RACKTIME Snapit: Adapting Your Bike Cargo Rack to ANY Bag

Frustrated with the cumbersome velcro straps on his cargo bag, the author sought a solution for quickly attaching and detaching his bag from his Cannondale Tesoro Neo ebike's rack. This struggle, particularly amplified by the bike's fenders, hampered the convenience of his ebike for quick errands. The inherent challenge lay in the slow and inefficient process of securing the bag, hindering the practical benefits of a cargo carrying system. This article details a simple yet effective modification that transforms a frustrating experience into a seamless and efficient one.Discovering that his ebike's rack utilized the Racktime Snapit system (version 1), the author found a solution for his problem. By adapting his existing Rockbros cargo bag to the Snapit system, he created a quick-release mechanism for attaching and removing his bag. This involved a straightforward modification process requiring only basic tools and ingenuity, resulting in a significantly improved and secure cargo carrying solution. The article will guide you through this DIY upgrade, showcasing the ease and effectiveness of integrating the Racktime Snapit system with a non-compatible bag.

Pros And Cons

Rockbros Bike Bag
  • Lots of flexibility
  • Individual and side pockets
  • Can carry a 16-inch Macbook Pro (or two)
  • Cumbersome velcro straps difficult to attach to e-bike rack
Cannondale Tesoro Neo Ebike
  • Amazing bike
  • Enabled exercise after many years
Racktime Rack (OEM part for Cannondale)
  • Compatible with Snapit system version 1
  • Allows for quick release on/off of accessories
Snapit Adapter (Version 1)
  • Easy quick release on and off
  • Allows mounting of various accessories to the bike rack

Read more: 5 Must-Have Cycling Frame Bags

The Problem: Inconvenient Cargo Bag Straps

I recently purchased a Cannondale Tesoro Neo ebike and love its versatility. I also acquired a spacious cargo bag, perfect for carrying my 16-inch MacBook Pro (and potentially two!). However, the velcro straps on the bag proved incredibly cumbersome to attach and detach from the bike's rack, especially with the fenders.

The cargo bag with cumbersome velcro straps
The cargo bag with cumbersome velcro straps

The struggle to secure the bag each time I needed to run into a store was frustrating, disrupting the convenience of my ebike rides.

Close up of the velcro straps and difficulty attaching to the bike rack.
Close up of the velcro straps and difficulty attaching to the bike rack.

This lack of quick release hampered my ability to quickly grab the bag and go, defeating the purpose of a convenient cargo system.

The Solution: Racktime Snapit System

My research revealed that the Cannondale's rack is a Racktime OEM part, compatible with the Racktime Snapit system (version 1). This system uses a quick-release mechanism for easy attachment and removal of accessories.

The Racktime branded rack on the Cannondale ebike
The Racktime branded rack on the Cannondale ebike

The key difference between version 1 and 2 Snapit systems is the presence of four visible prongs on version 1 racks. This made identifying my compatible system much easier.

Close up showing the four prongs on the Snapit version 1 rack
Close up showing the four prongs on the Snapit version 1 rack

This realization was a game-changer, offering a much more convenient way to attach my cargo bag to the bike.

The quick release mechanism of the Snapit adapter.
The quick release mechanism of the Snapit adapter.

Adapting the Bag to the Racktime System

I adapted my Rockbros bag by securing its bottom straps to prevent them from interfering with the Racktime adapter. Using a template, I marked and drilled holes in the bag, reinforcing them with a piece of recycled plastic milk carton for extra durability. This provided a solid mounting point for the adapter screws.

The template used for marking hole positions.
The template used for marking hole positions.

I used a 1/8 inch drill bit, ensuring a secure fit without excessive looseness. The milk carton reinforcement provided additional strength, especially essential given my typical bumpy off-road riding.

Preparing the milk carton reinforcement.
Preparing the milk carton reinforcement.

The entire process was surprisingly straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a little ingenuity.

Attaching the screws through the bag and into the adapter
Attaching the screws through the bag and into the adapter

Final Result & Conclusion

The final result is a secure, quick-release cargo system. Attaching and detaching the bag is now a simple, one-handed operation, dramatically improving the usability of my ebike cargo setup.

Demonstrating how easily the bag attaches to the rack.
Demonstrating how easily the bag attaches to the rack.

The Rockbros bag remains firmly attached during even the roughest rides, thanks to the added reinforcement. This solution allows me to quickly grab my bag and go, making daily errands and longer trips infinitely more convenient.

The quick-release mechanism in action.
The quick-release mechanism in action.

The Racktime Snapit system's adaptability and ease of use are remarkable. The added security and convenience make this a worthwhile modification for anyone looking to improve their ebike cargo carrying experience.

Final shot of the ebike with the securely attached cargo bag.
Final shot of the ebike with the securely attached cargo bag.