Review of Topeak Explorer Bicycle Rack with Disc Brake Mounts and Spring

Topeak Explorer Bicycle Rack with Disc Brake Mounts and Spring
By: Topeak
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It works!

On: 2008-02-13

The disk brake mounting system works, despite predictions by tecks at various bike shops to the contrary. Perfer this stlye to the bar griped to the seat post style. The chrome bars to attach at top are not attractive - they have a kind of plumbing strapping tape look. Overall, secure, strong.

Works great on 2007 women's Giant Cypress LX , after...

On: 2007-07-29

I now have the Topeak Explorer Bicycle Rack with Disc Brake Mounts and Spring mounted on my 2007 womens 17" Giant Cypress LX, and love it. However, apparently due to the redesign of the hub area on this bike, in order to install it, I needed to get replacement bolts and nuts from Topeak (which they sent for no charge). The bolts that were included for attaching to the hub area are 45mm bolts, with no nuts, designed to go into threaded holes. But the threaded holes on this bike are positioned further back and lower down than on other models, so the rack dragged on the tire treads. With replacement 50mm bolts and nuts I installed it through the non-threaded holes (that have hidden recess behind the "shoulder" for hexagonal nuts to "lock" into). The rack is well positioned, and easy to use. Putting on and taking off the MTX Trunk Bag DXP is very quick and easy, and without the bag theres always the clip option.

Not for women's bikes or small frames

by: btdenyer On: 2007-05-23

This is the second time I fell for the "one size fits all" statement from these third-party bike part manufacturers. I tried to install this on my wifes Giant mountain bike with disc brakes... an hour later and a few modifications I got it to fit. If you are planning on using this rack WITH the Topeak basket ("MTX Basket Rear" TB2005) on a womens bike STOP NOW!

(Womens and small frames:) The mounting holes on the frame for the rack are too low and, due to the angle of the seat post, the seat will hit the basket. Though the instructions state "bend to accommodate proper installation", you will have to create a severe bend to accommodate the frame on a womens bike or small frame. I also had to slide the rack far back on the rails in order for the Topeak basket to be able to slide all the way forward without hitting the seat.

Also, once the slides are bent they tend to bend quite easily. I ended up having to marry-up another pair of slides to these in order to make them rigid after bending them. At this time is when I noticed that the rails from my D***a rack were 50% thicker than the Topeak ones and much harder to bend.

The post/standoff that clears the disc brakes was fine. We have the standard Giant-issued disc brakes and used the factory-bored holes int he frame. No problem there. I did, however, have to use two-washers on one side to keep the bolt from hitting the sprocket (which is advised in the instructions.)

Other than that, the frame is well-suited for large frames and mens bikes with disc brakes on the rear. If you have a quick-release seat post, I recommend using it to attach your rack slides. You will find you have to bend the slides less or not at all.

Other points:
- Instructions are in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Chinese. It also shows great exploded diagrams and good illustrations of an installation.
- Comes with two rear tail light mounts for the optional "RedLite" (TMS004) and "RedLite UFO" (TMS017). The Tail Light mount has mounting holes 80mm apart.
- Made in Taiwan, if that matters to you.
- 6061 T6 Aluminum tubular construction with stainless steel fitting bracket (which I have been calling "slides")
- From placard: "1 Size fits all 26" or 700C frames"

I give it 2 stars for the sheer hassle of installation and blatant disregard for installation on womens bike frames.