Ibera Bike Seatpost Rack - Lightweight Aluminum Cargo Carrier for Commuting, Cycling & Urban Travel - Perfect for Backpacks, Groceries & Work Essentials

I bought this Ibera seat pole mounted cargo carrier along with the matching Ibera cargo bag which are both impeccably made. Excellent high quality all around. I wanted a seat post mounted carrier because I have quick release wheels on my Bianchi commuter bike and didn't want to have any attachments down at the wheels. I also wanted to be able to (relatively) quickly be able to detach the carrier when I wasn't carrying a load. Because the carrier clocks in at 1.8 pounds and the matching custom bag is also built like a tank, this is not a super light addition on your rear end. But one of the beautiful things about this combo is the ease with which the bag secures and detaches from the carrier. No need for any bunji cords or tie downs: click, click and it's done. Great design! So buying the matching bag with this carrier is THE justification for the carrier purchase. They work beautifully together. (Make sure you get the correct matching bag for this model carrier, because Ibera makes a smaller bag for a different model carrier and I don't think it will fit this carrier.)Installation is fairly simple, but be prepared; The carrier requires two metric Allen wrenches that are not supplied with the purchase (Do you hear this Ibera? You should include them.) I believe they are a 5mm for the seat post attachment and a 3 mm to slide the basket back and forth to your liking for clearance behind your seat. Easiest way to attach the carrier is to take out your seat post and slide the carrier on, then reattach you seat post, then tighten up the carrier. My slender seat post required the use of 1 of the 2 rubber shims supplied to get a tight solid fit.I tested my new rig out the other day. I packed 3 500ml bottles of water and 3 cans of cat food (I feed a stray along my route) along with wallet and keys, etc in a side pocket. It's 95 and bloody hot here in Nashville this time of year, so I always want more water than my single water bottle holder on my bike can accomodate. I also noticed that the well built Ibera bag is somewhat insulated, so I put some ice in a small ziplock bag and laid that on top of the 3 bottles of water. 2 hours later the ice was still ice and the water was still very cold. This is very impressive and not a feature that Ibera mentions. But it's a very welcome freebie!.As I mentioned, the one downside to having a well made carrier on the back with a load is it throws off the balance of the bike. It's not so bad when you're moving, but when stopped the bike can get away from you unless you're used to it. I'm so used to having a very stripped down light bike that it took a little getting used to. But, really, what's the alternative? I used a backpack for a while, which solves the weight distribution problem, but it's way too hot and uncomfortable in the summer.Ibera makes a very fine product, the best. This is the Aston Martin of carriers and matching bags.