Front bag install. Installing a front Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DX using the MRI-Denver Universal MTX Deck Plate

 

The MRI-Denver Universal MTX Deck Plate arrived.  This one arrived in a USPS box where the first one arrived only in an envelope. This one already had the front clip/handle installed.
The first thing I noticed about this MRI-Denver Universal MTX Deck Plate was a large dent/bend in the metal at one of the mounting screw sites.  This now had me concerned with MRI's quality control.
The first step was to remove the "handle" piece that the bag locks into and add some loctite to the threads to ensure the screws stay in place. These screws face downwards on the bike and would easily disappear if they came loose.
Another issue I noticed with this MRI-Denver Deck Plate was one of the screws on the rail system was loose. Again raising my concerns with their quality control. So I pulled all the screws in the rail system out and added loctite to those and reassembled. I'll be doing this to my rear deck plate as well.
The deck plate and screws weigh 1lb 6.6 ounces.
Again I opted to use the Loctite to help keep the screws in place on bumpy rides
With the Deck Plate installed it's ready to have the MTX bag installed.
The bag I went with is the Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DX.  I'm not a fan of panniers but those styles are available as well.
The bag slid right into the Deck Plate
There was some fore and aft play in the bag to Deck Plate connection as there was with the read bag install.  I resolved this with some wire ties.
The next area of play was at the rear of the bag and Deck Plate.  There was slight movement up and down at the very rear.
This was resolved again (the same way we fixed the rear bag) with wire ties between the bag and the bags mounting plate and then run around the rear bike rack.  If you plan on removing your MTX Trunk Bag, then this probably isn't the solution for you.  I think a very small wedge would work as well to keep the bag from rattling when going down the road.
With all the wire ties in place the bag is very solid and absolutely quiet.