Touring - platform + lowrider front racks?

After being giddy about finding fork eyelets on both an old MTB touring frame and a Schwinn Voyageur I picked up, I now set about the task of putting those eyelets to use in finding a lowrider rack. However, I've talked to some people who swear by handlebar bags, which made me look for lowriders with platforms. So far, I've only found the Surly, Nitto, Old Man mountain and Jandd racks that do both, and each runs about 80 minimum, more than I was hoping to spend on a front rack. Are there any more reasonably priced alternatives out there?

Or....is the platform worth it? Or alternatively, is a lowrider worth it?

Personally I don't want to add gear like tent or whatever on top of the front rack. In my case I do have a tiny rack that mounts on the brake bosses instead of the bracket that came with my handlebar bag. It is actually lighter and more secure than the bracket that came with the handlebar bag. I use the shoulder strap for the bag to hold it in place.

It can be had for 12.99 and pairs nicely with their low rider rack (or a similar one from performance). Both seemed sturdy enough, are light, aer inexpensive, and held up well for me.
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_167593_-1___


http://www.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/medium/NA-FRR-NCL-ANGLE.jpg

Try this Minoura rack ... 150792
http://www.minourausa.com/english/rack-e/mt3500sf-e.html

this thread .... http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?644242-front-rack-for-26-quot-wheeled-LHT

I think Blackburn Mtf-1 Front Rack works well.

I put a Jandd Extreme on my LHT. The Ortlieb panniers ride low on the sides, and I put my air mattress on the platform. I like having the platform for bungeeing my windbreaker, and miscellaneous stuff. It's a solid rack and not too heavy. I like it and feel it was worth the price (although I got it during Jandd's 20% off sale.) I've also used Blackburn Lowriders (good but not quite as stiff - no platform) and Tubus Tara (rock solid but no platform.)

thanks; the Blackburn looks great.

Garthr, do you know how much the Minoura costs?

thanks; the Blackburn looks great.

Garthr, do you know how much the Minoura costs?


I don't. Best to contact Minoura to see where it's available.

I know these are out of your price range, but look at this custom rack made by " the rack lady" in Madison,WI. Any part of it is customizable of course. Sweet.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26811168@N07/3236777029/in/set-72157605293367209/

I know these are out of your price range, but look at this custom rack made by " the rack lady" in Madison,WI. Any part of it is customizable of course. Sweet.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26811168@N07/3236777029/in/set-72157605293367209/


perfect

I know these are out of your price range, but look at this custom rack made by " the rack lady" in Madison,WI. Any part of it is customizable of course. Sweet.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26811168@N07/3236777029/in/set-72157605293367209/

woah.

We have the Surly Nice racks and really like them. I like having my panniers low, but also like the option of strapping something on to the front rack. I generally leave my pot strapped to the platform of mine and leave my son's empty - I use that space for extra stuff when we pass through a remote area. I'm not sure I would want to put a lot of weight on their, but it's great for light, bulky extras.