Touring - Front & Rear Rack Suggestions

I want to use my Cannondale F500 mtb for a Rails to Trails trip and so I'm wondering if it's possible to attach a front and rear rack to it. Has anyone else done this? Can racks be attached to this bike? I tried asking this question over in the Mountain Bike forum and it was suggested that I ask here. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I saw a picture of that bike on Cannondale's web site, and I could not determine whether rack threaded eyelets were available on the fork and dropout. If they are present, then it will be easy to attach regular racks to that bike. If eyelets are not present, then your best option is to use racks that don't require eyelets -- Old Man Mountain has such racks:

http://www.oldmanmountain.com/

However, given this picture of an F500, I think regular racks are possible (this bike seems to be loaded for serious touring):

http://f16.aaa.livedoor.jp/~penmtb/event/20051112/img/PICT0029.JPG

Thanks bwgride. I looked at old man mountain and they seem to fit the bill. I can't seem to get to the picture link you provided. It just takes me to a webpage that has some english and mostly question marks everywhere - no C'dale pic.

Thanks again.

However, given this picture of an F500, I think regular racks are possible (this bike seems to be loaded for serious touring):

http://f16.aaa.livedoor.jp/~penmtb/event/20051112/img/PICT0029.JPG
The link don't work for me.
Can you attach the picture separately ?

Here's the picture:

Thanks bwgride. I looked at old man mountain and they seem to fit the bill. I can't seem to get to the picture link you provided. It just takes me to a webpage that has some english and mostly question marks everywhere - no C'dale pic.

Thanks again.

Howdy. Since I'm a "lameass wannabee" and I'd rather not get into a pissing match with a certain butthead over on the mountain bike forum, I'll respond here. First off, ignore the PF butthead on the other forum. He thrives on confrontation. If you ignore him, he will go away and find someone else to argue with. Generally speaking the mountain bike forum is not the friendliest place around either. Even the roadies are more helpful and friendly. Now on to your other question.

Looking at your bike, it looks like it could use regular racks without having to go the more expensive route of OMMs. The rear looks like it has attachments for the rear rack and the front fork could take a rack with u-bolt attachment without problem. I'd suggest looking at Delta racks like here (http://www.deltacycle.com/product.php?g=24) and here (http://www.deltacycle.com/product.php?g=27). Those should work nicely and not cost an arm and a leg.

Another, more expensive option but it does leave your bike with the same performance as unloaded, is a trailer. I don't like trailers for road touring but for rail trails and off-road, they really shine there. Much better than hanging bags on the bike. But that's not a cheap option. A BOB will cost about the same as premium racks and bags...roughly $350. But it will last forever.

Good luck, have fun and just ignore PF:D

Another, more expensive option but it does leave your bike with the same performance as unloaded, is a trailer.

Word! Putting the 6 yr old onto a trail-a-bike has really emphasized how even both kids in a (2 wheel) trailer have very little effect on my bike's handling.

Thanks Cyccommute,

I've looked at the BOB trailers and they are a bit pricey - so the front and rear rack seemed to be the best option. I'm not really concerned with added wieght or loss of performance as I'm not going to be negotiating any technical singletrack and I'm not going to be racing, just long distance off road touring where I'll need to have plenty of supplies with me (i.e. food, water, tent, sleeping bag & etc.) - I don't think PF understands this. And yes - PF does seem to thrive on confrontation - but then I've never met a clown who didn't have a mean streak.

Thanks Cyccommute,

I've looked at the BOB trailers and they are a bit pricey - so the front and rear rack seemed to be the best option. I'm not really concerned with added wieght or loss of performance as I'm not going to be negotiating any technical singletrack and I'm not going to be racing, just long distance off road touring where I'll need to have plenty of supplies with me (i.e. food, water, tent, sleeping bag & etc.) - I don't think PF understands this. And yes - PF does seem to thrive on confrontation - but then I've never met a clown who didn't have a mean streak.

I understand about the BOB. It is pricey. Your bike...if it still has the headshock...has advantages over a regular 2 leg shock. Your fork will handle a front rack quite nicely without the issues a regular shock has.

As for PF Jerk, he understands. He just thinks that anyone who tours is a loser 'cause he won't do it. I mean for those guys (nearly all of them that post over there) riding more than 20 miles is unthinkable.

Good luck and have fun. If you have more questions come back over here. The people who post here are actually nice and helpful...until PF finds us;)