Review on Topeak Super Tourist DX Trunk Rack with Side Bar for Disc Brake Bicycles by Jeff Prabhu

With gas prices skyrocketing and no improvement in sight, I'm coming back to my college days of riding my bike around town, commuting to work and taking short trips wherever "I just need some stuff from the store". I ride every day and later I will use a bike camping rack in places close enough to bike. I don't like carrying backpacks when I ride because your back sweats and your shoulders strain your bike and this rack can do all the work for you. I have a Giant Yukon hardtail with disc brakes. Added friction on the four small screws on the side of the rack which makes it very strong without having to over tighten the screws. are made of stainless steel and the nuts are nylon lock nuts with all washers. The stand is made from coated 6061 aluminum and feels solid yet fairly light. I have yet to purchase a tail light to mount on the back of the rack but there are multiple mounting options for lights and reflectors. I now have a powerful LED stroboscopic flashlight that I have attached to the back of this stand. The hex head screws are the same size as a standard water bottle mount, so most bikers should have no trouble getting the tool they need. I used pliers to tighten the nuts since I didn't have a set of sockets when assembling. Looking at other people's racks, I thought this would add some sort of fender to the rear of the bike, and while it blocks water splashes on my back, it doesn't replace the rear fender. Good product and if I decide to buy Topeak MTX style bags they attach without tools, nets or bungee cords! I like the rear bar that slides out to support a basket set should I decide to add it later. Until then I use a bungee net (designed for motorcycle helmets, very cheap) to tie a bag or backpack with my raincoat, clothes and lunch on top of the rack on my way to work. After installing the trunk, I noticed that the rear impact over broken pavement or tree roots was a little harder, but not enough to worry. The bungee net holds my stuff really well without it moving. This rack also has two poles on each side front to back to allow for more mounting positions for my net, most racks have one pole. I can also add hooks to where it attaches to the bike when the net is empty to keep it taut. I've been riding this rack for about a week now and am enjoying the options for attaching things to the bike.