Hybrid Bicycles - Rear Rack Opinion

216638216639216640i recently purchased a Bontrager rear rack for my Trek 8.4 DS and my LBS had a pkg with brackets which had to be used so the rack would clear the rear disc brake. I'm not completely satisfied with it because:
1. It appears that the rack is sitting too far back.
2. In my opinion the rack is sitting too close to the tire. Only 3/8 inch clearance.

I'm thinking of redesigning the bracket to raise the rack up and move it forward some.
i would appreciate any suggestions concerning what I perceive as a problem.

Your rack can not be too far back or too close to the tire.

If you're rack isn't far enough back, you can't carry a big box on it because your saddle will be in the way. More importantly (for most rack users), a rearward rack position will prevent your heels from hitting your panniers.

Lower is better because your bike will handle better if your load is carried lower. Another advantage, if you pick up a nail that is longer than 3/8 inches, your rack might remove the nail before it comes back around. This might prevent a flat. Most objects that cause flats do not penetrate the tube until the tire has gone around a few times. Each time you ride over the nail it goes in deeper.

Your rack can not be too far back or too close to the tire.

If you're rack isn't far enough back, you can't carry a big box on it because your saddle will be in the way. More importantly (for most rack users), a rearward rack position will prevent your heels from hitting your panniers.

Lower is better because your bike will handle better if your load is carried lower. Another advantage, if you pick up a nail that is longer than 3/8 inches, your rack might remove the nail before it comes back around. This might prevent a flat. Most objects that cause flats do not penetrate the tube until the tire has gone around a few times. Each time you ride over the nail it goes in deeper.

Exactly ... more racks should fit like that.

I think it looks fine and as stated above benefits outweigh any cons...ultimate decision is yours though.

TBH, I think it looks fine. I'd rather have that rack on my bike than the one I have now, because my heels keep hitting my panniers.

Return it for a rack that was designed to be used with disc brakes. This one (http://topeak.com/products/Racks/SuperTouristDXTubularRack_disc) has two additional features- a fender top to cut down on the skunk stripe (didn't see a fender in the pic) and has the secondary rail to mount panniers to. Or keep what you got.

Return it for a rack that was designed to be used with disc brakes. This one (http://topeak.com/products/Racks/SuperTouristDXTubularRack_disc) has two additional features- a fender top to cut down on the skunk stripe (didn't see a fender in the pic) and has the secondary rail to mount panniers to. Or keep what you got.
I have that one and it's great! That said, the other posters made some valid points... if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Thanks for all of the input. I have decided to keep the rack for the time being. That topeak rack is really nice and I might wind up ordering it since none of my lbs have it. I did make a fender for the one that I have. I fashioned it out of 1/16 inch thick plastic, sprayed it satin black and fastened it to the rack using zip ties. I did this just to see how it would look and I already had all of the parts lying around.216725

Nice rack top. You can now enjoy another benefit of a rearward rack position. Better for blocking spray from the rear wheel. :thumb: