Cpn_Crank

Hello everyone,

I just picked up a Surly Packrat. This, for me, is the most comfortable, well tempered and compliant steed I’ve ever ridden. By 48 hours of ownership, I ran 4 errands and rode it 5 times.

the thing I like most about it is the 24 pack rack on the front. Beyond useful. The thing has 10 mounting points (as do some other porteur style racks). What I’m torn about is that I can’t decide what to mount to the dang thing! I’m going to put light mounts from PS on the front. That leaves 8! I was thinking a pump, some type of speaker mount, or one of those “anything mounts” that surly makes (the name escapes me). I also accept the option of adding more lighting or some kind of fun feature.

your suggestions are welcome! Pics below:


The new steed (daily driver until I finish my current build)

Here’s the rack. It’s getting a porteur house bag from surly, so all mounts must be applied to the bottom. Problem Solvers light mounts for the front. Im asking ideas for the sides (pump, speaker, etc)

fietsbob

https://www.paulcomp.com/shop/compon...o-light-mount/

use the mid fork braze on, with a longer bolt..

Cpn_Crank

those look pretty cool! I may use that for the other bike I’m in the process of building. Similar to what I’m mounting to the front of the rack on the packrat.

bOsscO

Not sure if you've seen this warning from Surly; https://surlybikes.com/blog/importan..._24_pack_racks

Cpn_Crank

i have seen it. Thanks for spreading the word. After every few rides, I use a torque wrench to make sure everything is as it should be. I’ve also treated the bolts of my rack with loctite.

fietsbob

NB: Yes, there has been a history of slipping, of those clamps on the sliding lower adjustment. it is weight bearing ..
pre ride checks FTW..

Cpn_Crank

it turns out that I have the security hardware already installed. I knew about the recall, but for some reason, could not find any Detailed info on the Issue. Surly was quite vague in description of the recall.

by the way, I really appreciate you saying something. It lead to me looking deeper and learning something today (quite a simple problem which I figured it was, now with confirmation)

That being said,

Anyone want to share some mounting ideas???

thank you

Above, the arrow points to the security hardware provided to remedy the recall. (Photo courtesy of the LBS, Alameda Bicycle. Thank you!)

fietsbob

They think that set screw clamp may slip, I suppose,

@ LBS, we see Bontrager/Trek Rear Racks using that set screw clamp on the top front, setscrew biting into aluminum rod..

Best approach .. hire a front porteur rack , hand made, just for your bike, no sliding adjustments..
Perhaps a frame builder can braze up those adjustment points with a solid* connection .. (?)

*steel rod stock, forged flat for the holes, rather than the tubing, I see.. then hire it powder coated again..



..




..

Cpn_Crank

ahhh, I think you’re misunderstanding my question.

the rack carrying surface has mounting Braze-ons. For accessories. They are spaced the same as water bottle mounts. They are m5 barrels, which can be used over or under. I’m asking for ideas to accessorize the rack, not for mounting the rack.

fietsbob

I have an Abus Bordo 6500 folding link lock pouch fitted on the 2 waterbottle bosses of my Bike Friday's top tube..

Cpn_Crank

yez! I was thinking of fitting one of these to my rack! Is it standard size? If so, will it wrap both the rear wheel and seat tube? Or better yet: both wheels?

fietsbob

DIY research time ..https://mobil.abus.com/int/on-road/Locks

non pouch mouned XL bars 8" long, regular 6500 about 6" (a U lock option, essentially.. )
SF being as bike stealing place. You need heavy locks. (I lived there in the 80's)





...

Cpn_Crank

ahh yes! Truly my favorite time.