Don't need the top box, I have one I bought a few years ago and never used so just the panniers and racks. I think because they are old, and maybe out of fashion the second hand ones are at a reasonable price. The German build quality should be a plus. I think because it's only one bar it should look quite good when the panniers are not fitted and fitting the rack arm part should be fairly simple I think. Just wondered if anyone had used them before.