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Ranuncula
03-03-09, 01:05 PM
Hi,
Anyone know the difference between the Nitto M-12 and the Nitto Mark's rack?
I'm looking to attach the Acorn Rando bag to a front rack I can mount on my Diamondback mountain bike.
Thanks for any help!
Mr. Jim
03-03-09, 01:11 PM
Mark's rack works with side pull brakes, M-12 is for Cantis. Looks like Rivendal asked nitto to make the mark's rack based on the M-12
mvdejong
04-03-09, 02:23 AM
Perhaps what late for the initial poster, but maybe still interesting enough.
Mr.Jim has it basically right, but there is more to it.
Nitto makes 3 racks based on the same basic frame-shape. 2 are marketed under their own name, 1 is made for Rivendell.
The M12 attaches with struts to cantilever bosses, and has a long strut with a threaded end to go into the hole where caliper-brakes/fenders also could go.
The M18 attaches with struts to braze-ons midway down the fork (or the supplied clamps if there are no brazeons, and has a strip of metal which is locked down behind the bolt of the front caliper-brake.
When the bike is a classic tourer for loaded touring, You might have both cantilever bosses and brazeons, in which case I would suggest the M18, especially if the front-rack might get loaded with more than just a jacket. Cantilever bosses are not really designed for this load, and having a boss shearing off when also a rack is attached to it could result in all kinds of disaster-scenario's.
For Rivendell they make the Mark's rack, based on the M18, but with added flexibility. The Mark's rack has eyes for struts on both sides of the rack. It can be mounted just like the M18, but the providfed additional struts make it possible to mount the rack as a rear rack instead of a front rack. That is why the rack is also equipped with a plate to mount a reflector. Examples of setups with 2 Mark's can be found, especially with people doing day-trips with the racks providing additional support for an oversized handlebar-bag and an oversized saddle-bag. 2 relative small, and identical racks, retain the sleek looks of the bikes.