Reviews of Topeak MTX Explorer Rack with Disc Mounts

Pros

Very well built, excellent fit, looks terrific. Paint and welding are top notch. Like the QuickTrack bag attachment setup (even if I never use). Very reasonable price for the quality of the rack.

Cons

None so far... and I don't expect any given the quality of the rack.

Other Thoughts

This was my first purchase from Modern Bike and I am very pleased. Great price, quick delivery and what I received was exactly what I ordered. And for Modern Bike... I am cautions when purchasing from a web site I've not used before (saving a couple of dollars isn't enough). What cinched the deal for me was noticing that Modern Bike is a 'Google Trusted Store'. Just wanted to let Modern Bike know this made an impact.

Pros

THIS BIKE RACK INSTALLED VERY EASILY! RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE NEEDING A QUALITY 29 INCH DISC BRAKE RACK. WORKS GREAT WITH THE TOPEAK REAR TRUNK BAG.

Cons

NONE.

Other Thoughts

VERY NICE PRODUCT. ALSO WORKS AS A PARTIAL REAR FENDER SO YOU AVOID THE 'SKUNK STRIPE' IN BAD/WET WEATHER.

Pros

Good quality, good looks, great function.

Cons

None come to mind.

Other Thoughts

Just what I was looking for for day rides to carry tools, extra water, stuff in general. I am totally satisfied with this product.

Pros

I love topeak racks. My husband bought a mountain bike with disc brakes and the brake was in the way of the regular rack. They make one for this situation.

Cons

The arm's were still not long enough for the rack end to fit. I went to my local Ace and they fixed me up with a 1/2" wide nut to use as a spacer. I was going to buy a bunch of washers. $1.50 in parts and it's great.

Pros

Easy installation, strong but lightweight

Cons

None

Other Thoughts

Just what I wanted, also serves as rear fender

Pros

Sturdy and stable aluminum frame construction with quality hardware.
I'm happy with the product and recommend it.

Cons

Mounting for optional adapter bracket for Cygolite Hotshot doesn't fit because it's interfering with the tire if you mount it in its proper orientation. I have to turn the mounting bracket and light 180 deg (upside down) to make it work

Other Thoughts

I thought I made a mistake of buying this rack with spring clip because i added a Topeak Trolley Foldable basket after, and it says that it will fit the rack without the spring clip. It turns out that it works for me to lock the basket to the spring clip so that the basket doesn't hit the edge back saddle

Pros

The slide out carry bag with side saddles is great. You can carry it with you so there is no theft problem when parking.

Cons

Adds weight to your bike

Pros

Tubular material, lightweight, strong frame and platform.

Cons

A little short in overall length. Would benefit from another three inches.

Other Thoughts

I bought this rack to replace a lighter weight rack (rated at 20 kg) which broke in the vertical supports on both sides as a result of poor design and unbalanced load transfer to the main vertical support.

Load transfer design of this unit is far superior, but the true test will be durability and overall life. I am hopeful it will substantially outperform the previous rack.

Pros

I use these on all my bikes so moving packs is simple and quick.

Cons

Weight. Not the lightest products.

Pros

this is my second topeak, i had one on my giant without disc brakes and did a 150 mile trip and everything worked great, therefore when i bought a giant with disc brakes i bought this one and did another 200 miles and have had no problems. my buddy has a different set and his holds more but several times it took two of us to move his bike over a downed tree and mine was considerably easier and lighter. its all i need for a multiple day ride. our rides were the gap and c&o trails

Cons

if it has a flaw it is made for topeak only and therefore you need to use bungees if you use other products.

Pros

Sturdy, works perfectly.

Cons

Difficult to set up and directions aren't very clear.

Other Thoughts

Overall, I love this rack. Very sturdy and it works great with my pannier. However, because of issues with my fenders, I wasn't able to attach it myself and had to pay to get it attached at a bike shop.

This rear rack is rather simple to install, but just be careful that you do not strip the threads inside the bike frame of which the screw secures into. Of course, the Topeak rear pannier will slide onto the rack very quickly. I like this especially in town when using city buses. When the bus pulls up one will simply slide off the Topeak bag before placing the bike onto the bike rack on the front of the city bus. After removing the bike at the destination, the Topeak bag slides back on very quickly: no untying or unbinding as would be necessary with other conventional panniers.

I used it for the first time this week on a 3 day 125 mile bike trip along the Erie Canal and it was perfect for my bike.

Pros

This is an excellent rack and well finished. Designed to work with an array of Topeak bags. I love this system and have used it for years.

Cons

None

Pros

Basic and easy to install, has held up well.
Rack system to use with the Topeak line of bags require no tie downs or straps. Easy to remove bag to take with for security reasons. Wide variety of bags available according to what size and features you need.

Cons

I haven't really come across any. I use for light loads. Haven't tested under touring or commuting conditions.

Other Thoughts

This is the fourth of these racks I have purchased. They have been quite rugged for light loads and even survived a crash and me bending back into place without significant damage.

Pros

Lightweight, but durable. Once I figured out how to mount this, it went right on. Will only accept MTX bags & baskets, as there is a slotted track on the deck to accept these. There is also a standard model, be sure you order correctly

Cons

Not easy to mount on rear suspension mtn bikes. I ordered a pair of Old Man Mountain band clamps, and the x-tra long mounting arms. Some bending of these was needed. Every rear suspension bike will need some adaptation.

Other Thoughts

A good selection of MTX bags & baskets.

Pros

My Axiom PaddyWagon bag fit perfectly.

Cons

none

Other Thoughts

Modern Bikes price is less expensive than other websites

Pros

A pretty well thought out design. Installation requires metric tools. I had difficulty getting the screws to thread in at the wheel. Careful examination revealed excess paint on the bike frame had coated the threads. I bought a proper sized tap and ran it through the pre threaded holes. The rest was fairly simple. Look to see that the rack is centered and the front brackets look the way you want them to before you tighten them down. I bowed mine rather than bending them and it worked out well.

Cons

None with the rack itself. Main challenge was excess paint in the threaded rear mount on the rear of the bike frame had to be removed to screw the rack to the bike.

It works well for me when I commute to work. I usually just leave it on my bike since i can park in a secure area. Haven't used the panniers yet, but nice no know they are there!

Pros

Lighweight, easy to install. Fast shipping and secure packaging.

Cons

Only downside of this rack is that the mounting point has a large, square surface area so I had to remove two of the four rear support rods for my fenders. This does not affect my fender really other than it shakes a bit more at the end, but still does not rub my tire.

Pros

easy to mount, well made, easy to use

Cons

none

Pros

sturdy
lightweight
solid
good price
can handle some weight

Cons

annoying to put on
changes gear settings (moves rear derailleur cable)

Other Thoughts

is a great rack, you can use this one on disc or non-disc brakes. where the rack attaches to the bike may move the cable for the rear derailleur but you can adjust them as needed.

Pros

This has been a good sturdy rack, easy to install and well worth the money. Shipping was fast!

Cons

None

Other Thoughts

Great product and fast shipping.

Pros

easy to assemble, easy to attach, easy to use.

Cons

none so far

Other Thoughts

now i'm inspired to purchase the bag that attaches, just have to choose one.

Pros

Well made, easy to install, works great with the compatible trunk bag.

Cons

None really. My bike is all black and the chrome arm mounts looked tacky, so I sanded them and painted them with black truck bed liner paint. Looks much better, and they won't rust.

Other Thoughts

Comes with good hardware instead of the cheap nuts and bolts that a lot of other bike accessories come with. Worth the money if you care about quality.

Installs easy, works well. No issues with purchase or shipment.

Pros

Seems very sturdy and well built

Cons

none

Other Thoughts

Follow the directions and don't tighten anything up till its on the bike

Pros

Easy to install. Light weight

Cons

None

Other Thoughts

Great product

Pros

Well made, easy to install, all parts needed were included

Cons

existing rear reflector does not work with the rack, need to buy a new one.

Pros

Fits well, good design and quality, gloss black finish

Cons

Spring clip is not full length of the the top of the rack. It gets in a way if, for example, you want to attach a crate on top. Because usually a couple of bungee cords work as good as this spring clip, I wish I got a rack without the clip.

