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Topeak MTX Trunk Bag EXP With Expandable Panniers, 1030 cubic inches, Black .
2520 denier construction, insulated water bottle holder and main compartment, MTX rack compatible.
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Fantastic Value - Perfect Size
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I had been shopping for a rack bag for my bike for quite a while. The greatest difficulty I was having was determining the size of the bags - how big/small were they, how much could they hold, etc. Based on some reviews I thought this bag would be about right so I gave it a whirl. Turns out it is the perfect size for me. I primarily use it to hold my possessions as I commute to work and back. I can fit the following items in this bag (with the panniers expanded) simultaneously:
Panniers:
A 2-liter bottles of soda.
Rolled-up shirt.
Socks/undergarments.
2-4 notebooks/books or a small laptop (<14" screen).
Main Compartment:
Keys.
Wallet.
Cell Phone.
Pants.
Bike repair items (CO2 pump, tire levers, etc.).
(still some additional room.)
Also there is a bungy-strap on top you could roll up a sweater and stick under it.
The bag features six elastic straps so it is very easy to secure the bag to any rear rack. The panniers have some small loops you can latch onto the bottom sides of the rear rack. There is also the option of using the Topeak quick-release system. The handle on top is adequate for carrying the bag. There is a padded strap included, but I have found myself not using it (center of mass is a bit awkward if the panniers are loaded).
Overall, for the money, this is a great bag and would be useful for anyone traveling 1-100 miles (likely too small for any multi-day trips). Bag would also be useful for quick trips to the grocery store. A *great* value for the price!
Rating: 
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-11-24
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Good do it all (most?) bag
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I've owned one of these for 2 years now, and it's held up well. I commute to work, 5 days a week, so it's gotten a thrashing.
Pros:
Easy to get on/off the Topeak rack (can't speak of other racks, but I don't know why you would by this bag if you had a different type of rack)
Good storage capacity to size ratio, I love the fact that the panniers just fold up into the side. Very easy to use, and I've had a few grocery shoppers say "wow, that's cool!" when I unzip them and they just flop down.
Internal pockets are nice, and I like the fact that the very top part is it's own separate little trunk thing. I keep my bike tools, tube, and powerbars up here. Nice not to have to open the main compartment.
Reflective strips are a nice touch when it gets dark, and your rear blinky ran out of batteries (or broke, like mine)
Cons:
Well, mine is just starting to tear up. I've used it every day for the past two years, and it isn't babied at all. The zipper on the main trunk is starting to fail, and the nylon at the bottom of the bag is looking a little frayed. That is partially due to a crash, and partially due to the fact that this thing gets hammered.
I can't really call it a con though, as I overload, stuff, cram, and beat this bag regularly. I can say that the rack is pretty tough as well; 40lbs load in the bag, and bunny hopping off curbs, and no issues.
Um, it's not waterproof, unless you waterproof it. This is never stated to be a waterproof bag, so that shouldn't be a surprise either.
Conclusion:
Totally recommend this bag for a commuter who needs to haul a bit more, or light touring. Doesn't hold enough for more than a day, and no, it won't hold a tent or anything like that. But it does hold my work clothes, shoes, bike tools, tube, pump, and lunch quite easily.
The panniers will hold a gallon of milk, each, just to give you an idea of the size. For the money, you probably can't do any better. If you think you might need full panniers, then I would go with Ortleib, they are some of the better designed bags out there. Happy riding.
Rating: 
(4
out of 5) @ 2008-10-17
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love this bag
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This is a great bag. The construction is solid, and it mounts perfectly on the Topeak MTX BeamRack Bike Mounted Rack. The panniers fold easily away into the side pockets when not needed and the bungee cord, carry handle, and carry strap make this bag versatile and very easy to use. You have to have the Topeak MTX Dual Side Pannier Frame For Beam Rack if you are going to use the panniers otherwise they will get caught in your wheels.
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-10-01
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Great Bag
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I have been commuting with this bag for a month and really like it. I really like the MTX system for taking the bag on and off the rack. The fold down panniers are very convenient and hook to the bottom of the rack very quickly and securely. I would like a few more external pockets and zipper pulls large enough to put a luggage lock through. Over all I would highly recomend this bag. Although the next time, I might get the larger size.
Rating:
(4
out of 5) @ 2008-09-22
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Pretty good, does the job
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I use this bag for daily commuting to my gym clothes and lunch. It is big enough to fit them all. Once in a blue moon, I hope I had a slightly larger bag, but overall it is big enough for me.
I like to track system, it uses no effort to mount the bag, and also it is secured so there is no fear of it falling off in the middle of the ride.
I do caution people to be aware of its lack of waterproofing ability, I rode in fairly heavy rain (about a ten minutes ride) a few days ago and my stuff inside were quite wet, so some of my documents (which I rarely carry) got wet. That's why they sell this waterproof cover I guess.
I would recommend this as I think it does a good enough job.
Rating:
(4
out of 5) @ 2008-09-18
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