Touring - Anybody run a front rack with a platform?

I've got this Jandd front rack with a big platform on it, and I'm not sure if it's overkill or not. Anyone have experience with these? Should I just get a lowrider rack for the panniers to save some weight? Any photos of one of these in use? All input would be nice.

I did a cross country tour with one of these racks. I loved it. Perhaps it was a bit of overkill though, as I was way overloaded on that tour. Just the same though, it's a good rack.

The only problem that I had was that the metal clamps that I used to attach the upper portion of the rack to my fork broke due to fatigue after 3000+ miles. But I was able to just use zip ties to replace the clamps, and they held just fine for several weeks. Of course, you don't even need to use those clamps with a lot of touring specific forks, so it might not even be an issue for you.

I have mine bolted up (no clamps required). The only funny thing about it is here you mount it on the side of the forks (in the middle)there is a large gap between the fork and the rack, and when I tighten it down it bends the rack. I'm hoping spacers will fix this without any loss of structural integrity.

I think spacers would be a fine way to go. I don't think they would lead to any problems, unless they were too big, and then they could bend the rack in the other direction. But I don't see that being a big issue.

I don't know of the rack, but if you want validation of a platform rack... go for it. If I was touring with a bigger load, I would be using one again. My original touring bike had a rear rack adapted to the front, and I used a cooler bag as my bar bag, sitting on top of the shelf. It worked extremely well, and kept the weight a little lower than a bar bag. Further, I am particularly enamoured of the Berthoud front racks and bags and one day I *will* have that set-up.

I have a Nitto front rack w/ platform that I've used on two tours. The platform is a nice place to put a few lightweight items, like a sleeping pad. It's also a nice temporary spot to put stuff when you've just stopped at a food store and need to make room for groceries inside your panniers.

I have the surly nice front and the platform on the top is great. Like rowan, I put my little cooler bag on there. It's a handy piece of real estate.

- yes, i use the small $10 nashbar rack... holds a pair of shoes or supports a six pack and works great...

I use the platform front rack on a couple of my bikes. On my last tour the tent was strapped onto the front rack, tour before that the handle bar bag when the mount broke on the second day in:rolleyes: I like having the extra shelf area, to me the weight difference between a full rack and a lowrider only rack is a moot point on a tour.

Aaron:)

All my front racks have platforms - I've got 2 Old Man Mountain Cold Springs racks and a Surly Nice rack. That platform is just so darn useful I can't imagine putting a front rack on my bike that didn't have one.

...That platform is just so darn useful I can't imagine putting a front rack on my bike that didn't have one.

I'm with Vik on this. Using the Surly chromoly front rack, which allowed me to get rid of the handlebar bag. I just put a medium sized rear trunk bag on the front rack and have never looked back. I love the handling with no handlebar bag.

My $0.02--keep the Jandd. You'll love it.

BTW, Here's a pic:

http://www.daystarbotanicals.com/bicycles/expedition/historicrailroadstationrapidanvirginia.jpg

- yes, i use the small $10 nashbar rack... holds a pair of shoes or supports a six pack and works great...

Now we're talkin' !!

And VeloVeg... yep... the balance front to rear looks just right, doesn't it? And usually when balance looks right, it really is physically.

I'm with Vik on this. Using the Surly chromoly front rack, which allowed me to get rid of the handlebar bag. I just put a medium sized rear trunk bag on the front rack and have never looked back. I love the handling with no handlebar bag.

My $0.02--keep the Jandd. You'll love it.

BTW, Here's a pic:

http://www.daystarbotanicals.com/bicycles/expedition/historicrailroadstationrapidanvirginia.jpg

Thanks for the input, and I LOVE your bike! How about some specs? Looks like a really clean rig.

I'm using a platform rack in the front. My tent, tarp and additional water bottles go there. It's also a useful place to keep the rain gear on a heavy overcast day.

I used to have a platform front rack. Kept light, bulky stuff there, such as sleeping bag & pad. It worked well apart from one incident where my handlebar bag fell under the front wheel in the middle of ride, causing me to crash. That was because of the stuff I had on platform prevented the handlebar bag from locking properly into its mounts.

From that experience, if I had a platform front rack now, I'd set it up the way VeloVeg has. Sweeeet ride :beer:. Does that front trunk bag come off easily? I like to keep all the valuable stuff in my handlebar bag and just take it with me during breaks.

--J

Thanks for the input, and I LOVE your bike! How about some specs? Looks like a really clean rig.

Thanks xxsoultonesxx. It is a great ride! It's a restored 1983 Specialized Expedition with bomb-proof wheels (40 spokes rear, 36 front) and Phil hubs. HERE is a link (http://www.daystarbotanicals.com/bicycles/expedition/index.html) for more specs and pics.

