Great topic, Court! Thanks for making this vid - bike racks are so important, especially for commuting/shopping. Too much coverage on youtube is given to pure downhilling which I find interesting, but somewhat elite - and more people think about it than actually do it. Racks are real daily needs for regular folk who use their bikes to work!
I'm surprised with some of the negative reviews. I was so impressed with the ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxMwYg0MOXR4M-oGeyBsNSYe1aPOUoRH6D cage that I got the lat pulldown attachment that goes with it. It is equally outstanding. I don't have one complaint other than putting it together is a job. The instructions and packaging of the parts are very well designed and organized. Also, I stripped and damaged the pull down cable the first day, admitting it was my stupid fault, and they quickly replaced it at no charge. I'm 6'5, 280lbs and fit in the cage just fine. Glenn B
Glad to hear yours is holding up George! My Uncle has one and uses the older beam rack setup. I think his bag is still in great shape after 5+ years! Thanks for your encouragement :)
The tool with the rounded end is called "bondus". Topeak "wisely" only did it on the long end, because this is only designed to facilitate quick speed turning, low torque applications of fasteners. When breaking tough bolts loose, you should never use "bondus" head. You will get away with it once or twice, but it will strip out the allen head bolt. Use the standard hex end for breaking and loosening hard torqued bolts.
I found out that traditional side bags/ sacks (Ortlieb) wobble too much and sometimes hit the wheel due to faulty rack design. There is not enough support behind the back of the sack. Straight down tube would really help to stabilise the bag. Similar solution to beam racks stabilisers I guess. I hope Topeak release some kind of adapter to solve this issue. Else I will need to implement some diy solutions like a metal wire or something… I think you should have tested the bags extended with some load to see if wobbling would have been an issue. Otherwise great elaborate video/ review!
I just got the front M2 and rear M2 for my Full suspension bike. I preferred these racks over the Thule racks because it’s doesn’t require an additional side cage for pannier bags and it looks better being all black IMO. The only thing I would prefer is that the mount clips of the M2 be of metal rather than plastic. We’ll see how durable they are.
That makes sense, I saw some on sale that had balled ends on both sides but maybe they were using really hard metal or not rated for super high torque... or maybe they were just cheap. Most of the keys I did see had the long end balled like the Topeak one. www.grainger.ca/en/product/p/ETC17222
I'm with you Alex, well said. And yeah, this would be a great rack for a hardtail that didn't have bosses for mounting a lighter, sturdier, less expensive bolt-on rack.
Gotta love North Vancouver! Wow...fortunate people to have made it to this heaven! I think I'll pick up the M2L for my Voltbike Enduro and giver a test!
I´ve been using the Thule product you mentioned on my FS bike without the slightest issue: great carrying capacity with two side panniers and a top bag, which is what I´ve used for my extended cycle tourism purposes, carrying camping gear, clothes, food and several utensiles. The Thule is also very lightweight, so I leave it on permanently on my bike, even when I´m not touring. If there´s any benefit you can see with this product over the Thule, I´d love to know. Cheers.
Thanks for chiming in! I was wondering if anyone out there had tried this or the Thule. The biggest differences I saw were different designs for Topeak front vs. rear while the Thule rack is the same (from what I gather). Your rack is silver and black vs. all black here. The Thule doesn't have the slide bag interface like this, does it? I wonder about the weight, if you take it off and measure please do post back here as I'd love to know! The Topeak rack alone is just 2.3lbs (1.05kg) as I measured it.
Hi - enjoy your video reviews. Have you had a chance to look at the “Old Man Mountain” racks? They’re actually installed as a more permanent rack (kit comes with a new thru axle for your bike to which the rack is attached). I would think though with appropriate “quick release” hardware you could attach / detach the rack in less than 3 minutes.
I like your devotion to your vids... I can tell it's cold out there!! By the way thanks for the tip on a good bike lock. I went with the Kryptonite keeper I feel secured of course with an alarm system also installed on the bike. Thanks, peace out.
