rms13

My commuter currently has a cheap Nashbar mountain bike rack I got for $17 which is pretty wide. I commute to two different locations (2 or 5 miles) and I do shopping/errands on the bike once a week. I have a nice top bag that I like but I really only need it about 3-4 days a week and on a couple of those days I go to work drop it off and then do a 20 mile ride with some roadie coworkers so in reality I probably need the rack about 20% of the time on riding but that's enough that I don't want to take if off and put it back. But I like to ride fast and would love the least resistance as possible when I am riding with just an empty rack. Is there any rack that will be a big upgrade on aerodynamics or am I just over-thinking things?

Mr. Hairy Legs

I honestly can't see how an empty rack would make any difference whatsoever. Maybe you could balance it out with a carbon drink holder or something.

tjspiel

Axiom Streamliner.

Don't think it's going to make much difference though. The rack is behind you, - in your draft.

I've gone on fast group rides both with and without a rack. It may have made a tiny difference but if it did, I didn't really notice.

wphamilton

For the most aerodynamic you have to make your own, something like this around the rack

rms13

haha, thanks guys! I know the answer is probably that I am being ridiculous and you have all confirmed. I've seen the Axiom Streamliner and it looks sexy and is probably the best answer but it probably isn't going to change my performance much. The change I just made from 700x38 city tires at 75 psi to 700x28 slicks at 100 psi will probably make a bigger difference then my rack

tjspiel

I guess to figure out if it's worth it just take off the rack for one of the rides and see if you feel any faster. If so, then there may be a point to getting a different rack.

I think the idea behind the streamliner is that it'll move the tops of panniers closer together and therefore create less frontal area. The rack alone probably isn't that much more aerodynamic than a regular rack. There are seatpost racks which I believe come off easier.

modernjess

Tubus Fly. I've had one on my Cross check commuter for 7 years. Very light and minimal and very strong too. Also not cheap.

https://alturl.com/hcwix

acidfast7

+1

dramiscram

You don't need another rack, you need another bike!

N+1

bigbenaugust 

Generally, you might be overthinking things. Just a little.

fietsbob

late 70's Tailwind panniers now at, https://www.angletechcycles.com/asset...s/techwind.htm

shoemakerpom

What you need is this https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Beam-Ca.../dp/B000ZKFXK2 Been running this for three years and I carry all types of things in it commuting back and forth to work although not too heavy. You can slide off the trunk bag and the rack itself weighs like nothing. I even replaced the bolts with titanium to make it lighter. I currently have it on my SystemSix that's setup like a race bike.

JohnJ80

Tubus Fly or Tubus Airy followed by Tubus Vega and maybe the Axiom streamliner DLX.

For seatpost racks, the only ones I like are the Arkel Randonneur Rack. It's got a three point fix point that doesn't depend on the seatpost as the primary load point, it doesn't swivel around on the seat post like some of the others do and it's a great companion to the Tailrider rack top back that I really like. Rumor is that they are working on the ability to handle some level of pannier with this rack too.

J.

Rootman

So what SPD cleats are the most aero?

woodway

I've got a tubus airy on my commuter. It's beautiful.

steve0257

IF you have a rear rack, by definition you are not concerned about aerodynamics.

Mr. Hairy Legs

You could probably ask that in the 41 and start a 15 page discussion.

peterw_diy

+1 I think my Streamliner looks nice but I'm not sure I'd buy another as the narrow top is useless for carrying loads on top of the rack. Also realize the bottom of these racks are all about the same width -- they just lean the tops of your panniers in a bit more than an inch.

AusTexMurf

This, exactly. Helps keep light duty panniers in closer to the frame.

Also, I have ridden a couple of different bikes, rack equipped, on long, fast group rides.
Took the empty racks off a couple of times, but I can't tell the difference, at all.
In fact, I enjoy being a strong rider on a group ride full of mostly dedicated roadies in full kilt, riding with my rack and bell.
Not vestigial organs/parts, but screams that my bike gets ridden full time, as a viable mode of daily transportation.

I also ride bikes, loaded w/ panniers, often pulling my chariot or burley trailer, or tag along tandem, with some combo of my 4 kids and gear.
On austin hills and lots of daily mileage.
And I have ridden pedicabs for extra income and cycling fitness for the past 9+ years.
Makes it pretty easy for me to keep up with most on recreational rides.
Love going to another, flatter city, less bike culture than austin, then riding in a group ride, everyone on high end road bikes and lycra.
With my steel CX or vintage steel road bike, bell, rack, saddle bag, lights, etc, rolling on nice touring tires, usually 32's. And still being one of the stronger riders.
Find it somehow amusing, hence my entertainment w/ Joey Brooks' vids.

AusTexMurf

Arkel does have a very nice system for a seat post rack. Uses the saddle rails as well as the seat post.

MichaelW

Not so.
The Tubus Fly is aerodynamic by virtue of its narrow width. The pannier bags, when mounted, present a smaller front profile so are more aerodynamic than with a std rack. For fast, light touring this is a real advantage.
The idea that you have to be totally aero or totally utility is pretty strange to me.
In windier parts of the Netherlands, even granny bikes have clip-on aerobars because it is easier to ride into headwinds with your hands together than wide apart.

asmac

I agree that it won't make much of a difference. Anyhow, the heart wants what the heart wants and my next rack will be one of these from Toba: https://www.tobapeople.com/en/product/rider/ They look good, seem sturdy and are reasonably priced. I never, ever use the top platform of the rack and would like something as narrow as possible.

Sixty Fiver

If you are worrying about getting an aerodynamic rear rack you are overthinking things.

rumrunn6

a rack is a rack is a rack, wanna pull a trailer at highway speeds, get a bigger motor

ill.clyde

At first I thought your thread was a joke Glad I didn't have to say this.