Touring - My bent rack

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Lord Chambers
05-08-09, 05:54 PM
http://oregonstate.edu/~chambchr/bentrack.jpg

Using the power of photoshop I have added a roughly parallel line to the image in order to better demonstrate the slight sag in my rack. My question for experienced travelers is, is this normal? I have only done routine commuting with this rack, always carrying well under its 25kg (55lbs) limit, and it appears to be warped around where my Arkel t-28s sit.

There are no noticeable problems. However, I'm considering putting this rack onto another bike for a 3000 mile tour, and figure it's worth asking about before I go through the trouble of switching it over or possibly buying a new one.

jfry541
05-10-09, 04:32 PM
I had a slight bend in my rack and although I really did not want to, I upgraded. This might be too late but REI has a sale until today (5/10) and the Topeak explorer rack is only 21 dollars. I feel way more secure with that rack just knowing that it is sturdier. I would upgrade just for piece of mind. Doesnt have to be very expensive. I just would always think of a rack faileure whenever I was going down a big hill.
prathmann
05-10-09, 04:45 PM
Doesn't look like something I'd be concerned about. One bad bump with a decent load could create a small bend like that and it seems to be spread over a good distance rather than being a sharp kink that could more easily start a crack. I'd keep an eye on it but wouldn't replace it unless it showed some sign of getting worse.

kayakdiver
05-10-09, 05:07 PM
Is it just the picture or is that weld looking funky? Looks like it's broken.
Lord Chambers
05-12-09, 03:20 AM
Is it just the picture or is that weld looking funky? Looks like it's broken.

It's not broken, however the paint is chipped off and its shiny surface is reflecting the flash.

Thanks for the advice, I'll consider buying a new rack if the price is right.

Can anyone identify the brand and model of the rack? I bought it at the LBS when I bought the bike. Since I paid for them together I don't recall the name or the price. It does appear to have aluminum tubing though, right?