Thanks for the in-depth review! On a side note, I'd never put any electronics of mine (laptop, chargers, powerbank...) on the bike, regardless of the bike being with or without suspension. Backpack attached to a rider is the least vibrating place :-)
Now your comment is making me worried, if you still get this comment, can I ask you if you think there is any danger in carrying a spare 20AMP or larger lithium ion battery on the rear rack for 3 to 4 hours at a time? (I didn't think so, because the same battery is in use on the frame and I wouldn't exactly call that placement of any lithium battery ''vibration resistant'' when it's being used, so what's the big deal in terms of fire safety or explosion safety by having it as a spare when the currently in-use battery runs out of juice ?
Hey, that's a great and quite an in-depth review of those racks. I'm looking for a set of racks for my Orbea Laufey H30 hardtail which also doesn't have those special eyelets or mounting ports for racks. I came across the Topeka Tetra Rack in the Internet, and initially I thought this is it. But thanks to you I know I'm gonna keep looking. The review is really great. I especially loved how you pointed out one specific thing - that the boots can kinda brush against the latches, or the mounting parts that sticks out a bit beyond the rearstay line and that can actually be annoying, for me at least. Another issue is its rigidity which isn't great. I know it's because those are kinda special racks, not one of those screwed into the frame. So I understand that, but nevertheless it's not what I'm after ;) Once again, thank you for the review - I may say it did save me some buck ;)
Thanks for the review. Did you try longer rides in unpaved roads? With this rack? I want to buy one to travel with my full suspension electric bike. No trails, only bad conservation unpaved roads that we have in Brazil countryside.
I was too looking into this system but I'm more persuaded towards the Old Man Mountain Divide for more stability. Yes it costs more but looks more built then just straps holding the rack on.
Great tip! That looks like an awesome front fender that would provide more coverage. May cost a bit more and weigh a bit more, but for where I ride it could be worth it. Thanks Slim Jim! www.crudproducts.com/xl-fender/
I valued your review for only one reason, that you convinced me the Topeak is not reasonable as a rack. Also, you have an error, the Topeak, as well as my Thule (similar) rack are *sprung*weight, not unsprung. The only Truly unsprung weight is *directly* attached to the wheels. I gave my Thule rack away. These racks that are just not stable. There is only one brand available that is truly unsprung: The Sherpa Rack from Old Man Mountain in Oregon. I bought it and used my older Thule panniers (which are excellent) the OMM Sherpa connects directly to the axle. To manage the added weight they provide a sizing kit for nearly every available bike. I have used many racks of the years, this system is BOMBER! The Thule rack mounts exactly like the Topeak as is just not laterally stable. It flexes so much, I feared my panniers (and laptop) would be lost. This rack plus the argyle panniers is a dream. Just did a 14 mile gravel road, very bumpy. Some of my handlebar mounts needed retightening halfway. But the OMM is bomber. And, it is serious, the max payload is 70#. That’s why most serious world travelers have used this on full suspension and road bikes. I am completely sold that this is the best, most stable rack ever. But I am mystified why they have so little presence on UA-cam?No one is doing any real research! I feel I have the best of all worlds now, a truly solid rack to protect my gear coupled with full suspension for the crappy city roads as well as off road. We would like a review of this: oldmanmountain.com
I was seriously looking at this rack but it won't fit my new Instinct. So I was looking around and found the Old Man Mountain rack. That thing looks more bomber. And more expensive.
I have a Topeak seat-post mount rack for my full suspension Voltbike Enduro and it does NOT work well. Maybe this Topeak design will work on the Enduro.
Hey I have the Voltbike Enduro also...and considering this mount kit...did you ever get one? I have a seat post rack now and my bag bottoms out on the tire!
I have one of those days without the panniers on a cantilever seat post mount and the bag is kind of leaning to one side because it's the the support is broken on it but otherwise the back holds quite a bit and my bike is a hardtail Trek 4300
Excellent review, I'm looking for some saddle bags for my full suspension bike and I think I'll get these. Great explained video, keep it up 👍. Cheers from Spain.
I'm considering one of these or the mentioned Thule. So looking at the website for tire width I had no luck. I'm running 27.5x2.8 tires. Did you use the m2 or m2L? Thanks! Great review.
Hey, thanks for the video. Got a question - I'm thinking of buying one to keep on my bike basically all the time. I live in London and cycle to commute. Generally never leave my bike anywhere for a suuuuper long time but the question is how susceptible is it to theft in such a situation? Thanks!