Juha - the front bag is a Lone Peak RP-350 medium trunk bag. That's where I keep the valuables (except for the family's important jewels!) :D, camera, important docs, small journal pad, bike lock, etc. It detaches quite easily at the corners with velcro straps, and has a handy carrying strap or handle. The current map attaches to the top with two little squeeze clamps from the stationery store. The mobile phone hangs on the outside--very convenient. It all works very well for me. Here's a look at the whole thing from another angle:

http://www.daystarbotanicals.com/bicycles/expedition/exp_frquarter_800x600.jpg

Hello xxsoultonesxx,
I bought a Jandd Extreme Front Rack for my Cannondale T2000 and love it. I don't like using a hadlebar bag so I put a trunk bag on top to carry everthing that I want handy in it. The rack may be a little on the heavy side when compared to racks without the top platform but it works well for me on this bike.
Here are some picturesbefore heading out for a 1100 km tour around Lake Ontario in June '07 showing the rack mounted.
Happy touring!


http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=50036&thumb=1&d=1184943918 (http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=50036&d=1184943918)
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=50037&thumb=1&d=1184943934 (http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=50037&d=1184943934)
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=50038&thumb=1&d=1184943951 (http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=50038&d=1184943951)

I've got this Jandd front rack with a big platform on it, and I'm not sure if it's overkill or not. Anyone have experience with these? Should I just get a lowrider rack for the panniers to save some weight? Any photos of one of these in use? All input would be nice.

I use a front platform rack to carry my sleeping pad and cooking equipment. Its also useful for carrying extra water and food.

I also have the Jandd, and got it because I don't really like handlebar bags. I plan to use a trunk, but haven't gotten one yet.

For those with issues re: gap between fork and rack: I have that gap, and measured the space between. I went down to the hardware store and got two steel threaded spacers. It works great. I have to check to see if it's loosening every now and then, but I do that for all the nuts and bolts anyway.

My front rack has a platform that I use for carrying my hiking sandals or cycling shoes depending on what I'm wearing at the time. If it's wet/muddy I don't have to worry about storing my wet/muddy foot covers in my bags.

I bought a Jandd Extreme Front Rack for my Cannondale T2000 and love it. . .
Here are some pictures before heading out for a 1100 km tour around Lake Ontario in June '07 showing the rack mounted.
Happy touring!


http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=50036&thumb=1&d=1184943918 (http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=50036&d=1184943918)


cyberpep,

I know we were discussing front racks, but I was admiring your beautiful T2000 and trying to figure out which rear rack you are using? It's a good looking piece and goes well with the Jandd front rack. I have a Bridgestone that I'm building up and will probably go with the Jandd rack in the front, but not convinced to go with a Jandd in the back.

Thanks,

Hi Ted, I can't beleive that you would admire my stock T2000 when I see what you are riding! That is a nice bike , I really enjoyed you photo gallery. The rear rack on my bike is the stock rack that came with the bike. Sorry I don't know what make it is, no makings. I was going to put on a Tubus Logo that I owned but this stock rack works fine so I think that I will leave the Tubus on my commuter bike. I was really interested in your handle bar setup. I have been thinking of putting a treking bar on my bike to get more hand positions. I tend to ride farily upright due to shoulder problems, you will notice the riser stem that I am using on the T2000. I just love this bike for touring, even more than my old Trek 520. It is rock solid when loaded with gear and my 225lbs.
Happy touring!

Hi Ted, I can't beleive that you would admire my stock T2000 when I see what you are riding! That is a nice bike , I really enjoyed you photo gallery. The rear rack on my bike is the stock rack that came with the bike. Sorry I don't know what make it is, no makings. I was going to put on a Tubus Logo that I owned but this stock rack works fine so I think that I will leave the Tubus on my commuter bike. I was really interested in your handle bar setup. I have been thinking of putting a treking bar on my bike to get more hand positions. I tend to ride farily upright due to shoulder problems, you will notice the riser stem that I am using on the T2000. I just love this bike for touring, even more than my old Trek 520. It is rock solid when loaded with gear and my 225lbs.
Happy touring!

Hi Cyberpep,

Thanks for the kind words about the bike. This is her 25th anniversary year and she still makes for a great rig.

I have to say that the stock T2000 is a great looking bike and the way you have it set up is nice and clean. I like the black on black. Very nice! The stock rear rack looks to be a nice one. Looks like a Bohr Yueh (?sp), but actually heavier duty. I like its looks.

The handlebars on my Expedition are actually Nitto Moustache bars, but I've positioned them differently than the traditional parallel-to-the-ground installation. I have them angled down a few degrees and placed the brake hoods a little higher than usual (so I can ride the hoods when I want). I've found it has worked well for me. My preference isn't for a very upright position so that I can distribute my weight well between my butt and arms/hands. Anyone with back issues would, of course, be more comfortable a little more upright. I would think the trekking bars would be interesting. I've actually just ordered a cheap set to try on one of my bikes, to see if I would like the positions. I think I paid $12 for it. It will probably crumple on the first outting!!

I'm afraid we've totally hijacked this thread. Better stop now!

Take good care,

Hello xxsoultonesxx,
I bought a Jandd Extreme Front Rack for my Cannondale T2000 and love it. I don't like using a hadlebar bag so I put a trunk bag on top to carry everthing that I want handy in it. The rack may be a little on the heavy side when compared to racks without the top platform but it works well for me on this bike.
Here are some picturesbefore heading out for a 1100 km tour around Lake Ontario in June '07 showing the rack mounted.

Cyberpep - Very nice setup!
I just got a Jandd for my Specialized Expedition (same as Ted's in this thread) and the fit isn't bad but the top does slope down towards the rear. I notices yours sits very horizontal. Did you have to bend the bottom arms that attach to the fork eylets to get that adjustment? I'm thinking that would do the trick for me but I'm hesitant on trying to bend the aluminum rod.