Originally Posted by
Nanaterry
I have heard that bunging things on the rack is really not the best so I am going to make a couple of adjustable straps for my husband and I for our racks, but I really don't know the best length to make them. I have 60 ins of strapping and was just going to cut it in two, but that seems a bit long.
So, those of you who use a strap (front or back) what is the best length to make these things? We don't have any plans to strap anything on the racks long term as all our stuff fits inside our panniers. These will be used for misc. things and maybe some extra supplies at times.
Thanks for your help.
Depends a lot on what your maximum-sized loads will be like. I've found it better to have a little extra. It weighs almost nothing and is easy to manage.
Side-release buckles make things much easier. I like using these much more than using the thread-through units. Mountaineering shops and departments sell them, and I'm sure you can find them online.
You can still adjust the length once they are installed. It isn't a fixed length system.
Some are better than others. Fastex is a good brand, and there are others. Avoid cheap knock-offs. REI has sometimes had cheapo Chinese ones that just don't work as well, feel cheap, and don't last like the others. You might pay slightly more, but it's worth it to get the good ones.
I have found it to be much much better to have these straps a little longer than necessary than a little shorter than necessary.