Commuting - Rear rack suggestions please

Fellow commuters, I'm looking for a solid commuting/ shopping rear rack for my 1984 Bridgestone MB-2. I have rack eyelets on the seat stays and fender/rack eyellets on the chain stays. Something 'silver' in steel (first choice) or aluminum. The rack should be able to handle about 15 kg (30 lbs) and accommodate a small set of panniers. I've been 'window shopping' the web here in Japan and I'm just kind of confused by all the choices. Price range: $30.00 - $100.00. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I have full fenders front and rear. The rack and rear fender will use the same eyelets on the chain stays.

Here are a couple racks I'm looking at here:

http://www.cb-asahi.co.jp/image/kokunai/akiworld/crjd001.html

http://www.cb-asahi.co.jp/image/kokunai/nitto/mtcampee-r.html

The Nitto looks great but I don't think it will work with fenders.

And can someone tell me what that check mark in the green circle means? It seems no one else has that thing on their posts.

Do you plan on using only a trunk bag riding on top? Or do you plan on hanging panniers on the sides?

The two racks you linked to are perfect examples of these two types. It's all in the shape and location of the legs.

The black Aki World one is not a good choice for panniers. The shape of the rear leg can let the back corner of panniers swing into the spokes. It'll be just fine for loading stuff on top.

The silver Nitto one will keep panniers out of your spokes. It'll be a fine rack for either a trunk bag or panniers.

A third possibility is using both a trunk bag and panniers simultaneously. In a pinch, the Nitto could do both, but in my experience, it takes a bit of fussing and cussing to mount both panniers and a rack trunk on the same mounting rail. If this is something you think you might do, look for a rack with a second side rail. You'd mount the trunk bag on top, then hang the panniers from the second side rail. Again, it will have a rear leg shape similar to the Nitto.

One final consideration is heel-strike. This is when the panniers sit too far forward and you hit them with your heel while pedaling. Certain combinations of bikes with short chainstays and racks that don't sit back far enough can cause it. I'm not familiar with your bike, so I can't say. And again, if you'll use only a trunk bag, it's a non-issue.

Thanks for your informative reply tsi. Much food for thought for a first-time buyer of a frame-mounted rear rack. I indeed like that Nitto, but, in light of some measurements I took today, I think with my full, fat (60 mm) fenders, it will be too small .

Today I did some extensive searching of the Japan internet and found a place that sells Tubus racks. I'm looking at the Cargo and Logo, either of which will probably suit my needs.

Again, thanks

I don't know about availability where you are, but I use the Topeak Super Tourist DX (http://www.topeak.com/products/Racks/SuperTouristDXTubularRack). One of the main reasons is that it's designed with a second siderail for mounting panniers so they don't interfere with a trunk bag.

ETA: It looks like they do have it http://www.cb-asahi.co.jp/image/kaigai/topeak/car061.html

I use a Topek MTX trunk bag with integrated U lock storage. I also use a Carradise Bike Bureau to carry my laptop in combination with
my MTX trunk. The 2 are not compatible together with the Topek U lock rack. In order to use the 2 together I made a very simple modification that can
be used on any rack you wish to use Panniers & a Trunk.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n235/Timber_8/Bike%20pics/Bikebeuro011.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n235/Timber_8/Bike%20pics/Bikebeuro012.jpg

I bought all the parts at the hardware store for about $24 US per side. I used 2 rubber gromets to cousion the bar against the
rack and Zip tied it down tight. It is very simple to do and took let than 1 hour to put together.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n235/Timber_8/Bike%20pics/Bikebeuro013.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n235/Timber_8/Bike%20pics/Bikebeuro025.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n235/Timber_8/Bike%20pics/Newbikepics008.jpg

If you can find it, I rather like this rack: http://www.therandonneeshop.com/products/show/61-addit
RackTime is Tubus' brand of aluminum racks. The lower rails will let you use both a rack trunk and panniers without a problem. The panniers can sit far enough back to avoid heel strike even if you have big feel (like I do).

The page mentions the SnapIt easy attachment/removal system. The rack works fine with bags not using that; it's just an extra convenience if you want it.

Topeak Explorer for disc brakes. I had the Topeak Explorer on my previous bike. I don't use the MTX feature (Ortlieb Backrollers), but I like the thought that I can when I need them.