Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
While I agree that you are best off without spacers or standoffs, since the front rack usually takes a much smaller load than the rear, I would expect that some spacers or a short standoff could be used. And on a Tara there is no platform, so you are talking about the weight of two panniers and nothing else. (If there was a platform, someone would likely add a 12 pack to the platform on occasion too.) The rear rack where you might have more than twice the weight is where spacers could be much worse when you are using the same diameter of bolt as the front rack
very much a factor, generally our front panniers aren't that heavy.
hhk, if you can source those threaded thingees, great. As long as it works and does a good job, and you dont go Jumbo heavy on your front panniers, it will all work out.