Thanks for the good info - lot's to consider. I do have a rigid frame 1987 Trek Antelope mtb and hadn't thought about that as an option. Could be an easier way to try a set up and do a short 'tour". I suppose it doesn't really matter if the bike weighs close to 30 lbs unloaded since you'd be loading it up heavy. I'm at the beginning stages and haven't created much of a wish list or budget. More trying to figure out options. I do have one rear rack with a 2nd one mounted on an old, cheap, rigid mtb (Motiv from Costco in 1992) for my brother in law to ride into town with. I'm assuming front racks are a designed differently than the rear.