The Thin Man 

I was interested in the Holdsworth that was up for sale a few days ago and considering it for a porteur build but it didn't have double eyelets on the front fork thus nixing it as a potential porteur build.

Fast forward a few days later. I was poking around my local LBS and saw a clever porteur rack that doesn't require the use of eyelets. Perhaps this has been brought to our C&V forum before and if it has, my apologies on the double post. However, if not, then the Soma Porteur Rack is clever enough to be brought up.
There are a few reasons why I liked it. First, the obvious is that you bolted it to the hub axle. This means, no longer are two eyelets required on the front fork to mount fenders and a porteur rack. It also means no more quick release levers because of where the rack bolts on, but I look at it like this... if you want to make an omelet you have to break some eggs.

The other nice features is that the lower strut is available to hang a pannier and the extra eyelet is perfect for a dynamo light. A fence is also available as an add on.

It's a bit spendy but it's pretty nifty, no?!

zazenzach

wow that is expensive

The Thin Man 

I agree, but I suppose if you are determined to build up a porteur with a particular frame, it could be worth it.

vjp

It looks like you can still use a quick release, the axle mounts in that picture of the rack are on upside down.

JReade

LOL Yep, looks that way! Might be a little more complicated when taking the wheel off, but whatever.

prettyshady

I thought if the bike does not have eyelets, its does not want a rack

kiwigem

Know what's funny, ThinMan? I don't think I've ever seen a red porteur. i mean, I'm sure there's plenty, but I've never seen one. Regarding the expense, I say buy good and buy once. Cheap always costs more later. Shady, the bike in question was designed for cycling that would likely involve a front bag, so I doubt a front rack would affect the handling much.

Grim

Cheaper then VO But VO is Polished stainless not Chromed steel.

Grand Bois

Is this faux French Porteur thing a fad that has just about run its course, like fixed gear conversions? I've never built one because the parts, new or reproduction are too expensive, but I do have a Raleigh Competition with a Blackburn front rack and Wald rack. I've never hauled much with it. I don't like the way the front end flops with the extra weight. It's not pleasant to ride and I'm about ready to take the rack and basket off. I do think that faux porteurs can look cool, I just don't know if I want to ride one. I don't mean to offend anyone. I know that at least a couple of you are really into them. I'm just sayin'.

kiwigem

I think they're cool if you need one, y'know? And for some others, pretty is a "need."

fender1

I am with Grand Bois on this. Trend. I too took the front rack & basket off my bike. It was a PIA and not that handy. French newspaper carriers my arse!

kiwigem

Aw, you guys. If people enjoy them who cares if it's a trend?

fender1

^^ Not me but it is fun to rile people up on the interweb!

kiwigem

Yeah, where they can't reach ya.
Walking upright was a trend once.

fender1

^ True but I gave that up a while ago, along w/ my fixie......

David Newton

I like the look of the real french ones.

Anyway, this whole internet thing is a flash in the pan.

shopgirl

I have an old mini front rack that I've tried on two or three different bikes. I remember I was so excited when I originally found it, and I really like the look of it with the bike it's currently installed on, but I agree it's not all that useful- doesn't work well with my panniers and it's too small for a lot of other big items you'd think a front rack would be useful for. I think I'm just going to have to zip-tie a basket on top and call it good.

Daveyates

I think for the price of the combined parts to make one it is cheaper to buy a real one from France and have it shipped.

Grim

Front mount racks have always been nice on a utility general use bike. Its a Much more utilitarian location make it easy to get at on the move. I run a VO Campagne bag on my DD (touring bike) and it by far is my favorite set up for general riding since I can get quick access at lights.

The US bike market was more about go fast on the weekend then general transport and delivery so front racks didnt have as much use here if you weren't a paper boy. If the bike has the right amount of "Trail" the load on the front is very easy to deal with.

The thing that I think a lot of people make the mistake is putting a rack on a bike with Geometry that doesn't work for it. Sport bikes have the wrong amount of trail. A Touring bike on the other hand does fine. European bikes for general use have a very forgiving geometry so that they track straight and can handle loads. Touring bikes are more inline with that geometry.

I must be one of those "trendy" people apparently because I'm building a full on Porteur to use as my Shopping and winter bike. I like the style and in the winter I need more carry space then the Campagne bag has since I normally need to shed a couple layers for the ride home.

Guess I need to go get some skinny jeans and some full sleeve tattoo's since I'm a fad follower and need to fit in with the fad.

Daveyates

My porteur was quite good at carrying things.



Funnily enough i couldn't find the original photo but a quick search of cycleczar on flickr brought it up!
You can always rely on him to have every french bike photo ever posted online

Mr IGH

Really?

Grand Bois

Yes.

photogravity

I do believe that Porteur bars along with a Porteur rack can make for a very attractive bicycle, especially if it is French. I have yet to ride a bicycle that has a rack on the front. I have a bag I just put on the front of my Schwinn and I personally do not like the floppy feel that I get in on the front fork. That's not to say that I can't get used to it, as for now it is a small annoyance. I will keep it until such time as I decide to make a change were when it becomes more than an annoyance.

Mr IGH

Well, you failed, I was offended. I like original porteurs and faux porteurs, I even built up my own version. Why did you bother to infect this thread with all your hating? Isn't it enough to just move on to threads that concern fads you like?

mkeller234

I've never experienced a front load on a bike built to handle one. I have however expierienced a high front load on a bike that could not handle it. My bike was awful.... Im surprised I didn't crash. I'd like to try a bike built with the appropriate geometry.

I like the pannier option on the soma rack, it seems to really improve the function. The pannier bags will sit lower which should improve the handling. I do think it's probably a bad idea to use that rack on just any type of frame.