Steve, thanks for the input and your experience with this type of rack and the u bolt system recommendation. Hadnt thought of that, but thats great if you have had success with it. Looks like this is a cheap copy of the rack you have used. The hoop attachment with one bolt only isnt as good a design, but hey, Im sure it will be ok if kept an eye on.

I figure with the U clamp, one could even wrap some old inner tube around the fork to give an extra amount of cushion and/or "grip" that rubber on metal has.

I will now have to take a peek at your cgoab journal and see where you went and all, thanks again for the reply, great to see that this type rack can work well with some fiddling.
cheers