Bicycle Mechanics - Back Rack Suggestions

I'm looking into getting a back rack. Trying to find a one that is strong enough to carry my 16lb bowling ball. The sales person at a bike shop suggested the Blackburn EX-2, This seems like a good rack but it is at the peak of my budget. Anyone know if this is worth the money, or if there is a better and cheaper rack out there?

16#a is nothing to a standard rack. Almost any standard rack which attaches to fender eyes or the bottom of seat stays will have no problem. Most are designed to carry loaded panniers and have weight capacities well over 35#s.

Planet Bike, Delta, and many others produce quality racks at reasonably low prices. Search around and you should have no problem getting what you need within your budget.

Axiom Transit (http://www.amazon.com/Axiom-Transit-Racks/dp/B003UWI4M6)

$30

60kg load limit

Yes I have tested it.

The biggest problem with carrying something like a bowling ball is it's shape; because of it's size it will be hard to find a pannier bag to put it in, and if you did us one, it would pull you over to that side, putting it on the top of the rack gives issues of how to secure (even if in a bag), and will throw off the center of gravity of the bike, making it very hard to corner at anything but extremely low speeds.

For what type of rack, look for steel, as Aluminum ones will flex more than steel ones.

OMM Red Rock has a 60 lbs rating.

You might consider a backpack for something like a bowling ball. craigslist is always a good idea for prolific areas.

You might consider a backpack for something like a bowling ball. craigslist is always a good idea for prolific areas.

Why would anyone want to ride around with a bowling ball on his back? Unless it's only for a half mile or so a decent rack, available for under $20.00, is far and away the better way to go

OMM Red Rock has a 60 lbs rating.
They are very good racks. They are also about as expensive and you can find. If as the OP says, a Blackburn rack is at the limit of his budget, there is no way the OMM racks are even in consideration.

55# capacity for under $20. (http://ecom1.planetbike.com/4001.html) If there's an issue with disc brake clearance, they also have a disc compatible version. This isn't the only choice, Just about any Taiwan or China made rack will do for the OP's purposes, since the typical weight rating is well above 30#s.

I do not know if some kind of box attached to the top of the rack would work or not. Stick the ball/ball bag in the box and use bungie cords or such to keep it from poping out of the box. Not sure if the cargo racks would stay in place well enough to hold a high load.

Tom

I've purchased and put racks on my kid's bikes from Avenir and Delta. The ones for sub $20 at Niagara Cycle work pretty well and are solid.

You might consider a backpack for something like a bowling ball.

It hurts my backbone just to think about that...

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I ended up getting the Bike Planet's Eco Rack. I got it installed and i'm pretty happy with it. The only think i am worried about is I had to bend the brackets quiet a bit to get them on the fender Eyelet's. Is this going to compromise the durability of the rack, or damage my frame over time? or cause other problems?

Why would anyone want to ride around with a bowling ball on his back?

Strikes me as odd as well.

Bowling balls? Lebowski, Dude, Is that you?

Strikes me as odd as well.
Please, spare us. :)

A grocery basket is probably the best choice for a bowling ball :)



Why would anyone want to ride around with a bowling ball on his back?

"Obviously, you are not a golfer..." :)

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I ended up getting the Bike Planet's Eco Rack. I got it installed and i'm pretty happy with it. The only think i am worried about is I had to bend the brackets quiet a bit to get them on the fender Eyelet's. Is this going to compromise the durability of the rack, or damage my frame over time? or cause other problems?

If you were able to bend it without any cracks appearing, then you should be OK. Looks like they use 6061, which can bend a bit before cracking, but it will crack once it reaches its terminal point.

Tom

Did you say what bike this is for? For raod bikes with 700c wheels and QR rear axles I like the Axiom Road rack. About $40, 500g, and I've got 3 of them on my bikes.