Looking to apply this to a full suspension bike with 4 inch tires. Any thoughts or advice. Haven't bought the bike yet but definitely want full suspension that I can travel with a saddle up for long distance travel. Could go to a thinner tire but want to keep it as far as possible and full suspension. Old man mountain has one but not sure if it will work on an E bike with 4 inch tires.
Like the review but do you know where sells the black version of the peak plus hardball you reviewed a whilst back?...I can only see a red version online
Can anyone speak to the danger on why doing this correctly with the rear rack add on's as presented in this video is why you have to do it this way? I've heard if you do it wrong, and just use any generic rear rack on a bike that didn't come with a rear rack but does have rear suspension, means you'll damage the bike or get hurt possibly while riding, (that's if you don't do it right, but I can't go into more detail on why that is)
Hi, do you think this would fit on a Scott 970 Scale (2019)? The angle looks a fair bit different on a hard tail. Thanks in advance for anyone who might know!
Anyone know the inner width measurement for tire clearance eof the rack? Seeing as there seems to be decent space even though your tires were too wide, I'm looking to purchase the Tetrarack R2 but it's rated for up to 1.5" tire width. My WTB By Ways are 1.8" wide though. Any help would be great
Great idea for a rack for way too expensive as it costs 3 to 4 times what conventional racks do. If anyone knows of a cheaper rack for full suspension bikes let me know.
Hi Malaysia! I'm guessing not, because they probably have wide dropouts like my bike (or even wider). Rad sells their own racks that probably cost less too :)
👎It's ugly. Why add unsprung weight. Always better to carry the weight off the seat post on full suspension bikes. Always better to just remove the seat and take the rack with it.
That's a great point, easy to take the rack and seat when parking at a rack. I still don't love how they can twist, and likely support lower weight, raise dropper post etc. but you make a great point about the upside considerations too. Thanks Jimiel!
Great topic, Court! Thanks for making this vid - bike racks are so important, especially for commuting/shopping. Too much coverage on youtube is given to pure downhilling which I find interesting, but somewhat elite - and more people think about it than actually do it. Racks are real daily needs for regular folk who use their bikes to work!
I'm surprised with some of the negative reviews. I was so impressed with the ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxMwYg0MOXR4M-oGeyBsNSYe1aPOUoRH6D cage that I got the lat pulldown attachment that goes with it. It is equally outstanding. I don't have one complaint other than putting it together is a job. The instructions and packaging of the parts are very well designed and organized. Also, I stripped and damaged the pull down cable the first day, admitting it was my stupid fault, and they quickly replaced it at no charge. I'm 6'5, 280lbs and fit in the cage just fine. Glenn B
Absolutely love the Topeak trunk bag. I have a couple and have been using them for years. Another great review...as expected. 😃
Glad to hear yours is holding up George! My Uncle has one and uses the older beam rack setup. I think his bag is still in great shape after 5+ years! Thanks for your encouragement :)
Hi George...nice seeing ya! I'm looking at this setup and I think I'm going to spring for it!
The tool with the rounded end is called "bondus". Topeak "wisely" only did it on the long end, because this is only designed to facilitate quick speed turning, low torque applications of fasteners. When breaking tough bolts loose, you should never use "bondus" head. You will get away with it once or twice, but it will strip out the allen head bolt. Use the standard hex end for breaking and loosening hard torqued bolts.
I found out that traditional side bags/ sacks (Ortlieb) wobble too much and sometimes hit the wheel due to faulty rack design. There is not enough support behind the back of the sack. Straight down tube would really help to stabilise the bag. Similar solution to beam racks stabilisers I guess. I hope Topeak release some kind of adapter to solve this issue. Else I will need to implement some diy solutions like a metal wire or something… I think you should have tested the bags extended with some load to see if wobbling would have been an issue. Otherwise great elaborate video/ review!
I just got the front M2 and rear M2 for my Full suspension bike. I preferred these racks over the Thule racks because it’s doesn’t require an additional side cage for pannier bags and it looks better being all black IMO. The only thing I would prefer is that the mount clips of the M2 be of metal rather than plastic. We’ll see how durable they are.
Hello there mate, how durable are they after 2 years now? 😊
If you put balls on the high torque end of the allen key you risk stripping the ends that is why they are flat.
