Touring - Bags/Alternatives For Nitto Mini Racks

Greetings,

Since I've got a Nitto Mini rack, I can't find a bag for it that doesn't cost more than the rack itself. I'm just not into the $90-150 chic bags, so I'm wondering if anyone has any other ideas of what to use. Currently I just use a small stuff sack held by a cargo net, but would like something more substantial as bananas take a beating wrapped like that.

Bags, plastic containers? I've looked at all the bag makers I know of, but the only small rack bags I've seen are the chic ones.

I've seen people use vinyl coolers and camera bags on front racks. Also, you can zip-tie a Wald basket to the rack and then throw whatever bag you want into it. Good luck with the search.

You might like this insulated lunchbox/cooler at REI: http://www.rei.com/product/797873

There are similar ones in larger and smaller sizes. Mine stays on my front rack nicely if I shorten up the strap and buckle it under the rack (wrap around a cross piece so it doesn't slide forward). Very light weight and inexpensive, and you can use it for your lunch too.

I saw some nice bags designed to fit Nitto front racks at the NA Custom Bike show in Richmond, VA, earlier this year. They were made by Baileyworks in New Hampshire and came in a range of colors. I can't remember the price but they cost at least half of what Rivendell charges for theirs. I would have bought one except I already have a Riv bag I bought used. I couldn't find the bags on their website, but if you shoot them an email, I am sure that they could provide info on prices and photos.

http://www.baileyworks.com/

I saw some nice bags designed to fit Nitto front racks at the North American Custom Bike show in Richmond, VA, earlier this year. They were made by Baileyworks in New Hampshire and came in a range of colors. I can't remember the price but they cost at least half of what Rivendell charges for theirs. I would have bought one except I already have a Riv bag I bought used. I couldn't find the bags on their website, but if you shoot them an email, I am sure that they could provide info on prices and photos.

http://www.baileyworks.com/

Here is what I did with mine:
http://i719.photobucket.com/albums/ww199/eglayzer/DSCN3947.jpg
Small Wald basket held on with about 10 zip ties. I use the bungie net to keep stuff from bouncing out. Works great.

Nice setup zep.

Do you carry the acoustic bass in the basket? ;)

Do you carry the acoustic bass in the basket? ;)

No, they are just friends. I try to separate them but I always find them like that when I come home from work. :lol:

Thanks for the replies everyone. I had forgotten about using a soft sided cooler. I had seen the ones in REI and yes, they would fit perfect on the rack.

Camera Bags too.... yes .. those would work too! There's a ton of brands.

I looked up the Bailyworks bag on Flickr to see if I could find some photos ,and did. It's called a D-Rack Bag. It'sstill not listed on their website, but I'll give them a call. It's apparently about 7X4X5 inches, according to this person who has one . http://www.flickr.com/photos/skvidal/4439090790/

Nashbar makes a small bag designed to fit their tiny front rack, which has a nearly identical design (generally speaking) to the Nitto. I'm almost positive it would fit the Nitto.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_167608_-1___

They go on sale from time to time for less than $30.

Pretty sure I have one around here that I'm not using (and never did use) either. PM if you're interested.