How much 'rackage' is too much?
#26
Certified Bike Brat
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Posts: 4,251
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
Amazingly - thats exactly what I ended up doing myself! But that kinda left me wondering what to do with a couple extra long skewers and that bottom end stuff!
#27
eternalvoyage
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,256
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hey there guys, I'm building a light to medium load touring bike and I was wondering what you guys think about front racks? The bike will primarily be a city bike/commuter most of the time but will be used for at least a few week long trips this summer. I can't decide on whether to get low-rider pannier mounts, a 6-pack rack, or just nothing at all on the front.
Also, I'm not sure what to look for quality wise. I'm on a college student's budget so I can't splurge for Tubus or anything like that but I don't want to get something that will just break or bend right away.
I just don't want to go crazy and get a front rack, and then discover I never really use it... So your guys' opinions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Also, I'm not sure what to look for quality wise. I'm on a college student's budget so I can't splurge for Tubus or anything like that but I don't want to get something that will just break or bend right away.
I just don't want to go crazy and get a front rack, and then discover I never really use it... So your guys' opinions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
That would be my preference over other configurations.
Touring wheels can be built plenty strong enough for this, and often are.
With light to moderate loads, handling shouldn't be a problem.
For an excellent rack at a reasonable price, check out the Jandd Expeditions.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Zang's Spur, CO
Posts: 9,083
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3376 Post(s)
Liked 5,522 Times
in
2,862 Posts
#29
eternalvoyage
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,256
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I also have Tubus and Gordon racks, among others. If I were building up a bike from scratch and needed to buy a rack for it at a reasonable price, it would be the Jandd. It's a fine rack with a great design and top platform. The oversized aluminum is stiff and very durable.
I might even go with it if the others were offered at or near the same price. The design is better and the quality is fine.
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,552
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,585 Times
in
2,344 Posts
~Shimagnalo - beautiful and while that's a buddy of mine's attraction I tend to go for less
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,201
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 137 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 81 Times
in
64 Posts
wrt the rear OMM rack it just doesn't seem like a good design to forego the conventional attachment from front of rack to seat stays .
Last edited by LeeG; 03-20-13 at 07:33 AM.
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,468
Bikes: Co-Motion Cappuccino Tandem,'88 Bob Jackson Touring, Co-Motion Cascadia Touring, Open U.P., Ritchie Titanium Breakaway, Frances Cycles SmallHaul cargo bike. Those are the permanent ones; others wander in and out of the stable occasionally as well.
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 427 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 339 Times
in
229 Posts
I used a Nashbar front rack for a few tours until I could spring for a better one. Not ideal, but functional for your budget if you do not weight it down. Alternatively. I could also recommend a Blackburn rear rack only and put all of your stuff back there if you are no more than 30 lbs of stuff... I have toured that way and if bike handles well, it works until you can afford an ideal setup.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Vancouver,Washington
Posts: 2,280
Bikes: Old steel GT's, for touring and commuting
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
This guy is a little smaller than my regular passenger (the couple of years I did this regularly):
Usually I had the passenger hang onto my bar ends, but he was very drunk and completely belligerent. It was rather tricky with him moving around!
No complaints about my Jandd Expedition rear rack either, except for the paint flaking off.
Last edited by Medic Zero; 03-20-13 at 11:57 PM.
#34
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
Hey there guys, I'm building a light to medium load touring bike and I was wondering what you guys think about front racks? The bike will primarily be a city bike/commuter most of the time but will be used for at least a few week long trips this summer. I can't decide on whether to get low-rider pannier mounts, a 6-pack rack, or just nothing at all on the front.
Also, I'm not sure what to look for quality wise. I'm on a college student's budget so I can't splurge for Tubus or anything like that but I don't want to get something that will just break or bend right away.
I just don't want to go crazy and get a front rack, and then discover I never really use it... So your guys' opinions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Also, I'm not sure what to look for quality wise. I'm on a college student's budget so I can't splurge for Tubus or anything like that but I don't want to get something that will just break or bend right away.
I just don't want to go crazy and get a front rack, and then discover I never really use it... So your guys' opinions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
The only way I could see a need for more is if I were to do expedition/trekking style touring where I travelled somewhere really remote.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#35
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
Hey there guys, I'm building a light to medium load touring bike and I was wondering what you guys think about front racks? The bike will primarily be a city bike/commuter most of the time but will be used for at least a few week long trips this summer. I can't decide on whether to get low-rider pannier mounts, a 6-pack rack, or just nothing at all on the front.
Also, I'm not sure what to look for quality wise. I'm on a college student's budget so I can't splurge for Tubus or anything like that but I don't want to get something that will just break or bend right away.
I just don't want to go crazy and get a front rack, and then discover I never really use it... So your guys' opinions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Also, I'm not sure what to look for quality wise. I'm on a college student's budget so I can't splurge for Tubus or anything like that but I don't want to get something that will just break or bend right away.
I just don't want to go crazy and get a front rack, and then discover I never really use it... So your guys' opinions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
The only way I could see a need for more is if I were to do expedition/trekking style touring where I travelled somewhere really remote.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#36
Senior Member
I used a Nashbar front rack for a few tours until I could spring for a better one. Not ideal, but functional for your budget if you do not weight it down. Alternatively. I could also recommend a Blackburn rear rack only and put all of your stuff back there if you are no more than 30 lbs of stuff... I have toured that way and if bike handles well, it works until you can afford an ideal setup.
As far as the Blackburn EX-1, the only reason I would replace mine is to go with less rack for lighter touring.
My perspective for these comments is that of a rider who has toured with 45-50 pounds at most, so if you want to go real heavy my view may not be applicable. These days I have been going really light (11 pound base last tour) where again that perspective isn't very applicable, but for the opposite reason.
#37
Banned
Rear rack is not either.. big saddle bag , handle bar bag and perhaps, a generous credit line .
or debit card to withdraw savings..
or debit card to withdraw savings..
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 2,206
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
A few years ago, I used a front and rear rack on my bike. I would have the tent and a few othe items in front and the rest on the rear rack. Today, I do not use such a setup. Instead, I have lightened and condensed my load to the point where a rear rack and a handlebar bag are more than ample for most trips. If I am going somewhere isolated and will need to carry enough food or water for several days, I will add the front rack and use smaller panniers in front for food.