yellow)

P1020045_2.jpg (149.38 KiB) Viewed 2305 times

bit expensive @ £78 + £12 pxp but Arkel stuff is built to last

[tad]

dont forget Arkels stuff
http://www.arkelpanniers.co.uk/uk/?noredirect=1

the 'trailrider' rack pack come with its own built in waterproof cover
has many nooks and pockets for your various bits and pieces and your can expand the main compartment if it gets crowded
it does attach via velcro but i've never had a wearing out problem with it

very smart too - it comes in 3 colours red, blue or black (the waterproof cover is always bright yellow)

bit expensive @ £78 + £12 pxp but Arkel stuff is built to last

That looks ideal, the velcro part really puts me off though, I'm not convinced by it, as well as wearing out it is a faff putting it all together. Now does the CTC shop stock this ideal bit of kit?

http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en ... t=trunkbag

[tad]

Now does the CTC shop stock this ideal bit of kit?

http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en ... t=trunkbag

alas no

[Swallow]

If it's not to much of a fiddle, could you not keep all your stuff in a bag, in the rack pack and leave the rack pack on the bike and just take the bag with you

[Big T]

Another alternative is the Topeak MTX rack pack, but you'll need a matching Topeak Mtx rack to make the most the the quick release option. I don't have one, but am thinking of buying one. I currently have an Agusport rackpack which fixes via velcro fastenings. I don't think these are made any longer (mine's 15 years old). However, the Agu is a bit on the small side for a daily commute and it's a bit of a faff to attach.