That makes sense, I saw some on sale that had balled ends on both sides but maybe they were using really hard metal or not rated for super high torque... or maybe they were just cheap. Most of the keys I did see had the long end balled like the Topeak one. www.grainger.ca/en/product/p/ETC17222
Another great vid because i am deciding on a Topeak MTX + Rack . Thanks again from a long time subscriber in MB 🙂
Hi - All things considered Topeak have done a great job with this rack design. I would use that rack on a hardtail...
I'm with you Alex, well said. And yeah, this would be a great rack for a hardtail that didn't have bosses for mounting a lighter, sturdier, less expensive bolt-on rack.
Gotta love North Vancouver! Wow...fortunate people to have made it to this heaven! I think I'll pick up the M2L for my Voltbike Enduro and giver a test!
Best review I've seen of this system so far. Thanks.
I´ve been using the Thule product you mentioned on my FS bike without the slightest issue: great carrying capacity with two side panniers and a top bag, which is what I´ve used for my extended cycle tourism purposes, carrying camping gear, clothes, food and several utensiles.
The Thule is also very lightweight, so I leave it on permanently on my bike, even when I´m not touring.
If there´s any benefit you can see with this product over the Thule, I´d love to know.
Cheers.
Thanks for chiming in! I was wondering if anyone out there had tried this or the Thule. The biggest differences I saw were different designs for Topeak front vs. rear while the Thule rack is the same (from what I gather). Your rack is silver and black vs. all black here. The Thule doesn't have the slide bag interface like this, does it? I wonder about the weight, if you take it off and measure please do post back here as I'd love to know! The Topeak rack alone is just 2.3lbs (1.05kg) as I measured it.
Hi - enjoy your video reviews. Have you had a chance to look at the “Old Man Mountain” racks? They’re actually installed as a more permanent rack (kit comes with a new thru axle for your bike to which the rack is attached). I would think though with appropriate “quick release” hardware you could attach / detach the rack in less than 3 minutes.
I like your devotion to your vids... I can tell it's cold out there!! By the way thanks for the tip on a good bike lock. I went with the Kryptonite keeper I feel secured of course with an alarm system also installed on the bike. Thanks, peace out.
Thanks for the in-depth review! On a side note, I'd never put any electronics of mine (laptop, chargers, powerbank...) on the bike, regardless of the bike being with or without suspension. Backpack attached to a rider is the least vibrating place :-)
Now your comment is making me worried, if you still get this comment, can I ask you if you think there is any danger in carrying a spare 20AMP or larger
lithium ion battery on the rear rack for 3 to 4 hours at a time? (I didn't think so, because the same battery is in use on the frame and I wouldn't exactly call that placement
of any lithium battery ''vibration resistant'' when it's being used, so what's the big deal in terms of fire safety or explosion safety by having it as a spare when the
currently in-use battery runs out of juice ?
Maybe that is okay, since it's not designed to sit on a desk, but that's just my opinion, I'm not an expert in this subject.@@flolou8496
Topeak is cream of the crop in bike accessories
Hey, that's a great and quite an in-depth review of those racks. I'm looking for a set of racks for my Orbea Laufey H30 hardtail which also doesn't have those special eyelets or mounting ports for racks. I came across the Topeka Tetra Rack in the Internet, and initially I thought this is it. But thanks to you I know I'm gonna keep looking. The review is really great. I especially loved how you pointed out one specific thing - that the boots can kinda brush against the latches, or the mounting parts that sticks out a bit beyond the rearstay line and that can actually be annoying, for me at least. Another issue is its rigidity which isn't great. I know it's because those are kinda special racks, not one of those screwed into the frame. So I understand that, but nevertheless it's not what I'm after ;) Once again, thank you for the review - I may say it did save me some buck ;)
That's my bag on my fat bike. I carry my full workshop w/air and a grand piano in it. I love my Topeak
Thank you for this great review.....lively and informative.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Very useful.
Thanks for the review. Did you try longer rides in unpaved roads? With this rack? I want to buy one to travel with my full suspension electric bike. No trails, only bad conservation unpaved roads that we have in Brazil countryside.
I was too looking into this system but I'm more persuaded towards the Old Man Mountain Divide for more stability. Yes it costs more but looks more built then just straps holding the rack on.
