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Rat Trap Rack ?

Old 01-14-12, 02:25 PM
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Froghunter
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Rat Trap Rack ?

Would like to ask about what the ideal/function of the rat trap rear rack is. I have an old one off a Raliegh and am planning on placing it on my Clubman, but not sure how it works and why.

Thanks and Enjoy!

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Old 01-14-12, 02:29 PM
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Never used one of those spring clamps myself, but imagine it serves the same function of a bungee cord. Either put layers or straps from bags under the clamp to keep them from bouncing around while you ride.
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Old 01-14-12, 04:12 PM
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If it's one of those old aluminum racks like a Schwinn, I used to use mine to hold a basketball in place. They seemed to be designed for that purpose as a basketball fit perfect into that rack/spring mechanism.
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Old 01-14-12, 04:48 PM
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My bike (a Breezer) came with one. Can't be used for big/ heavy objects and I wouldn't use it on long or rough rides, but I've found that it comes in handy on a regular basis for holding small objects (such as mail going to post office) with minimal to-do. Not something that I would have gone out of my way to get, and I could certainly get by without it, but there have been plenty of times over the years when I've been glad I have it.
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Old 01-14-12, 07:33 PM
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They come in very handy. Some of the modern ones have a fold out piece in the front that allows you to carry boxes and larger packages by the pressure of the spring part pressing the article against the front part.
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Old 01-14-12, 07:41 PM
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I had one or two of those on bikes I had in the 70's. They're not very secure for most objects. My mom sent me shopping for milk once. Whole damn 3L went flying off and I came home with about 1L salvaged from the wreckage.
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Old 01-14-12, 08:19 PM
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That's a Pletscher (made in Switzerland) rack that you all are talking about. I graduated from those to Blackburn racks sometime around 1980. Functional but not so good for panniers.
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Old 01-15-12, 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by JanMM
That's a Pletscher (made in Switzerland) rack that you all are talking about. I graduated from those to Blackburn racks sometime around 1980. Functional but not so good for panniers.
We have a winner!! About 15 years ago I was perusing the back closet of a lbs and found several cool old 'front' racks that had a vertical spring mechanism w/2 sets of thin, light bungee cords. Think threy were selling them for 5.00US. Wish I'd have bought them all now. Having a fg conversion w/flat fork crowns mine still works. I break it out from time to time and bolt it on. It's really handy when my trunkbag gets too loaded and I just need a little extra carrying space.

Mine says: Pletscher Made in Switzerland and Model V9 Pat Pend. on the crown surfaces. One of my favorite cycling purchases ever, I think.
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Old 01-17-12, 02:10 PM
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Grew up with one. Perfect for holding a baseball glove with a ball inside.
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