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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: DECEMBER 11th
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Oxford T -Series T18 Rack Top Bag
1270g £54.99
On the face of it, the Oxford T-Series T18 Rack Top Bag looks like a pretty standard rack pack, featuring the usual features, however, it isn’t. First impressions might count, but they are misleading. What is clear at first sight is that the well-known Oxford merits of solid construction and functionality have made this a rack pack which has quickly entered my list of go-to kit – especially, for commuting, leisure, and utility riding.
Pros: well-made, fold-out panniers can be very handy, competitive price.
Cons: fold-out panniers limit space for planned packing, say for Audax.
Spec
Like the Oxford T-Series T8 Bar Bag, with which I have combined it on several rides, the T18 Rack Bag is made from TPU & 600D Polyester. Nothing unusual there, but all very reliable. This should make it pretty much waterproof, and the baffled zip that secures the main 10 litre compartment, should keep out precipitation. However, Oxford say “weatherproof” rather than waterproof, but that may be little more than a technicality and just a reminder that submersion is probably not a good idea.
The main compartment follows recent trend; a bright orange lining to highlight those bits and bobs that once could hide in shadowy corners, can be found throughout. There is mesh pocket and some webbing straps atop the pack, with a drawstring bottle container at the back with a light-loop. The full dimensions are 21(h) x 24(w) x 41(d)cm.
Hidden in the two side pockets (each of which has a slim, external zipped pocket) – which have some limited storage space despite this – are fold-down panniers, each with a capacity of four litres – hence the 18 litres of total internal capacity. The can be folded-down and folded-up easily when you need to. They, like the pockets themselves, are sealed by zips. All of the zips are baffle-protected, but potentially compromise waterproofing. Each pannier pocket also has a very slim zipped pocket.
​​There are two broad, hook and loop straps that pull through a buckle to secure the bag to the rack. Security of tenure is further enhanced by two slimmer hook and loop straps that
hold it to the front of the rack. These can be secured around the front end of the rack – and have fitted around somehow whatever the design of the rack.
There’s a carrying handle and a shoulder strap.
Contexts
Rack packs area good option when panniers are too much and a seat pack too little (although there are large seat packs available and may be a better choice than a rack pack for quicker, bumpier gravel outings). I tend to use rack packs for day rides or weekend breaks when little gear needs to be carried. I’ve found them perfect for events such as Audax rides where self-sufficiency is de rigeur, but I’m unlikely to be asked to pick up a takeaway for four on the way home – for two, possibly. Thus, I have used the rack pack for commuting, for leisure rides with the family, and for day rides. All of these on mixed surface.
Racks have included models by Axiom, Tubus, Topeak, and an unbranded model, the origins of which are so long in the past they have slipped my memory. These offered a mix of designs.
Mounting 3.5/5
This is intuitive. As mentioned above, there are two main straps that can be pulled tight through buckles. Some other rack packs have three, for example the Zefal Z10 – another go-to of mine. Now, the Zefal Z10 has sat absolutely tight on numerous trips, but the middle strap can be fiddly when mounting or dismounting the bag. In some ways the Oxford T18 is easier to fit: rear and front straps avoid the closest encounters with mudguards. The slimmer end-straps can easily secure the bag from movement back and forth. Whilst I’d hardly see this as a deal-breaker, it is worth considering if the bag has to be removed and re-mounted frequently – e.g. on the commute rather than on an Audax ride.
The rack pack is quite boxy, with square end of equal height. Given that my tourer has only a little seat stem showing, the pack does not fit flush under the saddle – unlike on my son’s Pinnacle go anywhere machine. That is not a problem per se, and certainly has not put me off the Oxford T18, but some might prefer a more streamlined model, such as the Rockbros model – even though you lose a little capacity on main pack, the pannier pockets make up for it. The Madison RT20 has a similar, more rounded design for those who want things flush to the seat stem on bike with only a little showing.
The fold-down panniers are held to the rack by hook ‘n’ loop straps. These fit best on racks with three struts, although it is easy enough to get a hold onto two strut racks with just a little bit of fiddling.
Care and durability 4/5
Give things a wipe over every now and again to keep things neat. After a particularly dirty ride, I took a soft brush to the fabric before wiping. This seemed to cause no harm. I ride with mudguards so the base has remained pretty clean. If you are using the rack pack as a surrogate fender, then give it a good clean after use.
All aspects of the pack look durable, including all stitching.
Capacity 4/5
The main compartment swallowed tubes, D-Lock, tool kit in the resilient UPSO Top Tube Bag (easy to clear a bit of space if need arises), waterproof top, with space for more – spare lights, power-bank, for example. There’s a little bit of give, for small soft items, but do not overstretch the zip.
Unzip the panniers and you an additional four litres on either side. OK, in the Spec bit I said to think in terms of a ream of A4 paper, but more realistically, there’s space in each for at leats three bottles of beer, or fish and chips, or such like in each pannier. There’s some really useful flexibility built in with these panniers, which are larger than some fold-out panniers I have seen, such as a similar product from Agu.
Wet waterproofs can be carried atop the bag, under the mesh and webbing. Space for gloves and other soft items that can be squashed up. The webbing is not large enough for an adult bike helmet, for example.
Weatherproofing 3.75/5
As ever, zips turn waterproof fabrics into water resistant bags. However, Oxford have baffled things to protect from ingress, and I have not managed to entice water into the main compartment. I have not tried floating across the canal, but why would I?
The zips on the panniers are not so well protected, so you can expect some dampness in very heavy rain, although in the mizzle, drizzle, and steady precipitation, things should stay dry. I’d put that ream of paper in a plastic bag.
The fold-down panniers seem to keep the weather at bay pretty well, but I’d be inclined to put items that need a guaranteed water-free environment into waterproof bags.
Stability 3.75/5
Initial concerns about the lack of a central strap and the, sometimes, unorthodox manner in which the two smaller straps were looped around the front end of the rack, proved unfounded. There’s been no hint of movement let alone being dislodged. This does not mean that you won’t get items rattling about if you do not pack it properly. Mind you, all that could be expected of any rack pack.
The fold-down panniers, even when loaded with bottles of beer, have been held firm by the hook ‘n’ loop straps. Oxford do not give a weight limit for the panniers, so I’d not overdo it with small but very weighty items. I have not found myself in a position where I have had to carry such things, so it may well be an unlikely scenario.
Care and durability 3.5/5
This is easy. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and maybe a little bike cleaning fluid - test it on the underside first. Simples. Do remember to make sure the panniers are dry before returning them to their side pockets.
Value 4.25/5
Fifty or so pounds is competitive for a very good bit of kit. Agu and Madison offer similar rmodels, of slightly different design and method for securing the bag to the rack.
I’ve been very happy with my Zefal Z60 Traveller Rack Pack, which has fulfilled its day ride function admirably. Whilst I’d not fault it at all, I have found the Oxford T18’s flexible additional capacity helpful as and when accumulations of stuff have taken place or that little bit of additional space has been needed. The Zefal has suited me well on more selfish rides where requests for shopping are not being taken. Cost is similar.
Summary
The Oxford T18 Rack Pack is a well-made, reliable bit of gear. The additional flexibility offered by the fold-down panniers is a definite plus – and that from an old-time tourer who is suspicious of potentially gimmicky things. Truth is that it is not a gimmick, it is an excellent addition to their range and I look forward to using it for many years to come.
Verdict 4/5 Likeable and handy piece of kit for many sorts of cycling.
Steve Dyster
https://www.oxfordproducts.com/bicycle/brands/oxford/bags/t18_rack_top_bag_with_panniers_18l/
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2024