Hi, great video, very informative. What size ground control tires are you using?
I know this was a rack review but I couldn't take my eyes of those sweet bikes great review though.
Great video , thanks . I would think that it would best a commuter accessory . Nice to see FS bikes being considered .
You might like the Crud XL front fender- works great looks great
Great tip! That looks like an awesome front fender that would provide more coverage. May cost a bit more and weigh a bit more, but for where I ride it could be worth it. Thanks Slim Jim! www.crudproducts.com/xl-fender/
interesting vid, just got a topeak rack myself, never used one before, seems nice !
Nice post mate!
I valued your review for only one reason, that you convinced me the Topeak is not reasonable as a rack. Also, you have an error, the Topeak, as well as my Thule (similar) rack are *sprung*weight, not unsprung. The only Truly unsprung weight is *directly* attached to the wheels. I gave my Thule rack away. These racks that are just not stable. There is only one brand available that is truly unsprung:
The Sherpa Rack from Old Man Mountain in Oregon. I bought it and used my older Thule panniers (which are excellent) the OMM Sherpa connects directly to the axle. To manage the added weight they provide a sizing kit for nearly every available bike. I have used many racks of the years, this system is BOMBER! The Thule rack mounts exactly like the Topeak as is just not laterally stable. It flexes so much, I feared my panniers (and laptop) would be lost. This rack plus the argyle panniers is a dream. Just did a 14 mile gravel road, very bumpy. Some of my handlebar mounts needed retightening halfway. But the OMM is bomber. And, it is serious, the max payload is 70#. That’s why most serious world travelers have used this on full suspension and road bikes. I am completely sold that this is the best, most stable rack ever. But I am mystified why they have so little presence on UA-cam?No one is doing any real research! I feel I have the best of all worlds now, a truly solid rack to protect my gear coupled with full suspension for the crappy city roads as well as off road. We would like a review of this: oldmanmountain.com
Excellent rack indeed ! The only drawback is that It's a bit cumbersome to install.
Good review. Comparing it with the other one out there these days...tge Aero or whatever. I do not know which to get. Similar bike: glad I saw this.
I was seriously looking at this rack but it won't fit my new Instinct. So I was looking around and found the Old Man Mountain rack. That thing looks more bomber. And more expensive.
I have a Topeak seat-post mount rack for my full suspension Voltbike Enduro and it does NOT work well. Maybe this Topeak design will work on the Enduro.
Hey I have the Voltbike Enduro also...and considering this mount kit...did you ever get one? I have a seat post rack now and my bag bottoms out on the tire!
Excellent review. Thanks mate.
EXCELLENT REVIEW!!!;)
Hello, if the center to center on my fork falls just above the R1 and just below the M1 what would be the best option? Thanks
Can't decide between this bag and the Arkell Tailrider
I got a track bike and would love this for standard groceries run, would it fit a thinner frame? I can’t tell if it’ll tighten onto it
I have the M1 since 2020 on my MTB and the M2 on my gravel bike. They are worth every cent but I wouldn’t connect it to a carbon frame or fork.
I have one of those days without the panniers on a cantilever seat post mount and the bag is kind of leaning to one side because it's the the support is broken on it but otherwise the back holds quite a bit and my bike is a hardtail Trek 4300
Excellent review, I'm looking for some saddle bags for my full suspension bike and I think I'll get these. Great explained video, keep it up 👍. Cheers from Spain.
I'm considering one of these or the mentioned Thule. So looking at the website for tire width I had no luck. I'm running 27.5x2.8 tires. Did you use the m2 or m2L? Thanks! Great review.
The M2L is more specific for 27.5/29 so I assume it takes into account boost sizes, the M2 is 26/29
Hey, thanks for the video. Got a question - I'm thinking of buying one to keep on my bike basically all the time. I live in London and cycle to commute. Generally never leave my bike anywhere for a suuuuper long time but the question is how susceptible is it to theft in such a situation? Thanks!
hello there, I hope you can advise. I have a fat tire bike with 3.5 width and a fender of 4.2 inches or 11 cm. do you think this rack can accomodate?