Pros

Perfect with the EX trunk bag. Like that it has the option of the spring, so if you don't want to travel with the bag, you can still strap small things on the rack.

Cons

None so far

Other Thoughts

Bought this with the EX trunk bag. Good combination. I had to modify the metal straps to fit my bike, but came out okay and fits well.

Pros

Sturdy rack that is easy to install.
Includes attachment plate for rear reflector or taillight

Cons

None

Pros

Spring clip is very handy for small items, like a book, an overshirt, or binoculars in a case.

The matching bag that clips into the rack is outstanding -- it's incredibly convenient to be able to quickly pop the bag off and take it with me.

Installation is easy in just a few minutes.

Cons

None.

Other Thoughts

We have 3 of these racks, one on each bike in the family, and they're great.

Pros

rack is solid, durable. Excellent for my purposes. Would get it again. Excellent strength to weight and strength to functionality ratio.

I have not used this rack with more than just one top mounted trunk bag, so I can't comment on how it holds up with 2 side mounted panniers and a trunk bag.

Cons

Not sure how to explain this properly; here goes:

The trunk bag I have (Topeak Quick Track MTX) slides along the little rails on the rack until it clicks in securely at the front end. When you first have to slide the trunk bag into the rails, you have to find the edges of the rails and fuss with it a tiny bit to get it to engage in the rail. Not really a big deal...

The edges of the rails themselves are fairly sharp. When the trunk bag sits on the rack, its sidewalls droop a bit - maybe as a result of normal wear/tear or loading up the bag too much too often. Anyways, because the rear sidewall of the bag droops to at or near the sharp rail edges, it punctures the waterproof trunk bag over time.

This could be a result of normal repeated use, which I don't believe a trunk bag is intended for. I use it for everyday commuting, and I have had it for 3 years now. To remedy this situation, I just silicone my trunk bag biannually where it wears out and gets punctured.

So I'm not sure which is the problem - the bag or the rack? Certainly both could be improved to avoid this situation. The rack rails could be chamfered to avoid such a sharp edge, or, the bag could be a tiny bit shorter or reinforced at those spots, or designed to not droop over time. This just could be part of normal wear and tear, like I mentioned, though.

Since I'm a perfectionist, this review doesnt do the whole thing justice, because Im more focused on the little things that are annoying than the sum of the parts ie. whole. As a rack/bag system, it is excellent. Don't get me wrong.

Other Thoughts

I don't like the idea of having an unbalanced bicycle with panniers (ie one pannier on the left or right). This is why I opted for the trunk bag. Then you could say - why not just get two panniers and always load them up equally? My answer to that is 'minimalism' and time saving. The trunk bag is just ONE bag that has enough volume for 99% of my needs. For the most part, it clips on relatively easily and disengages VERY easily when the button is pressed for quick day-to-day time saving.

Also, carrying just a trunk bag means your centre of gravity is a bit higher, and you can definitely feel that when you attack hills ie. bike swaying more side to side, and also during intense Victoria, BC cross-winds. I decided to concede on these issues in favour of having a balanced bike and minimal and easy -to - mount trunk bag. I have to say its working for me quite well.

Pros

Sturdy. Easily mounted. Not too heavy.

Other Thoughts

This is a good sturdy rack. Easily mounted, fairly lightweight (read not excessive), and a nice system when used with matching Topeak MTX bags.

Pros

Bombproof!

Well, not really but close. I have used this rack with the Topeak MTX trunk bag for nearly 4 months and it is over built and solid. The Topeak tongue and groove setup with their bags/racks ensures a rock solid fit that will not shake loose on the hardest trails.

Installation was easy... although, it may require a little elbow grease to bend the bracing arms to the seat stays or seat post.

Cons

Depending on the frame and spacing on your bike you may not have any clearance or very little room for the addition of some single wheel or double wheel trailer axles. Just something to consider if you plan on extended touring.

Quality construction, easy to install, works well on my commuter bike

Pros

Easy to install - even bolted right up to my 25 Year old Giant Yukon Bike

Cons

None

Pros

Simple install
Good carrying capacity
Works seamlessly with all the Topeak MTX components

Cons

Weight
Requires modifications to be pannier compatible

Other Thoughts

overall a nice, sturdy rack.