CharlieFree

Hi, I am looking for a rear rack for my winter commuter (90s rigid MTB, 26" wheels). Turns out there are no eyelets on the bike. I've been madly researching and, according to the interwebs, some decent choices seem to be:

1. Tubus (Cosmo?) with QR mount accessory
2. Old Man Mountain Pioneer or Sherpa
3. Axiom Journey Uni-fit MK3

I do like the second lower bar option on racks.

All of these are top-quality racks but the first two are probably overkill for commuting (I'm not doing an around-the-world tour, at least not until I can convince my wife). Are there any others in the "value for money" category? Any real-life advice or experience with any of these? Thanks.

megalowmatt

You can also use any $25-$30 rack and attach it with P-clamps.

DXchulo

How much stuff are you carrying? I had one of these for a while and it works fine if you're just carrying lunch and clothes.

Otherwise I'd just go with P-clamps.

AusTexMurf

Check out Roger the Randonneur rack by Toba.........It mounts through the rear skewer and then the caliper brake/fender mount/stay. It also has the lower bar for panniers and an integrated fender. Can be found for around $50-$60 online or via my local bike store.

I would highly recommend ordering either the t-twist or t-bar attachment system for additional support besides the fender/brake mount alone. This is what I did to mine and it greatly strengthens the system for true touring or heavy duty commuting.

Love the innovation, versatility, and affordability of the Toba products. Canadian company, I believe.




Another, more expensive option w/o a fender or lower rails, is available from old man mountain racks. It is designed for full suspension mtn bikes but will also serve for your purpose.

CharlieFree

Thanks for all the tips! Lots to check out.

I'm not carrying too much stuff but there is the odd time where I will want to haul heavier or bulkier items.

If I use the p clamps, I have heard the Racktime Addit is a good rack too.

treadtread

Electra seatpost clamp for rack eyelets:
https://www.amazon.com/Electra-Seatpost-Clamp-Mount-Alloy/dp/B0030IG1VQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8&colid=U4WWL0DK9060&coliid=I1O0H1E49YRNTR

unterhausen

there is the Blackburn custom eyelet kit if you have holes in your dropouts. P-clamps at the top of the rack are fine since they aren't loaded much.

And if you aren't carrying much weight, there are seatpost mounted racks

Shimagnolo

An alternative to p-clamps at the top: https://problemsolversbike.com/produc...th_rack_mounts

AusTexMurf

My wife has the Racktime Addit on her commuting/touring machine. It is a great rack, very well designed. It also has nice mounts for lights and the lower rail for panniers.

However, the Toba Roger Randonneur rack is the same price and specifically designed for your prob.

Since we have both in our stable, I would prefer the Toba rack which will mount directly to your caliper brake/fender mount and then through your rear wheel skewer. If you want, add p clips and their t-twist or t-bar reinforcements later, if desired.

My two cents.....

AusTexMurf

A very hand solution, indeed. I love their products.
This one lets you use any rack you want.
I might try this seatpost clamp with the Racktime Addit.
This setup or the Toba rack are probably the most bang for your buck.

mtb123

Salsa makes a version of this product. I use it on my kona paddy wagon and it works great.

CharlieFree

Appreciate the suggestion. I hadn't heard of Toba but pretty impressed with what they have on the website.

AusTexMurf

Did I say that my wife has a great rack ?
Tis true.....

dramiscram

I drilled holes in my frame.

ThermionicScott 

Consider a handlebar bag, too. What all do you need to carry when commuting?

CharlieFree

Usually just work clothes, lunch, and extra layers if it gets colder during the day (in winter I end up carrying a bunch of extra stuff), purchases from the LBS. Not too much, but I want to use it for grocery runs in my neighborhood too so I want to capacity to handle more if I need to.

ThermionicScott 

Any way you can stash the work pants and a couple extra shirts/socks/underwear at work? Not trying to talk you out of a rear rack, but lots of people seem to focus on ways to carry more stuff, rather than being creative with what they need to.

CharlieFree

I definitely agree with you, and am not entirely convinced I for sure need a rear rack. I've used a backpack for years and it's been fine. I don't have a lot of room for storage and have tried bringing a week's worth of clothes in but hate having to make the drive. So, still mulling over the options. I think the biggest need would be more for the grocery runs rather than the commuting when it boils down to it.

Burton

I use a large backpack for grocery shopping myself. Not that I don't have panniers - just find it easier to manage one bag than several and driving with panniers in the winter is messy.

Toba is owned by Lambert Cycles, who distribute a number of different bicycle product lines out of Quebec, including Axiom. Thule have also recently come out with their own pannier system and bought over an existing rack company. The racks are identical for front or rear installation, but ..... instead of new racks and panniers, you could buy a lot of groceries if you use that back pack.

dramiscram

I used to go with only a backpack but with a 55 kms RT commute I much prefer my rack and panniers. For short distances I don't mind my backpack

PDX Reborn

I had a universal touring rack made by Freeload on a mtb I used for short trips to the market. Very nice piece of hardware, plus it could mount to the front if you needed to change your configuration. Also, the Freeload can accomodate just about any pannier system with its adjustable rail set up which allows you to move the pannier further back to avoid heel strikes on short chain stays. https://www.freeload.co.nz/

Burton

That must be a good design - because thats the company currently producing racks for Thule's new line of bike luggage.

CliftonGK1

All depends on the pack. I've got a 30mi (48km) r/t commute and I use an EVOC FR Trail pack. The integrated back protector and wide hip belt (it's an enduro pack) make it really comfortable for commuting, even when I'm carrying a towel, clothes, food, refill toiletries for my locker at work, and all my tools in there.