
Imported.
Item 825256
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 7 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Novara Gotham Rack Trunk:
Works well Just 2 wishes.
Wish it were easier to take on and off the rack.
Wish the bags inside the side pockets were removable so could better use the space if the side bags are unneeded.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Gotham Rack Trunk:
As a trunk, this is everything I could need. It holds my pump and repair kit, wallet, phone, etc in the top compartment. I use the zip down pannier to hold my U-lock and cable and I can fit a change of clothes into the other. These are not as roomy as a real pannier, but functional enough for carrying a small load. My only improvement would be some kind of strap to make this easier for carrying off the bike. I have to park my bike outside, so when I bring my gear in with me, it is very bulky and awkward to carry, particularly if I have some gear in the drop down panniers (so they can't be folded and zipped up). I might fashion some kind of shoulder strap for it. The side snap-clips seem a little flimsy but I have not had any issues. For the price, weight and dimensions, I think this is a great trunk.
Pros
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Comments about Novara Gotham Rack Trunk:
I was really looking for a bag with expandable panniers that would work with my slide & lock rack, but those on offer at my local REI had really small zip down panniers for $$$. I reluctantly bought this model for the overall size of the main compartment and decent sized panniers... thinking I could overcome the bother with velcroing the bag on and off the rack. I was wrong! I worry about the bag/contents being stolen, so I take it off the bike whenever I walk away. It can be quite fiddly weaving those straps through the rack with such a small clearance space. I should have looked at other models in other shops or looked in some overseas bike shops before settling on this model. Having said that, I've used in on/off for 2 years in Alaska, and the bag has held up remarkably well. Sits firmly on the rack with the bungy cords attached to the rear wheel thingamabobby holes. Zips have stayed true, and the fabric has held up as new when the bag is stuffed with things.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Novara Gotham Rack Trunk:
This thing is pretty great. I bought it because I was tired of a sweaty back after my commute to work with a backpack. I was originally shopping for just a rack trunk, thinking that I would only need about that much space for storing my office clothes. I didn't want to plunk down serious money on some high end panniers (I don't commute every day), and I wanted something with a little versatility...this was about the price of a nice rack trunk plus it had the expandable pannier sides, so why not?
Now that i've been using it for a while, I kind of wish that I had bought full sized panniers! Im using both all the time, and they're usually full, too. But it is really nice having the trunk for storing things like lunch, tools, pump, lights, phones, etc. The panniers can hold a day's worth of office clothes in one, and a book, lock, rain jacket and other misc things in the other. If I really squeeze it, I can fit my old 13" MacBook in a pannier too. So while the extra space of full sized panniers would be nice, but it's not necessary. Just forces you to pack lighter! :)
I've used it to get a small load (1 reusable bag's worth) of groceries, as well as other shopping...works great! The built in rainfly is great, I would imagine, but I don't think its ever going to rain in Colorado again so i'll never get to try it.
If i'm picking nits, I guess it would be that the velcro system -which works great- is sort of cumbersome to take on/off every day (i take it off the bike in the office), and that the buckles on the ends don't really work as carry handles (the straps pull through constantly). But really, that's it. At this price point you can't really go wrong for something with this much versatility and build quality.
Yeah, it's pretty great.
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Comments about Novara Gotham Rack Trunk:
This is the first review I have ever submitted but I'm so stoked about this product I have to tell everyone. I bought this for a week long bike trip (staying in hotels) and once I folded out the panniers and a small day pack, I fit all my gear easily.
I leave it on my bike with the panniers closed but I know I have room to spare when run to the grocery store or check out too many books at the library. It's easy to take off quickly if you have to lock your bike and take the truck with you. I would recommend this as a buy.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Novara Gotham Rack Trunk:
After looking at some options at the local REI, I decided to pick this up for an upcoming full day bike ride, as backpacks always felt too hot in the summer sun. I couldn't be happier with this bag! I was able to fit a rain jacket, extra shirt, hat, sunscreen, camelback bladder, gatorade, 2 apples, a sandwich and a spare tube. I was able to ride without all of that on my back and stay cool and free. Love this bag, I can't believe I lived so long without. Oh, and the chili red color is awesome. I love how it stands out.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Novara Gotham Rack Trunk:
Just purchased a new bike and had a back rack installed. My wife and I were off for a trip down to Pacific Grove and stopped in REI to see if there was a backpack that would hold a fleece and a couple of bottle of water. Well we stumbled on this beauty. I am a bit of a bag nut and I could not have been happier.
I bought it as it was the right size for what I waned and seemed to be easy to install and pretty good looking. What I didn't know till I purchased it is it expande from just a bag to side panniers and has a waterproof cover.
What a find and highly recommended, it worked well, was a perfect expandable compliment to a great day out.
Displaying reviews 1-7
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