Touring - Clamp-On Seat Post Racks

Can they be relied upon to hold up to the advertised 20 lbs. Specifically, would one be acceptable for a approximately 200 mile trip on the GAP trail. I won't be camping so my load will be minimal. I ask because I don't have rack eyelets on the bike I would like to use.

A related question, is it a bad idea to run just a rear rack (of any type) only, if I am carrying only a light load.


Thanks.

I'd avoid the quick-release type.

I've carried more than twenty pounds on mine in the time I've had it and had no problems.

Couldn't tell you what make it is though since the bag it was in was missing it's label when I bought it on clearance.

If Amazon is showing the correct image, it's a Pyramid.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31HRXAKNB5L._SS500_.jpg

I think you can count on it for 20 lbs.

200 miles.... 4 days @ 50 miles a day? I think it'd be ok, not ideal but ok. Better than a backpack, I guess.

Topeak makes a nice QR rack and large bags, by the way.

Along the same lines, Do the metal bands that allow you to mount a rack on a frame without eyelets work well? I will be using this set-up for a 250ish mile trip on a smooth rails to trails (GAP) trip.

My old beater had a Trek rack on it like that and it was solid as a rock the entire time I used it, and I think I carried more weight on it hauling groceries and suchlike than most tourers would need to carry.

Mainly because I treat weight limits more like recommendations than actual limits. ;)

You just have to make sure you get the mounts good and tight, might involve employing bits of old inner tubes around the frame stays, but it'll work.