Review of Delta Metro Bicycle Trunk Case

Delta Metro Bicycle Trunk Case
By: Delta Average Rating: 3.0 Total Reviews: 5
More Information

Nice capacity, nice attachment system, but lacking features and design could be improved

On: 2008-08-16

Positives:
1. The carrying capacity is impressive for a rack top mounted bag. Just to give you an idea since liters and cu inch numbers are hard to visualize (for me at least), with the bag fully expanded, 2 one-gallon milk jugs will fit inside snuggly--though I wouldnt recommend traveling with them unless its a smooth ride since rack top bags take the full brunt of bumps in the road.
2. Related to #1 above, unlike most top mounted rack bags, this one expands its capacity horizontally rather than vertically which translates to making the bag and your bike less top-heavy and wobbly when filled.
3. The attachment mechanism is pretty quick and easy: stick, stick (Velcro), click, click (plastic buckles).

Negatives:
1. The same plastic buckles that attach the bag to the matching buckles on the rack are used for attaching the carrying strap too, and the strap has no where to go except inside the bag with the rest of your stuff when on your bike. So you have to unattached the strap to attach the bag on the rack and stuff the strap in the bag,then do the reverse when getting off the bike. This quickly becomes annoying. If your handy with a sewing needle, alter the strap yourself so it just remains attached at all times.
2. The opening for the bag is too narrow for how wide the bag can expand to. Larger less malleable objects (e.g. medium pizza box) that would otherwise fit inside can not be carried because you cant get them through the opening. They should have made the opening stretchy or somehow expandable as the capacity expands.
3. Could have used a bungee cord weaved over the top of the lid (like you see on other bags) so you can conveniently stuff things on top (like a sweatshirt).
4. The zippers for the side expansions work but are tough to operate because you have nothing hold onto to secure the bag while pulling on the zippers. Could use a tab of material somewhere on the outside of the bag or something to hold with the other hand.
5. The one inner mesh pocket on the inside of the lid has an elastic opening, but should instead have a zipper opening because when the lid is closed the pocket lays horizontal over the main compartment and stuff can slide out of it.
6. In addition to the shoulder carrying strap, a permanently attached toolbox-like handle on top of or over the lid would be nice.

Ive had it for a year and use it a few times a month--its my "good" bag, meaning it doesnt have to carry my smelly gym cloths. So I cant really comment on durability yet.

Overall I would still recommend it, most of the negatives are minor, compared to its usefulness.

Bad Purchase

On: 2008-06-23

I bought this because it is supposed to match my Delta rack. It looks really nice. In fact, I have received several compliments on this bag by other cyclists, most of which were strangers. Looks are the only good thing about this bag.

Not long after I bought and started using this, I realized that the zippers are terrible. They are diffuclt to use so opening/closing the bag is a pain. After about 4 months one of the zippers finally broke.

Another bad thing is the storage. There is the main compartment and a small one that houses the rain cover. I managed to put my cell phone in the small one but not much else can fit since it just holds the rain cover. I would like more storage options such as multiple compartments/pockets and stretching cords on the outside. At least it is expandable. I also wish it had a spot for a tail light.

This attaches to your rack via velcro on the bottom of the bag and clips on the front and back of the bag. It stays in place well. You will need to install velcro and clips (included) on your rack. It was easy for me but some racks will require hole drilling.

Taking your bag with you requires just a few steps. First you un-clip the bag from your rack and lift it off the velcro, then you get out the included carrying strap and attach it to the clips on the bag. It takes longer than you might think, mostly because if you have the strap in the bag it will get wrapped around whatever else you have in there (it is just one pocket for everything so stuff becomes tangled) and is difficult to retrieve. When I would ride with my friends, they would have their bags removed and ready much quicker than me. It was annoying. Since this bag is rather wide, it looks weird on a strap around your shoulder.

My last complaint is the price. Why is this bag so expensive? I bought it on sale from Amazon and it was still more expensive than many other bags which are far better. I wish I bought a nice backpack instead of this.

Conclusion: I cannot recommend this product because it is poorly designed and does not work well. The quick release is not so quick, using this bag is irritating, and I regret buying it. Eventually I stopped using it and now utilize the Delta cargo net. If you do buy this bag expect to get a lot of compliments.

Unusable zippers

On: 2008-05-08

I returned this trunk because the zippers (all zippers) were so stiff they either could not be used or took a lot of time effort to unzip.

Stylin'

On: 2008-04-26

Without a doubt the best looking rack bag out there! Most buyers will need to drill 2 back holes in their rack to mount, but this is a breeze. Quick release is too simple. Only downside is the vinyl bottom. From a longevity standpoint, not sure how long this will last or standup to the elements or abuse. This will work on any rack despite what the discriptions say about it. I have a Planet Bike Disc Rack and installation was simple! For the price you cant go wrong....half the price of many websites.

Top Notch Quality

by: Anonymous On: 2006-08-19

Excellent product - high quality and great functional design. I bought it as a gift for my wife, and she loves it.