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Topeak MTX Trunk Dry BagTopeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag in situ

Topeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Mar 6, 2010

4
£66.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Impressive bag with excellent detailing, you do need a dedicated Topeak rack
Weight: 
1,021g
Contact: 
www.extrauk.co.uk
How we test

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Topeak’s MTX waterproof trunk bag is brilliantly designed and a delight to use when paired with the brand’s range of compatible carriers thanks to solid construction and the clever patented quick track mounting system, combining limpet like security and effortless release. Extensive internal padding gives perishables a sporting chance of surviving rutted roads and bridle path alike but I’d stop short of risking cameras and other sensitive electrical equipment. The LED tab could also be improved and incompatibility with other brands of carrier might also be a turn off.

Heavy-duty 300/600-denier sonic welded polyester construction is built to last, offering excellent water repellence-even directing a jet of water from a garden hose over the bag for several minutes hasn’t revealed any weaknesses, so it came as no surprise to find the contents bone dry after several hours riding in torrential rain. 12.1litre capacity is certainly generous (although Carradice offers a 13 litre cotton duck model), the main compartment swallowing tubes, lunch, lightweight waterproof, energy bars, multi tools and pretty much anything else you’d want close to hand on day/training rides. However, some long shackle U locks proved a tight fit.

Two side pockets with reflective strips make convenient stash points for keys, cash/coins/ mobile phones/passports etc while the zippers are easily operated wearing winter-weight full-finger winter gloves. Now to the quick track system, this is basically a bracket at the bag’s base, which slides into the carrier’s top-plate guttering while the large yellow clamp locks securely around the looped top rail. Come time for removal simply squeeze the bracket and slide off. Padded shoulder straps mean it’s both comfortable and convenient off the bike too.

Verdict

Impressive bag with excellent detailing, albeit requiring a dedicated Topeak Rack.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Topeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The MTX is a very hardy waterproof 12.1 litre rack bag designed exclusively for use with Topeak's quick track rack systems for convinience and security. Great for club runs, day rides, touring, mtbing and audax too.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Sonic welded waterproof 300/600 demier polyester construction, 12.1 litre, heavily padded main compartment, two small zippered waterproof pockets with scotchlite reflective strips strips, quick track mounting system.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

1021g

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

So quick and convienient to use.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The MTX is a great rack bag for most duties and will swallow most things you'd want/need on a day ride effortlessly. Hardy construction means it laughs at torrential rain and blasting with a garden house couldn't reveal any obvious weaknesses either. Similarly,bramble and other aggressive foliage have made little impression upon the fabric's integrity and the substantial padding insulates valuables from road and trail shock. The quick track system lives up to it's name and couldn't be simpler to use while the shoulder strap is a very welcome feature off the bike too.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Good solid construction,ingenius design and ample carrying capacity.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Brand specific limits the appeal.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, if they had, or wanted a Topeak carrier.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Topeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag
Topeak
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Rack bag
cycling luggage
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

Add new comment

4 comments

Avatar
MarsFlyer | 4 years ago
0 likes

Will it hold a 15inch MacBook Pro / laptop and A4 papers?
Can we have a picture of the inside? 

I really like my MTX rack bag as it keeps the bike “slim" and doubles up as a mudguard, but I have to switch to my pannier when I need to take the laptop, so this might be a good upgrade.

Avatar
Shaun Audane | 14 years ago
0 likes

It’s a cavernous single main compartment that will happily swallow long shackle u lock, tubes, tools, snacks, thin race jacket and possibly an A5 pad with pens. There are two waterproof pockets riding shotgun either side for stowing keys, wallets, phones and similar nick-nacks.

In my opinion, a single pannier remains the better option/addition for commuting duties (Entertaining A4 folder(s), books, tools and possibly a change of clothes/shoes etc).

Avatar
waugh_hoo replied to Shaun Audane | 14 years ago
0 likes

So a lot of the cargo room is actually taken up by padding or foam? That seems like a waste! Maybe I'll stick to my panniers after all...
Thanks for your help!

Avatar
waugh_hoo | 14 years ago
1 like

Shaun,
What's the inside of the bag like? One big slot or with dividers? How would it do for commuting with books, notebooks, folders, etc.?
Thanks!

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