Topeak Large Expando Wedge Pack

Price Paid:  $20.00 at internet

Bike Setup:
Stock Mid Class Motobecane.

Summary:
I have a Large Wedge that never had a rain cover so I wonder if they are the same bags. It expands and has a lot of room. As of now I do not carry much but if I wanted to I could. This is a clip mount, No Velcro. Do not ever buy Velcro straps to mount. They, at some point shake loose.

Strengths:
Large, clip mount

Weaknesses:
Don't know of any.

Similar Products Used:
Velcro style mounts which come loose.

Price Paid:  $20.00 at BikeTiresDirect.com

Favorite Ride:
Dawn Hill Loop

Bike Setup:
2008 Cannondale Synapse 3 triple, Terry Fly saddle, Shimano 520 pedals,

Summary:
This is the third Topeak large wedge bag that I have owned. Unfortunately, the design has been different for each bag and the design changes have not been improvements. The previous bag had a separate zippered compartment underneath the main bag to store the rain cover. The new design stuffs the rain cover inside which uses some of the valuable storage capacity. The storage capacity is already less than the previous version. I love the mounting system. Why other makers have not adopted similar systems I don't understand. The light mount and rain cover are also very nice features.

Strengths:
Mounting system works great. Light mount and rain cover are nice extras. The bags are well made.

Weaknesses:
Seatpost mount will wear the seatpost. Need to use a rubber shim with carbon seatpost. Changed design without making improvement.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Nashbar

Price Paid:  $25.00 at Shrewsbury Bicycle S

Favorite Ride:
Jersey Shore

Bike Setup:
Litespeed, Lemond, and Airborne Ti's with Ultegra

Summary:
Nobody cares about a bag until they fail. Happened to me mid ride when the stitching popped and the straps got caught in my spokes. That's when I turned to Topeak. It has strong straps that are triple stitched. The mounting system is foolproof. I carry a lot of stuff because I typically spend 6 to 8 hours at a clip on the bike. I can pack three pounds worth of tubes and tools without using the expansion zipper. Helps me to keep the cargo load in my camelbak a lot lighter, and makes my shoulders happy. It has a loop for mounting a light, which is great b/c that's the best spot for one. It even has a net pocket and inner strap for organizing tools. The best part about it is you can pack it up and forget about it - it's solid.

Strengths:
large capacity.
durable.
light loop.
mounting's a breeze.

Weaknesses:
none, except the price, but you get what you pay for!

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Expansion Wedge.
Trek 120 Wedge.
Performance Transit Macro.
Nashbar Expansion Wedge.