Removable rack and laptop bag advice
 

I've been through a few iterations of best bags for my commute. I currently have a Topeak MTX beam rack paired with the MTX trunk bag. That bag fits my clothes and lunch for the day perfectly, and I leave my work shoes at work. The missing detail I need is my laptop. I started wearing a backpack just for the laptop and using the trunk bag for everything else. I'm trying to find a way to get the laptop off my back. I installed a bolt on 'permanent' bike rack with the intent of hanging a laptop pannier on the side while I continue to use my trunk bag. The complication there is I don't like the rack on the back when I go for weekend long rides.


Any thoughts on how to carry my laptop (along with clothes and lunch) on a quick release system on my bike?


My commute is 13 miles each way.

You don't say how large your laptop is. I assume it's 13"? Do you care about aero? If not, klickfix and the like have quick release adapters for the stem, and you can attach laptop bags to the front.
Since you already have the Beam rack, with the dual side frame (I assume), you have to have the V version to take 20lbs, if you want to add the pannier laptop bag. Just make sure you have something between the screen and keyboard, to prevent screen damage from all the jostling around.
Another solution I found when my rear rack broke on a bike tour was actually the Topeak Tetrarack, which attaches to the seat stays and is easily removable via 4 connectors and can take . I've since seen numerous iterations from other brands. I've trunk bags with expandable side pockets for years and they are great for stuff like laptops and racquets, if you pad them correctly. A strong laptop bag like a Thule or Nacuwa and a towel around it will protect it. I bungied the pocket to the side frame as an added precaution.

Find a padded laptop bag and add hooks.

I use a Klickfix rack top bag that is large enough to accommodate my laptop+extras.

Do you have the MTX bag with the fold-out panniers?

I don't have the fold out panniers - I didn't think a laptop would fit in in when I original looked. That might be the best option now though.

Can you fit a frame bag? Used a lot for bike packing.

My RackPack 2 plus won't fit a 17" gaming laptop, but a typical 13 or 15" with padded sleeve should fit. The new Rackpack XL looks great for commuting with a lot of junk.

That's about the distance of my daily commute to work. Tried the backpack gig but with heat, humidity in the Summer months and extra sweats (on top of sweats), I switched over to the Ortlieb bikepacking system and loving it. It's costly at first but the quality, versatility and waterproof pay for themselves. I bikepack so it works out perfectly.

I use this - https://waldsports.com/store/front-b...33-q-r-basket/ from Wald.

Not pretty, but it carries a fair amount of stuff. And I can ride the bike to the grocery story, take the basket off, and use it for shopping. Then just put it back on the bike when I'm done, and ride home.

I use it when I ride to work. I put my backpack, with my laptop and other stuff, in the basked. Lock up the bike, then carry the basket up to my office.

Works great. And it was pretty inexpensive.

I hesitate to recommend it because it is so expensive, but the Tailfin is an excellent removable rack. They've got a few options and add-ons. By default, their rack only takes their own panniers, but you can get add-on studs that let you attach conventional panniers. I've got a Tailfin and it is rock-solid.

dump the mtx trunk bag and get another dry bag for your laptop..keep the mtx beam rack.

I'm not sure how this solves my problem - a dry bag that's big enough for a laptop and my clothes and lunch that I can strap to the MTX rack?

This looks like exactly what I want - but it is out of my price range for now. I'll keep an eye on that one

Is there a tail bag that can fit a laptop and the other gear that I need?

I've been using the larger convertible backpack/pannier from 2wheetgear (https://www.twowheelgear.com/). Big enough to hold a 15" laptop and a bunch of other stuff. The bag itself isn't super waterproof, but does come with a raincover. They are kinda spendy, though.

Put it on your Xmas list :-)

I am pretty much in the same situation and after years of commuting with a big bag on my back with everything in it I got the Tailfin. It is a truly amazing product, probably the best-engineered piece of bike tech I have ever owned. Hopefully there will be some cheaper knock-offs eventually.

My approach would be to have a commuter bike that is the best in terms of tires and gearing and racks for that purpose, and a second bike for recreational rides on the weekends. Wider tires and rims on the commuter bike and no need for a bike computer or its mount and adding reflectors and lights for increased visibility by motorists.

+1 for ortlieb rear rack pannier, very easy to mount and dismount, good quality, sturdy and waterproof, but you need to have some kind of rear rack or your present rear rack might work,