Topeak MTX Explorer 29" Disc Rear Rack

Pleasantly surprised!

I was expecting to have to make a trip to the hardware store and use my angle grinder to make this fit. My frame has no braze on mounts so I bought a seat post clamp (UC item #23925-55172). With the seat post clamp this rack mounted up perfectly, with the hardware provided. (mounted on a 23" Trek Marlin 29er).
I also appreciate the assortment of tail light mounting hardware that the manufacturer has provided.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: January 20, 2013
Reviewed by: Mick, SLC, Utah

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I bought this rack to put on a 2013 Kona Jake. Though the Jake has the rear brake mounted inside the rear triangle, it has a support protrusion around the eyelet that meant I couldn't mount a normal rack flush against it. I thought the disc-specific MTX Explorer would solve that problem.

To my surprise, the spacers at the mount points are very chunky aluminum permanently affixed to the rack stays. In fact, they were chunky enough that they interfered with the frame protrusion I was trying to work around. I ended up having to use a metal file to carve off a couple of corners. The holes for the bolts are also sunk into these connection blocks, making it a little tricky to get the bolts lined up straight when screwing them into the frame.

I really like the MTX system. I've been using this rack with the MTX EXP trunk bag from Topeak. It locks onto the rack easily and securely, though it does tend to rattle just a bit when I have a light load and am not using the fold out pockets.

I use a PlanetBike rear taillight bracket, which easily bolted onto this rack.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: November 21, 2012
Reviewed by: Andy, Beaverton, OR

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