Rear Rack Recommendations?
06-15-11, 08:09 PM
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Rear Rack Recommendations?
Hi fellow Clydes/Athenas.
I'm getting back into cycling after about 5 years out of the saddle. I have a Trek Navigator 7100 hybrid that I'm using as a fitness cycle (trails and commuting) until I drop around 80 pounds, then I'd like to get a road bike and use the hybrid as a kick-around bike for commuting and errands.
What is a good rear rack for my Trek hybrid? I'd like to maybe use it for panniers as well. The Topeak Explorer seems to get good reviews. Do I want V-supports or U-supports? What the benefits/drawbacks of each?
I'm getting back into cycling after about 5 years out of the saddle. I have a Trek Navigator 7100 hybrid that I'm using as a fitness cycle (trails and commuting) until I drop around 80 pounds, then I'd like to get a road bike and use the hybrid as a kick-around bike for commuting and errands.
What is a good rear rack for my Trek hybrid? I'd like to maybe use it for panniers as well. The Topeak Explorer seems to get good reviews. Do I want V-supports or U-supports? What the benefits/drawbacks of each?
06-16-11, 06:43 AM
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I wouldn't (or I didn't) worry about the engineering differences between the racks. For me, the main concern was being able to carry the gear that I need to carry. I started out with a standard-sized rack and quickly discovered that I would heel-strike with almost any load. I switched to a expedition rack and finally had enough room for my heels (I think it's a Jandd rack but my bike is in the shop so I can't confirm that).
I carry a garment bag pannier and hang a reusable grocery bag or cooler box off of that for my lunch bag. Together, that probably weighs about 25-30 lb.
In summary, I would more worry about budget, fit (on the bike and you+rack+panniers), and weight capacity.
A nice feature to have on a rack is a built-in light mount but this is entirely up to you on priority.
I carry a garment bag pannier and hang a reusable grocery bag or cooler box off of that for my lunch bag. Together, that probably weighs about 25-30 lb.
In summary, I would more worry about budget, fit (on the bike and you+rack+panniers), and weight capacity.
A nice feature to have on a rack is a built-in light mount but this is entirely up to you on priority.
06-16-11, 06:57 AM
#3
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yoink, I've used Blackburn racks for years, they're fine for ~20 lbs. The touring bike has an Old Man Mountain rack as weight capability is ratcheted up quite a bit. Other well respected racks (carriers) are Tubus and Bruce Gordon.
Brad
Brad
Last edited by bradtx; 06-16-11 at 10:55 AM. Reason: sp
06-16-11, 07:11 AM
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I have a Blackburn MTN rack:
https://www.amazon.com/Blackburn-1004...8229874&sr=8-2
Works great, pretty lightweight but sturdy.
https://www.amazon.com/Blackburn-1004...8229874&sr=8-2
Works great, pretty lightweight but sturdy.
06-16-11, 07:20 AM
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I recently installed a Racktime TourIt rack and bought the optional ClampIt spring for it from Bike Bag Shop. No complaints so far - solidly assembled (30 kg. or 66 lbs. capacity), installed easily, handles my Ortlieb panniers nicely, and the clamp adds some flexibility.
06-16-11, 07:30 AM
#6
The Left Coast, USA
If you want a no nosense utilitarian no heel strike last forever rack I can recommend the Jandd Expedition, (large). If you don't want something that big and sturdy there are a dozen to choose from, the Delta Mega is a great smaller rack for the price. I have a Tubus Luna on a fast rando bike; a great specialty rack (unless you need a top platform).
06-16-11, 07:45 AM
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You might not have seen this thread, since I misspelled "rack" in the subject line...
06-16-11, 10:45 AM
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I got a Topeak disc rack at REI recently; somebody had returned it because it was missing the rails that connect the rack to the seat tube. This one cost $10, when it retails for about $50, and their bike shop sold me a set of rails for $6. I have another rack that was $15 on Craigslist; the new one is for my GF.
My recommendation is to shop around, find one at a discount, and, so long as it's satisfactory, get that one. It doesn't matter so much which particular one you wind up with. They all do the same job.
My recommendation is to shop around, find one at a discount, and, so long as it's satisfactory, get that one. It doesn't matter so much which particular one you wind up with. They all do the same job.
06-16-11, 02:36 PM
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I have the MTX with the foldout panniers. It looks like the difference between the "U" supports and the "V" supports is that "U" might give a little more support to a pannier...I don't know...I just bought the "V" kind without giving it a second thought.
06-16-11, 03:34 PM
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I just got the Tortec Expedition https://www.wiggle.co.uk/tortec-exped...lloy-rear-rack and it's freakin' excellent. It's sturdy enough to carry everything from 30-cases of beer to my friends and my backpacks and it goes far enough back where I have no concerns with heelstrike.
06-16-11, 04:00 PM
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I just ordered the Topeak Super Tourist rack literally yesterday. I had an Axiom Odyssee (older model) that broke when I tried to re-bend it after the milk crate I had attached to it started bending the rear downwards (it extended beyond the rack).
I know the above rack and the expedition are highly regarded on the commuting forum.
I know the above rack and the expedition are highly regarded on the commuting forum.