With regards to your neck and back . Check out Steve maxwells baby rolling
how's this set up been? Ive just ordered one for my specalized carbon E Bike. I hope it fits and works. will get a lot of mud up underwear I'm sure;
Looking to apply this to a full suspension bike with 4 inch tires.
Any thoughts or advice.
Haven't bought the bike yet but definitely want full suspension that I can travel with a saddle up for long distance travel.
Could go to a thinner tire but want to keep it as far as possible and full suspension.
Old man mountain has one but not sure if it will work on an E bike with 4 inch tires.
have you compared with the Thule Tour Rack?
I have the Thule, but it always slides down on the conic arms of the frame...
I am looking for full suspension rear rack for an ebike conversion battery at about 4 pounds. Would you recommend this?
Thanks super helpful!
I'm curious, what happens if the weight is unsprung? Thanks.
Those are nice homes. Can I have one. Please kick out one of the families so I can move in.
you should compare it with tailfin rack
My Fully has a Racktime rear rack, It seems to work for me the last year althogh it´s not suspended what is a minus on it.
Like the review but do you know where sells the black version of the peak plus hardball you reviewed a whilst back?...I can only see a red version online
I've been hearing that many ebikes are sold out or backordered due to supply chain delays this past year. Maybe red is all they have for now?
@@ElectricBikeReview thank you.
Even the load with a loaded handlebar bag.
For Carbon fiber frame dangers not cracked ?
Can anyone speak to the danger on why doing this correctly with the rear rack add on's as presented in this video is why you have to do it this way?
I've heard if you do it wrong, and just use any generic rear rack on a bike that didn't come with a rear rack but does have rear suspension,
means you'll damage the bike or get hurt possibly while riding, (that's if you don't do it right, but I can't go into more detail on why that is)
5:41 the seatstays width probabaly ment to say mm not cm :D
Haha, oh yeah! Great catch, thanks Kekibarni ;) cool name by the way!
Hi, do you think this would fit on a Scott 970 Scale (2019)? The angle looks a fair bit different on a hard tail. Thanks in advance for anyone who might know!
Amazing!!! I bought a "RINKMO 350W Electric Mountain Bike", super fast and very cheap...
Anyone know the inner width measurement for tire clearance eof the rack? Seeing as there seems to be decent space even though your tires were too wide, I'm looking to purchase the Tetrarack R2 but it's rated for up to 1.5" tire width. My WTB By Ways are 1.8" wide though. Any help would be great
You should look into inlammation and food if you haven't already
Great idea for a rack for way too expensive as it costs 3 to 4 times what conventional racks do. If anyone knows of a cheaper rack for full suspension bikes let me know.
No go on the carbon frame?
I like it. 👍
you know how i found out about the bottle holder not holding that well? i had a big ass bottle of beer in there ... ouch :D :D :D drunken pavement!
what mtb is that?
will this system work with the rad mini ?
Hi Malaysia! I'm guessing not, because they probably have wide dropouts like my bike (or even wider). Rad sells their own racks that probably cost less too :)
I have one of those bags not days
Can I put a child seat?
Best not to mount any rack on any carbon fiber bike frame especially seatpost😂
Lockout your rear shock. You don’t want it on anyway.
You are starting to have a subtle shift in your accent, eh?
They won’t work with v brakes
is your bike 148 or 157?
Boost 148mm with a 12mm thru axle.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😃😃😃😃😃
Love Canada M.T.L Québec
Great ar u sun of Dr mar dana
Weight as much as a case of beer
I don't think today's rickety bikes will hold up
Use hardtail frame !
Oh not good 😐
Why is anyone buying a $12000 bike??! Get stolen lately?!!
Cause I can 😂
whats with all the lame mac mansions with plastic windows and two car garages .. quite an awful place to shoot a video ..
👎It's ugly. Why add unsprung weight. Always better to carry the weight off the seat post on full suspension bikes. Always better to just remove the seat and take the rack with it.
That's a great point, easy to take the rack and seat when parking at a rack. I still don't love how they can twist, and likely support lower weight, raise dropper post etc. but you make a great point about the upside considerations too. Thanks Jimiel!
You can’t use the Panners with that rack. There’s nothing to keep the material out of the spokes.
Works fine for me using the integrated panniers built into the bag. 😊 These are demonstrated in the video.