Frisco E-Bike
Bike with a rear cargo bag

Representative photo. Product photos and current options are on the Amazon listing.

Rear Racks · Topeak

Topeak Explorer Rack (Disc Brake version)

The Explorer is Topeak's everyday aluminum rack with the MTX QuickTrack plate on top, which opens up the whole MTX bag and basket line. The disc version has offset legs to clear rear disc calipers. It bolts to frame eyelets at the dropouts and seat stays and is rated for around 55 lb, which covers panniers and a trunk bag but not a passenger. On e-bikes, the common snag is that the rear axle area is crowded by hub-motor wiring and torque arms, so leave slack in the cable and use the included spacers. It is a reliable, affordable rack for bikes that did not come with one.

E-bikes without a stock rackCommuters who want MTX bag compatibilityDisc-brake bikesPannier users

Current price and availability are shown on Amazon.

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Key considerations

  • Rack needs frame eyelets; check disc-brake clearance and motor cable routing
  • Not rated for passengers
  • Verify wheel size; 26–29 inch fit is standard, 20-inch bikes need a different rack
  • Use threadlocker on the bolts

Pros

  • MTX plate built in
  • Disc clearance
  • Light aluminum
  • Wide availability

Considerations

  • Moderate load rating
  • Fit is tight on some e-bike dropouts

Features & specifications

Load ratingapprox. 55 lb (25 kg)

Specifications are manufacturer-published figures or our own notes; confirm on the current listing before purchase.

Compatibility notes

  • Requires frame eyelets at the dropouts and seat stays; disc version clears most rear calipers. Not for 20-inch-wheel bikes.

Goes well with

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Bags

Topeak MTX TrunkBag DXP

The MTX TrunkBag DXP is the classic commuter trunk bag: it slides onto a Topeak MTX QuickTrack rack and locks with a click, then fold-down side panels drop into small panniers when groceries run over. It has a bottle holder, reflective trim and a rain cover. The catch is the rack: you need a Topeak MTX-compatible rack or adapter plate for the slide-on mount. For e-bikes with a stock rack, Topeak sells adapter plates, but measure first. It is a very convenient system for the charger-and-lunch crowd because you can pull the whole bag off and carry it inside.

Best for: Commuters carrying a charger, lunch and a layer · Quick grocery runs · Riders who want a bag that clips on and off in seconds

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Cargo Baskets

Topeak MTX Basket Rear

Topeak's MTX Basket Rear slides onto the same QuickTrack rail as the MTX trunk bags, which means you can swap between a basket for groceries and a bag for commuting in seconds. The steel-mesh basket folds flat when not in use and has a handle for carrying it into the store. Weight capacity is moderate, so think grocery bags rather than tool chests. As with all MTX gear, you need a compatible rack or adapter plate; many e-bike racks are not MTX-compatible out of the box. It is a practical, tidy solution that avoids zip ties and bungees.

Best for: Grocery and errand runs · Topeak MTX rack owners · Riders who alternate between bag and basket

Bike with a rear cargo bag
PanniersFeatured

Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers (pair)

Ortlieb's Back-Roller Classic is the pannier most shops recommend first, and the reason is boring in the best way: it is fully waterproof, the QL2.1 hooks clamp securely on racks from roughly 8 to 16 mm tubing, and they last for decades. The roll-top closure keeps rain and road spray out of a charger or laptop. Sold as a pair, they hang on a standard rear rack and unhook with one motion of the handle. They are not cheap and not flashy. Check rack rail diameter and heel clearance on smaller-wheeled e-bikes, since the bags are tall.

Best for: Daily commuters who ride in rain · Laptop and charger carry · Grocery runs

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