What rack should I buy?
 

So I'm getting close to having my 60 cm Klein Navigator built, and now I'm looking at the necessities for making it a usable tourer. First on my list is a rear rack. Who makes LARGE rear racks that will mount and fit on my frame? I'll eventually consider mounting panniers, but for now, I'm just looking to put a larger day-bag on top of the rack.

Thanks! :)

Tubus Cargo would be my choice, along with a B&M 4D Toplight that will mount right to it.
http://www.thetouringstore.com/TUBUS...RGO%20PAGE.htm
http://www.thetouringstore.com/BUSCH...LER%20HOME.htm

I am probaly going to get a Nitto stanless steel rack from Rivendell Bicycle Works. http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/baggage_racks/ They seem like good folks and it comes with a lot of hardware to help install it.

You might consider a Bruce Gordon, chromoly like the Tubus, and handmade here in the US. It has an extension avail to make it longer. You probably want to put a nice chro-mo rack on that bike.

Another approach, for less $$, and LARGE, is the Jandd Expedition which I have on my mtb touring rig, and while not as light or pretty as the chromo racks, it is very utilitarian and approx 3" longer than most standard racks. It also has a shelf which acts as a fender and keeps stuff from falling through. Very strong, but somewhat heavy at about 2 lbs.

+1 for the Tubus Cargo from The Touring Store. Tough to beat perfection.

Thanks, chip! Looks like what I had in mind. :D

Advantages of steel over aluminum for a rack are? Also, does anyone make titanium racks? Thanks!

this is my home made rack. its kinda heavy, but it does the trick. really strong.
http://usera.imagecave.com/SteveFox/Cimg0013.jpg

Steve

Tubus is the way to go, a major thumbs for Orbit cycles in the UK who have sponsored me with ergo and a logo racks for my 7014km exped, these were selected as they are bomb proof as the whole things is solo and unsupported taking in 14 countries. check out www.challengea2z.com the final route is being done as we speak.

Look carefully at the frame. You don't have any bosses near the top of the seat stays to mount a rack. I made a custom attachment to the seat post by bending and twisting a steel stay that comes with today's "one fits all" racks. I bent it in a complete circle with a neoprene liner (from a bike computer setup), twisted it 90 degrees and attached it to the seatpost. The liner keeps it from marking the post. I used a light but sturdy blackburn rack that is (was) made specifically for road bikes in the '80s not one that's made to fit all bikes with a million cheesy steel parts that you see today.

Take a look at the Topeak racks http://www.topeak.com/products/rack_beam_lead.html
My wife and I have Topeaks with the associate "slide on" trunk bags.....They are Great......but we only do "credit card" and supported touring.
Good Luck!

Here is the picture of the back rack I use. No need for additional panniers, just use waterproof stuff stacks in each metal pannier on this set up. $25 bucks at Western Auto. They are very sturdy and not really much heavier than traditional racks with panniers.

http://img498.imageshack.us/img498/2...10050015qp.jpg