Review of Topeak MTX Trunk Bag EXP

Topeak MTX Trunk Bag EXP
By: Topeak Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 15
More Information

Great Trunk Bag!

On: 2008-06-30

This is a great trunk bag. Great for carrying extra cloths on a cool day, or rain gear on a rainy day. Everything stays dry when used with the available rain cover. Some people seem to have expectations that are too high for this bag. Use a little commonsense when purchasing a trunk bag. Get an all out set of panniers if youre touring. If you want storage for a few necessities, this is your bag.

Looks MUCH bigger in the picture

On: 2008-06-25

Very nice looking but if you want more than just a single change of clothes consider something bigger. The DXP is a good bit bigger and only a few bucks more. Im sending this one back and getting the DXP. The main compartment is suprisingly small and doesnt have a good place to put tools or a spare tube. There are two small pockets but they dont close so they are a poor choice. The MTX mount system is very nice though.

Tough to get on non-MTX racks

On: 2008-06-03

The bags pretty nice, overall... but I wish I had known what "MTX rack compatible" meant! What it really means is that the bag doesnt really fit all that well on non MTX racks. I have a Blackburn MTN rack, and the little quick release thing made this tough to actually get onto the rack! Its on though.

Excellent Commuter Bag

On: 2008-05-28

I bought this bag primarily to replace using an awkward and uncomfortable backpack to carry items when commuting to work. I was a little worried that this bag would be a little too small, but after using it, it is more than adequate.

It has all the room I need to carry my work items. In one pannier, Im able to put my size 12 dress shoes and then am able to put my dress pants, shirt, undershirt, socks, and belt in the other pannier. That then leaves the entire top compartment open for putting my lunch and other items I wish carry. The top compartment is quite roomy. Its large enough to fit a full gallon of milk if tipped on its side. The built in bungee cords on top are also great for securing items such as my light jacket.

The quick release system is really great. A few seconds to take it on and off.

The overall weight of the bag is a little heavy, even when empty. My road bike definitely becomes a little more top heavy.

The bag is only able to stop small amounts of moisture from penetrating. Therefore, I would highly recommend purchasing the rain cover for this bag. I didnt, and one morning I road shortly after a light rain, so the pavement was still a little wet. Over the course of the 10 mile ride, some of my clothes inside had gotten a little damp.

Overall construction seems pretty good, but Ive only had the bag for about a month so I dont know how it will hold up long term.

My main complaint about the bag is the lack of an external small compartment for keys, wallet, etc. Im forced to either put the items in the small non-zippered pouch in the main compartment or into another bag. Both of which are not very convenient.

Good for this price point.

On: 2008-05-03

Ive used this, with the Topeak rack, since ordering it from Amazon in 2006. It is excellent for carrying my thermos and plenty of commute accessories. High wear points are along the bottom edges, where material is fatuiging. Ill probably get about 4 years worth of wear out of it, before needing to replace it due to wear and tear. The back loop is useful, but imperfect for holding a flasher, since it doesnt hold the flasher securely enough to avoid the flasher pointing down a bit too much. Side pocket hold useful amount of gear even when the panniers are folded in. Panniers are roomy and usefull when needed. Reflector striping is an added plus. The mount rail and carrying handle are very nice, to allow carrying valuable accessories into office or stores when my cycle is locked up outdoors. Removable design is also nice to take the bag into the bus with me, when its rainy outside and my cycle is on the bus bike rack.

Solid Midsize

On: 2007-12-26

This is a great mid-size bag. Trunk is big enough for gear on a day trip and the zip out panniers are big enough to let me commute to school. I dont think I would take it on more than a 3 day trip without front panniers but it wasnt designed as a touring set up. For a commuter this is a great investment. Keep an eye on the weather report or buy the rain cover because it is only water resistant, not proof. For touring 3 stars, for commuting 5.

Fits great on my treck frame

On: 2007-11-17

Fits great on my treck frame. And for the price it is a lot cheaper then most others. 5 stars.

Nice in theory, lousy in practice!

On: 2007-11-12

This bag looks good, but thats about it. I used it for daily commuting and it collapsed within weeks. There is no inside frame so it cannot sustain any weight before it compresses. The bag then sags over the bag and almost touches the rear wheel. It is not waterproof and contents get wet even in light rain. If you are looking for a panier pack I would recommend going for the true thing and not this pretty wannabe.

Nice in theory, lousy in practice!

On: 2007-11-11

This bag looks good, but thats about it. I used it for daily commuting and it collapsed within weeks. There is no inside frame so it cannot sustain any weight before it compresses. The bag then sags over the bag and almost touches the rear wheel. It is not waterproof and contents get wet even in light rain. If you are looking for a panier pack I would recommend going for the true thing and not this pretty wannabe.

They sent me the wrong bag!

On: 2007-08-08

Hi all!
Id be careful ordering this bag until they get their... you know what, together. I ordered this bag but they sent me this one!
http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-RX-Trunk-Bag-EX/dp/B000FIAU2U

Love it

On: 2007-07-24

I just love this bag. The rack was challenging to attach to my bike but was worth it. Works great. It is big enough for little day trips around my neighborhood. I like that the main compartment is insulated. We went for ice cream last night at the grocery story and it was still just as firm as when bought by the time I got home. Great product!

A perfect fit

On: 2007-06-07

I rode for 225 miles on the KATY Trail in Missouri for three days and was able to carry all that I needed (stayed in hotels). It rode very well; I hardly even knew it was there. Be sure to buy the Topeck rack to go with it and also buy the Topeak MTX Dual Side Pannier Frame.

Good but could be better

On: 2007-05-25

The good: 1) The materials used are good quality and feel like they will hold up under use. 2) The construction is good. It is a well put together bag. 3) The ease of use with the Topeak rack. It fits easily and securily. It is a good system that Topeak has. 4) The top is lightly insulated. Good spot for putting my lunch during the commute.
The bad: 1) The price. There are several less expensive options out there. 2) No exterior easy to reach pockets for phone, wallet, keys etc.. 3)The panniers should be a couple inches wider and taller. The bags are a little undersized.
In the end I would have rated it higher if the bags were just a little larger and if it were just a bit less expensive. Also, I had problems ordering directly from Amazon. The order was filled by Amazon with an expected delivery date of 3-5 business days. Two days after the order was placed I went to track the shipment and it hadnt even picked up yet. It stated that there was a problem getting shipped out. So I had to pay the extra for expedited delivery. That was disappointing. I didnt even get a notice from Amazon that there was a problem.

Good but could be better

On: 2007-05-24

The good: 1) The materials used are good quality and feel like they will hold up under use. 2) The construction is good. It is a well put together bag. 3) The ease of use with the Topeak rack. It fits easily and securily. It is a good system that Topeak has. 4) The top is lightly insulated. Good spot for putting my lunch during the commute.
The bad: 1) The price. There are several less expensive options out there. 2) No exterior easy to reach pockets for phone, wallet, keys etc.. 3)The panniers should be a couple inches wider and taller. The bags are a little undersized.
In the end I would have rated it higher if the bags were just a little larger and if it were just a bit less expensive. Also, I had problems ordering directly from Amazon. The order was filled by Amazon with an expected delivery date of 3-5 business days. Two days after the order was placed I went to track the shipment and it hadnt even picked up yet. It stated that there was a problem getting shipped out. So I had to pay the extra for expedited delivery. That was disappointing. I didnt even get a notice from Amazon that there was a problem.
That was my original review but after 7 months my opinion has changed. I would not give it 3 stars. I am currently on my 2nd bag because I had to return the original after 3 wks. The bag began to come apart at the seems. Now my second bag has the same problem. I only put clothes in there so its not that I overload it. This is something you might consider if you are using this for your daily commute.

Overall a very good purchase

On: 2007-04-13

I have been using this bag for 4 months 2-3 times per week on my commutes to work around 30mi round trip and I am very happy with it. I am using it with the MTX explorer disc rear rack.

First the things I like.
1) Roomy enought for a change of clothes, lunch, tools and a towel.

2) Materials seems to be high quality and I experienced no rips or failures.

3) I really like the MTX system which keeps the bag super secure even when I jump curbs or potholes. It also makes installing and removing the bag very quick and easy.

4) This bag keeps water and dirt off my back in poor weather.

5) Main compartment seems to be waterproof.

6) Good price from Amazon.

7) I dont hit it with my ancles when its fully expanded. I ride a short chainstay singlespeed mtb and it was a problem with other systems.

Things I am not real crazy about.

1) Pockets in top lid are poorly designed and stuff fall out of them. A little velcro or a zipper would have been great.

2) No mesh, or side pockets since they are used by the panniers. I think it could have been designed a little better.

3) A little heavy, but compared to my daily load its trivial.

4) Side bags are not waterproof.

5) Waterproff cover is extra.

I feel the negatives are relatively minor as far as I am concerned so I give it 4 stars, and I recommend this product.

Overall a very good purchase

On: 2007-04-12

I have been using this bag for 4 months 2-3 times per week on my commutes to work around 30mi round trip and I am very happy with it. I am using it with the MTX explorer disc rear rack.

First the things I like.
1) Roomy enought for a change of clothes, lunch, tools and a towel.

2) Materials seems to be high quality and I experienced no rips or failures.

3) I really like the MTX system which keeps the bag super secure even when I jump curbs or potholes. It also makes installing and removing the bag very quick and easy.

4) This bag keeps water and dirt off my back in poor weather.

5) Main compartment seems to be waterproof.

6) Good price from Amazon.

7) I dont hit it with my ancles when its fully expanded. I ride a short chainstay singlespeed mtb and it was a problem with other systems.

Things I am not real crazy about.

1) Pockets in top lid are poorly designed and stuff fall out of them. A little velcro or a zipper would have been great.

2) No mesh, or side pockets since they are used by the panniers. I think it could have been designed a little better.

3) A little heavy, but compared to my daily load its trivial.

4) Side bags are not waterproof.

5) Waterproff cover is extra.

I feel the negatives are relatively minor as far as I am concerned so I give it 4 stars, and I recommend this product.

love it

On: 2007-03-03

i love this bag. took it on a weeklong trip, not camping. it was perfect. it is well-made. it stored all the necessities and a few luxury items to boot. with a few simple mondifications, it fit snuggly on my regular-style rack. bought another one as a gift, i liked it so much. the shoulder strap and one-piece construction made it easy to transport when i wasnt on my bike. well worth the price even for one trip. happy travelling!!!!

just right

On: 2007-01-22

I did a lot of shopping around when I started looking for a trunk with panniers. This one was just the right size and I was pleasantly surprized with the size of the panniers. They may look small but they hold quite a bit! And I liked the fact that when I did not need them they fold up out of the way. The trunk is sturdy and solid and Im glad I can remove it easily and take it with me with the convenient shoulder strap. I am very pleased with my purchase and recommend it to you.

Topeak's stuff is functional and durable--for nylon

by: slider2699 On: 2006-12-29

I use this bag/pannier for grocery shopping and carrying my commuting gear, and it works fine. The best part about Topeaks stuff is the Quick Track system that allows the bag to connect to a Topeak rack easily. No mucking about with Velcro---just slide it into place and click it down. Is the bag perfect? No. The trunk gets compressed when the panniers elastic straps are hooked to the rack. The nylon fades badly in sunlight, and it isnt really waterproof at all. But its cheap enough, and works well.