Originally Posted by
sauerwald
I have a tubus rack, and have used it for commuting daily for over 4 years now - it works great. There is a second set of rails below the deck which helps to lower the centre of gravity of your load. The fittings are fairly adjustable, and should be able to mount to pretty much any bike with the proper braze-ons. I think that the Kona JTS has braze-ons for a rack.
I use several different panniers for different things. The most common one that I use is an Arkel BUG. The Arkel BUG can be worn as a backpack (it has straps that fold up inside), but I rarely do that. It usually carries my work clothes, lunch and misc other stuff. I also have an Arkel briefcase pannier which I use when I am bringing work home with myself. And others that are used less often.
I believe the mentioned Racktime AdItt is a clone of that rack you have, only made of aluminum and costing half of the Tubus version. Racktime is somehow related to Tubus.
The Topeak Supertourist also has the lower rail. That doesn't only lower the center of gravity but it frees up the top of the rack for other cargo while allowing access to the panniers.
The steel racks are really targeted at hard core touring cyclists who carry a lot of weight and who might find themselves far from civilization and steel frames and racks can be welded almost anywhere, aluminum can't. For a commuter there is really no reason to pay twice for a steel rack. I can't imagine a commuter breaking an aluminum rack. I'd spend the difference on better lights or tires.
I toured with the Topeak rack, carried about 50lbs. I broke one rear eyelet on a steel frame but not the rack
