Tandem Cycling - Trunk rack for Cannondale Road Tandem

Hi Guys,

I have an '05 Cannondale road tandem. It comes with disc brakes, and this, along with its geometry presents some problems attaching a rear rack. I have also tried one of those Topeak seat post, quick release racks, but it's a bit too short for the bag we have. In other words, it hits the back of my stoker's seat and rides a bit too high. At any rate, have any of you found a tubular or seat post rack that works with this bike. The frame is a M/S. Thanks in advance... OHB

Old Man Mountain makes a rack that is disc mount compatible: http://www.oldmanmountain.com/rear_rack_page.htm

Another to look at that is far more economical is Axiom's Journey rack: http://www.rei.com/online/store/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=4500850&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&seq=1&sort=1

FWIW: I picked up a blackburn post rack that ended up being too short for our seat pack due to interference from Debbie's saddle. After looking at how the rack was constructed I noticed that the platform basically "slid" onto the aluminum arm that connects to the seat clamp. I was able to remove the screws, slide it back a few inches, drill new holes, and reattached the platform to give me the extra room I needed to get the thing out from under Debbie's saddle.

Thanks TandemGeek,

I will probably go with the Topeak beam rack (E-type). Our bag, a Topeak DX (rather large), just fits, using it. In other words, the bag ends up being about level with my stoker's seat height and butts right up to the back of her saddle. It's also compatable with the slide-on, quick-release gizmo. I'd prefer that it were located an inch or so from the back of the saddle, but it's okay--just doesn't look as good as it could. Call me obsessive (my stoker does). I can also do what you have done, and move the platform back an inch or two, by drilling new holes. However, I think it will work okay as is. In a future post I plan to send some photos of all of the various accesories we've found helpful, and how we've mounted them, etc. Things like mirrors, bar bags, computer, even name stickers. I know I'm always interested in ways to improve the quality and comfort of cycling... Well, we need to start packing up so we can head up for the Cache Valley (Utah) Century tomorrow in Logan, UT. The weather forecast is excellent, and we can't wait to get underway. 'Wish all you tandem freaks could be riding with us. Thanks again, OHB

I use a seat post rack that is adjustable in poition for the For and Aft movement. It was bought in the UK, and the make is amoeba. No more details than that but piccy attached

I have a Cannondale of the same size and had no problem attaching a regular rack. I have the Blackburn Mountain Rack. The front of our trunk is curved towards the back a bit and just barely touches the back of the seat if you put it all the way forward.

FWIW: Our 2004 RT came with a Tubus Expedition rear rack. It was mounted using some aluminum 'tubing' around very long bolts. Also, the rack leg on the brake side was bent outwards a bit. This doesn't present a real problem as these Tubus racks are made out of CroMo tubes. I switched the Tubus Expedition for a Logo (because of the extra rail this model provides). Due to a slightly different geometry of the rack, this fits with shorter bolts (although still longer than normal) and doesn't need to be altered in any way.

Old Hammer Boy: Cache Valley? Logan?
Spent 3 months there this summer and got in some good tandem riding . . . Hyrum, Paradise, Richmond, Smithfield, Wellsville, Backsmith Canyon: nice! Enjoy the Veloists century!
We are back in Tucson since Tuesday with the temps kickin' well over 100 degrees and high humidity, due to monsoons.
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

Thanks everyone,

We ended up getting the Topeak beam rack, quick release type. It worked out great with the Topeak DX type bag, as did the Cache Valley Century ride yesterday. The morning started out with a light rain and a bit cold, so the bag came in handy as we stripped down as things warmed up. It ended up in the low 90s, so we were glad to have a place to stow everything. I can highly recommend this nice little century, and would encourage any of you to attend next year. There were about 350 riders, and I saw perhaps 3 or 4 tandems. There's a 40-mile, 62-mile, and full century option. We did the 100 miles and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The terrain is beautiful, a bit hilly with lots of great rollers. There were 4 fully supplied rest stops along with a nice lunch stop and great volunteers supporting us. All this for only $18 (for non-members). Can't beat that. Hope to see all kinds of tandems next year...
OHB