Schwinn Tailpack

by: Robb Zimdars
4/23/98

The Problem

Tank bags have a lot going for them. They keep your stuff right under your chin, where you can keep an eye on it. They have map pockets. They're nice to lean on while freeway droning - in fact, I sometimes used to take my Eclipse along even when I didn't need to carry anything, just so I could take some weight off my wrists.

For all that, though, they have some drawbacks. Magnetic bags tend to be a bit small. The other type tend to have mounting systems that are complex at best, generally hideous with the bag removed, and damaging to your tank's paint at worst. They have to be removed at every gas stop. The largest problem is that they just don't seem to fit the Hawk's thin, classically-shaped tank very well. In addition to all that, the clip-ons on my bike position my body in such a way that I wouldn't be able to support any weight on a bag anyway.

The Solution

There had to be a better solution, an easily-mountable bag versatile enough to be used for commuting duty and weekend trips. I finally found exactly what I was looking for in the product shown here: an insulated tailpack that fits the Hawk seat perfectly. The sides maintain the bags' shape even when empty. Two padded, movable dividers in the main compartment keep your load from shifting; yes, it does make a nice camera bag too.

Versatility

Unzipping the sides reveals two soft "saddlebags" which can be stuffed with your softer luggage - tee-shirts and socks. The hooks on the unfolded bags wrap perfectly around the bungee-hooks on your grab rails (unless you ground those off already, in which case you're outta luck).  Those two cords stretching from the sidebags are enough to stabilize the whole bag, even when loaded. Another zipper around the top expands the height of the bags' rear. The small pocket at the rear is large enough for your wallet and keys. When you get to where you're headed, there's a detachable shoulder strap that makes carrying the bag a no-hands affair. According to the sales tag, both the material and the zippers are water resistant.

Problems Encountered

Well, the Velcro straps intended to hold the bag on are too short to run under the Hawks' seat, so you'll need to lengthen them. I've been using the saddlebag straps to mount mine, though, and they hold it very steadily, even when packed full and being pushed around by my backside while I slide around on the seat.

Capacity

None is listed. I'd classify this as a commuter pack which can swallow enough necessities for the average long weekend trip - a couple fresh t-shirts, extra gloves, maps, camera, a couple tools, sunglasses, wallet and keys, socks and assorted frilly underthings will all fit easily, especially if you use the old touring trick of packing your clothing in gallon-sized ziplok bags, then squeezing the air out of them; they'll take up less room, stay dry, and when empty can be stuffed with the dirty clothes you peel off at the end of the day.

There should be enough room left in there for a couple sandwiches and sodas, too. With your own refreshments on board, you can take your riding break at a nice park rather than in the parking lot of the Quik Mart. The bag is tall enough to hold a few tall bottles of your favorite ale, or a few cans of Guinness Pub Draft (for the after-ride campfire). I used to hate hauling beer in a tankbag for fear I was denting my tank; not a problem with a tailpack.

Price and Availability

How come you haven't come across this little gem? Because it's not sold at the bike stores you probably hang around. You'll need to stop at your local Schwinn shop and ask for the Deluxe Rack Pack. MSRP is $67.99, but DON'T PAY THAT. The local shop was selling these at their annual Spring sale for $44.95 With a little patience you should be able to pick one up at a comparable price.

Robb Zimdars
windingroads@hotmail.com