Touring - looking for a Nitto Big Front rack

Does anyone know where to order a Nitto Big Front rack besides Rivendale? They are out of stock. I've searched, but having no luck.
Thanks.

Don't know where else you can get that rack (actually never heard of it before reading this thread), but the Surly Front Nice Rack comes in a chrome finish and is a very similar design. It costs a few bucks less as well...maybe you'd be interested in that?

Uh, I just realized that Nitto doesn't make'em in black. So, I will be ordering the Surly. Here's a pic of the Nitto.
http://www.rivbike.com/images/static/upload/racks_1.jpg

Btw, the reason I was thinking Nitto over Surly is that the Surly rack takes a lot of hardware to mount the rack. As you can see, the Nitto doesn't.

I don't know about the Nitto, but the Surly weighs 2.95 pounds. That would be enough to scare me off, but if you don't mind the weight I guess it is a sturdy rack.

I don't know about the Nitto, but the Surly weighs 2.95 pounds. That would be enough to scare me off, but if you don't mind the weight I guess it is a sturdy rack.


Yes, that is true, and that's another reason why I'm trying to find another alternative. There are a limited number of steel low rider racks that have platforms. Surly and Nitto. I love Tubus racks, but alas, no platform. Any other suggestions?

Yes, that is true, and that's another reason why I'm trying to find another alternative. There are a limited number of steel low rider racks that have platforms. Surly and Nitto. I love Tubus racks, but alas, no platform. Any other suggestions?

I am attempting to get around this. I currently have the Axion low rider style rack on my LHT. I will be adding the Nashbar front rack that is just the platform and attached to the Brake mounting bolts. Unfortunately Nashbar is out of these atm so I haven't tried it yet.

http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/250/NA-FRR-NCL-ANGLE.jpg

http://www.axiomgear.com/product/racks/front_racks/product.php?id=155

I am attempting to get around this. I currently have the Axion low rider style rack on my LHT. I will be adding the Nashbar front rack that is just the platform and attached to the Brake mounting bolts. Unfortunately Nashbar is out of these atm so I haven't tried it yet.

http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/250/NA-FRR-NCL-ANGLE.jpg

http://www.axiomgear.com/product/racks/front_racks/product.php?id=155
I was going to suggest that one too. The platform is quite small though.

That's a really good idea. Thanks. Any other store carry those platform racks? I did a quick google search but didn't see any. I'll keep looking though.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2636333189_93fefbbd8d.jpg

I have a Surly Nice Rack in my parts bin...burly, but really over designed. I ended up using a couple OMM Cold Springs front racks with platforms. Nice and light yet quite strong and made in the US if that matters.

They aren't low riders, but I have carried heavy loads with them on my LHT and Big Dummy with zero handling issues and the panniers are in a position I can access them while on the bike which is very nice.

That's a really good idea. Thanks. Any other store carry those platform racks? I did a quick google search but didn't see any. I'll keep looking though.

I just tried to hunt it down again, looks like it night not be available at all. I might have to get the tools and sheet metal out.

The Surly is big & heavy, but if you're looking for a platform with low rider mount rails (and a black finish as well), I don't know of any other alternatives.

I've been using Surly front & rear racks for commuting for the past 2 years, as well as the occasional camping trip. The weight hasn't been an issue for me while riding, not even going uphill. However, the weight is a problem when I carry the bike up to my fifth floor walk-up. :(

However, if my bike was strictly a tourer, I probably would ditch the platform and use lighter Tubus racks. But I find the platform so useful on a day-to-day basis when commuting and running errands, that I don't want to get rid of it. I could see it causing trouble if I ever wanted to box my bike up and take it on tour overseas. With the massive racks and extra long aluminum fenders, I'm not sure it could fit in a box.

Jandd also makes a platform front rack

http://users.techline.com/tomn/front_loaded.jpg

The Nitto is very sturdy. I don't know if you can tell, but I wanted it black, so I took it to a powder coater & had it made black. Now, of course, I want a silver one!

Tom

Now, of course, I want a silver one!

Tom

Are you saying you want to part with the black one? :innocent::twitchy: