I'm in the market for a touring rear rack and have narrowed it down to these two:

Axiom Journey:
550g/155 lb limit (not realistic)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

Ibera Pakrak Plus+
https://www.amazon.com/Ibera-Bicycle-...rds=ibera+rack
760g/55 lb

Basically from just this the axiom looks better, but it also doesn't look much different from anything you would find at a big box store in the bike rack section... am I missing something? This will go on a LHT so i'm not super worried about heel clearance and I don't intend to buy any special Ibera quick release bags.

One issue that would make a difference to me is the ability to easily attach a mini u-lock to the rack (that is, without cables that get in the way of ortleib QR mounts). LI've seen these before, but people seem to figure them out somewhat at random. Does anyone know of a good rack for holding a U-lock?

Have looked at both of those at my LBS, Both of them seem to be made well. I liked the PakRak, but the distance between the bar at top where you attach a pannier and the bottom hook loop was too close to fit my panniers. So I got the Axiom Journey, not sure how it is going to work out, seems a tight fit for panniers plus trunk bag. Have not put it all together yet, will see. Not concerned about the quality of either rack though, just personal preference.

If you've never seen one in person its easy to overlook a few key items. The Axiom ises pversize tubrs and solid tubular framestay attaching struts. Suggest you read the reviews posted againt that link you provided - and buy it!

And yup - I have one.

You might want to also consider the Blackburn EX-1. It is in the same price range, and an Ortlieb pannier will fit.

https://www.campmor.com/blackburn-1-r..._kw={keyword**

the Ibera seems pretty heavy, I say that for my needs, perhaps you need something heftier.
Ive used a Blackburn one for ages, also a cheaper by half MEC copy of the Blackburn, and also a two strut one with a solid top like the Axiom which can be handy sometimes when strapping stuff to the top of the rack.
These racks mentioned have all been fine and stable for my 25-30 lbs of stuff carried on them, but then I havent been biking on rough mountain roads in Peru or something where perhaps a top quality rack would be worth it.

The Axiom seems like a good buy, and also has the extended supports that may keep some panniers from going near the wheel (ones that are less rigid I mean)

Almost 25 years of service out of my chromoly steel tube Bruce Gordon racks.

Tubus is more widely distributed, these days, also 10mm chromoly tubing.

My Koga trekking bike came with those.. got Ortlieb bags, now, they're a good combination.

but cycletouring may be a passing fad, for you, not needing that long term use. IDK.

If you have disc brakes avoid the Axiom at all costs. The design they use to accommodate the disc will fail, it's happened to me twice. The attachment point on the lower left side will shear off over time leaving you to rely on zip ties and prayers when in the middle of nowhere.

I'm using the Topeak Super Tourist DX with Axiom bags and so far so good.

https://www.topeak.com/products/Racks...bularRack_disc

Not to get off topic, but why a mini u-lock? U-locks are great in certain environments. My LHT outside my office locked up to a bike rack with one right now. (At least I hope it still is.) But I when I tour I am often in places where they are not functional. No handy parking meeters or sign poles. Also, I need a MTB u-lock in oder to be able to get it around the frame and front wheel. My standard size Kryptonite isn't wide enough.

I didn't see the axiom when I shopped. Bought the Ibera RA-4 instead. Looked nice and strong, but realized the there as supposed to be the two little "tits" (sorry) sticking up to mount the bags as shown in the pix. However the one I received a few weeks back, only has the rear one on each side. Still waiting for a response from seller and OEM. So buy the cheaper one and get one with it.