Classic & Vintage - Mafac Racer Front Rack

You know the cute little racks that mount on the pivots of Mafac Racer brakes? Can they hold significant weight, say a 20 lb book bag? I was thinking about spiffing up dear daughter's UO8 a little bit.

No. 5-8lbs tops. This would hold about 20 at its upper limit:

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/racks-decaleurs/racks/vo-constructeur-front-rack.html

This would also easily hold 20lbs.

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/racks-decaleurs/racks/vo-porteur-rack-without-rail.html

^ Either of those racks linked will support more weight than you'd want to handle. Are you sure you want to set her up to carry the weight on the front?

Thanks. You saved me from buying something unsuitable. She's used to carrying lots of stuff in a big front basket, but a rack for only a few pounds won't do it.

The other thing I'm going to look at is some auxiliary levers, so she can brake from the top of the bars. I put salmon Koolstops on the Mafacs. If need be, we'll find some aluminium rims too.

that mafac rack you're referring to isnt a rack at all. It's a bag support.

If you're carrying a lot of weight on the front, or even just riding with a sizable front platform rack, I suggest a front wheel stabilizer. It's made a world of difference with my Civia Market rack!

http://store.velo-orange.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/530x530/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/c/ac-0004.jpg
http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/racks-decaleurs/racks/vo-wheel-stabilizer.html

that mafac rack you're referring to isnt a rack at all. It's a bag support.

This is correct, the bag hangs from the bars and sits on the 'rack'

Actually the bag is supported vertically by the rack and is secured from front/back/side motion by the handlebars or a decaleur.

Bottom also needs to be attached to help prevent rattle and the bag bouncing off.

And with this little bag support, keep in mind all the load is taken by the caliper mounting bolt, and it is aluminum, for a Mafac Racer. If you have Mafacs on braze ons that would be much stronger.