Review of Topeak Explorer Bicycle Rack with Disc Brake Mounts

Topeak Explorer Bicycle Rack with Disc Brake Mounts
By: Topeak Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 8
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Too clever by half

On: 2008-04-12

First, the good news. The rack went on well, no small issue because I have disk brakes, and needed a wide rack. It is sturdy as can be, and I have no qualms about loading it to the gills.

Now the bad news. These are great racks IF you want to do what TOPEAK thinks you should do with your bike. Sadly, topeak and I disagree. So, I tried to mount my open top city panniers to the rack. The rack tubing is too thick. OK, I can modify that. So, I think I would like a narrow trunk rack so I can use my shopping panniers and still have a zipped space to store my raincoat etc. etc. I tried going to a brick and mortar store to actually look at the trunk racks and try them and see if theyll fit. The answer "Topeak has changed their system so often we no longer carry them. We can special order, but thats it." Oh well, no trunk rack for me I guess. Finally I thought perhaps I would mount a flasher on the back of my rack. Two choices here. Buy the proprietary Topeak back lights, or take a hack saw to the rack to modify it.

My recommendation find a company that makes racks and doesnt try to be overly clever.

Topeak Explorer Bicycle Rack - Disc Brake

On: 2008-02-18

Excellent, sturdy rack which mounted fairly easily. Nice idea with the offset mounting for disc brakes. I was happy to find this rack since the alternative for a traditional rack would have meant fabricating some spacers to get the dropout mounts far enough from the disc brakes. Typical of Topeaks high quality - very sturdy, yet still reasonably light.

Great one size fits all rack - for disc mounts

On: 2007-08-10

This fit on my Trek SU200 fairly well. I did have to bend to bottom mount apart a few thousandths of an inch because it was compressing the bike frame causing the brake to drag just enough to get on your nerves. However, after that modification, it has been a great bike rack

Works great on my 2007 Specialized Rockhopper

On: 2007-07-14

I bought this rack in conjunction with the Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP. I have a large frame (23") and I had to shorten the support rods that extend forward to the rack mounts so they would fit properly. This only took a few minutes with a hacksaw and my belt sander. Otherwise, the fit on my disc-brake equipped bike was perfect. I have large feet and occasionally clip the rack tube that extends forward near the hub with my heel, but Ive learned how to reposition my feet to minimize the issue. Folks with average-size feet shouldnt have a problem. After 6 months and 1000 miles of riding the rack continues to perform flawlessly.

easily installed and removed

by: apreisszzz On: 2007-06-10

I had no trouble just bolting it onto my new bike. A cannondale F5 with the disc brakes. Theres a little "adjusting" of the twisted brackets to accommodate my particular application, but once its set, thats it youre done. Bike shops didnt have much of a selection so I searched online. I also got a Topeak trunk bag.

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.

Solid rack for disk brake bikes

by: Anonymous On: 2007-01-09

This is a lightweight, solidly constructed rack for hardtail ATBs with rear disk brakes. There dont seem to be many racks made for this application, and this one works well.

Good at now

by: Anonymous On: 2006-07-30

It seems to me a very good choice, Hard, good paint.

You can atach the painners at the sides of the rack, and in the top, the sleeping bag, a mattress or something else
It also hace a special atach point for your RED BACK LIGHT

A very very helpfull accesory for your bike when you travel

PAY ATENTION if you need it For DISC BRAKES BIKE or NOT, there is a diference in the way you atach it to the bike and also in the PRICE There are two models, almost exactly the same
Be carefull!!!