My New Topeak Goodies!

I think it must say something about my life when I look at the things I now get excited about. This past weekend, my brother presented me with a new Topeak Beam Rack, Trunk Bag, and Seat Bag. He is pals with one of the guys over there and hooked me up with some deals. The Topeak stuff is really high quality and well designed product. Not exactly inexpensive, but from what I can tell, seems to be worth the price. At any rate, I was very excited!
The Beam Rack has a built in rubber bungee that seems pretty durable and keeps you from having to worry about how you're going to hold anything onto the rack, as well as all sorts of attachment points for additional bungees, lights, and panniers. It attaches securely to the seat post with a solid, well-engineered quick-release, and they include some rubber pads to ensure a tight fit between the rack and seat post preventing any swaying. It also works with their Quick Track attachment system which allows Topeak bags to slide right on and lock in quickly and easily. The Beam Rack I got is the V-type which angles down and away from the seat post putting the rack closer to the rear wheel and giving you more space for the rack. Another very cool and functional idea.
The Trunk Bag is also rather cool and full of features, as well as being well made. It fits nicely on the rack, attaching on the QuickTrack of the Beam Rack. They offer several sizes but this one seemed to suit my needs fitting a change of clothes and the basics when I commute. It is a semi-rigid shell with a zippered top and sides, and a bungee attached to the top allowing you to quickly stow a jacket, vest, etc. If I was to carry my laptop, I would still have to wear a backpack, but I try to avoid that!
Again, I don't think these are a bargain necessarily, but certainly seem to be worth the money. The under-seat bag uses their quick release system which I love. I now have the quick release portion on the seats of 5 of my bikes, so when I ride a different bike, I just unclip the bag and move it from bike to bike. I keep one bag outfitted with Mtn. Bike tubes, tools, and another one outfitted with road bike tools, tubes. The bags also have an expansion zipper giving you some extra room should you want to jam something in mid-ride.
I can't wait for the roads to clear somewhat so I can get back on the bike and start using this stuff regularly. The trunk bag also has a shoulder strap so once I get to the office I can throw it over my shoulder and head up to my office!
Happy Riding everyone