[Closed] Topeak MTX beam rack

Had one for a while, it was ok - good if you regularly change bikes. Needs to be done up quite tight to stop it from moving and depending where it's mounted and how mighty your thighs are, you may find your legs brush the clamp when pedalling. I've gone to a fixed rack as I don't swap between biked enough to need the QR aspect, but the slide-on mechanism is one of the best things

Cheers @NBT
I've been invited to try some bike packing with a mate so thought it would be OK as a sort of temporary addition to the bike. I can't see it being a regular thing so would only be attached for this trip and then maybe others if I find it's something I do a bit more. I just wanted to check that it's not a useless piece of junk and is adequate for infrequent use.

Mine was fine, for commuting, and a friend borrowed if for a multi-day Crawley to Paris and back, trip.
I could think of more cost effective (and lighter) ways of trying out bike packing, though.

https://www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/13l-bike-seatpack-drybag.html#SID=119

They also do nice frame and bar bags, too.

And they are nice to deal with

The missus has used them for commuting for a good few years. The first one (an EX I think) was mostly plastic and eventually broke, the second has more metal in it.

You can't do the QR up tight enough on the post to stop it slipping - easily sorted with a bolt.

The big thing for her was the slide on/slid off aspect. makes it really easy to take the pack away when the bike is locked up at work.

Thanks guys, my plan is really to strap items to it - tent, mat, sleeping bag rather than sticking a pack on it, but will look at the lomo kit also as an option.

if its just to strap stuff on, Decathlon have a copy for £20.

Is this for a sus frame ?. Been wondering about the options there too. Was looking at a stay mounted topeak Tetrack

It will be going on a full suss yes, old Anthem if that makes a difference.
The decathlon option looks interesting and a fair bit cheaper.

I think you'd be OK with the mtx if it was only occasional use. I used to have one on the back of my commuter bike, which I left on all the time. I think in each of the examples below, it lasted 18-24 months of being attached to a bike that was ridden most days.

First one was replaced under warranty - can't remember how it broke. The replacement fell apart at the qr hinge. I had bought another in a sale from Evans that was intended to go on another bike so I then stuck that on the commuter - it fell apart at the weld where the clamp meets the main stem of the rack when my mate and I were cycling along a 60mph road - luckily it didn't take either of us out 🙂 In the latter two instances, it was not loaded when it failed.

I gave up and attached a proper rack. I think if I'd only put it on when needed it would have been fine, though...

2nd for the Decathlon version. I only use it now and then, mainly for holiday riding with wife who insists on taking clothing to suit every possible weather situation. Since my kids found out I have one they borrow it for bikepacking expeditions.