Mountain bike trekking is enjoying a resurgence. Topeak's beautifully made bags and touring essentials can be used for hardtails or dual-suspension bikes, and include the Bikamper - a compact, one-person tent that incorporates your bike as a support member.
Topeak has stepped it up in the past two seasons. The Asian manufacturer already had a strong reputation for its range of value priced tools and accessories, but lately, they have upgraded their entire lineup and it screams with quality finishes and engineered improvements - and new, very relevant products are popping up almost every month. I am presently reviewing a selection, but until then, here's a taste of the new Topeak:
Sturdy and discreet. If you need to share your living space with your bike, or your other toys are filling up your garage...
...Hang it vertically on the Swing-Up DX bike holder and it will swing out of the way, conserving valuable floor space.
Two ways to add your essential survival items to a water bottle cage. The Ninja Co2 cage and its companion cage adapter hold a pair of canisters and an inflation device.
Omni Ridecase will keep your smartphone Strava ready on your handlebar or stem.
We are planning a full review this fall. It also mounts to the handlebar.
@stiingya: The Swing Up DX is a new 2017 product that is not available for sale yet. The Swing Up is a 2016 product. The difference is that DX version comes with angle lock device that allow you to lock down in 15 degree increments.
Those swinging bike hooks are cool. I use one from Feedback Sports. I like them because I can put a bunch of bikes in a smaller space, & then use the swinging action to move other bikes out of the way to pull the one I want to ride.
This Topeak one looks a little nicer, especially for big tires, which is something the feedback one struggles with, even with the optional longer hook.
Topeak Alien III = EXPENSIVE and GARBAGE. Hardware holding the tools in are weak. Torquing a lose crank bolt resulted in many little allen wrenches all over the trail. Never did find them all.
I just got a topeak two way pump w/ gauge and that little thing is awesome. Premium construction, works really fast, and the gauge is a good little thingy.
Topeak likes to rip off other companies ideas. Which is not cool. The latest product they have ripped off from Feedback Sports is the Swing-Up DX holder. Feedback Sports sells a velo hinge that Topeak clearly ripped off. www.feedbacksports.com/shop/velo-hinge PSA if anyone really wants to support a company like this. Look at the Feedback Sports products, then look at Topeak. It's pretty gross actually how much they rip off of Feedback Sports sadly.
Wouldn't it be more sensible to hike with all that in the backpack and lead/carry the bike? Or get one of these single wheeled trailers to tow behind the bike?
Um no and no. Can you imagine riding singletrack with a trailer bouncing around getting hooked up on trees and doing wheelies every time the trail turns upward? It would be hilarious. But this bikepacking setup isn't perfect... I've found that the top tube stem bag to be a totally useless concept unless you enjoy rubbing your knees on every pedal stroke.
It would be more sensible to be properly prepared and take all the necessary gear with you. The bags on the bike are for what does not fit in your backpack. Tents, cameras, sleeping gear, teddy bears, etc. Take up lots of space. And there are trails and cargo situations where the wheeled trailers would come in handy too.
I've got 2 of these tools rusted out in my parts bin at home.
This Topeak one looks a little nicer, especially for big tires, which is something the feedback one struggles with, even with the optional longer hook.
Premium construction, works really fast, and the gauge is a good little thingy.