Originally Posted by
tastest
I am looking for a rack as well and have a general question. Why do the "touring" racks not have a flat shelf on top while commuter one do? I would like a rack with substantial weigh carrying ability, a second lower rail for panniers, and the flat shelf, but that combination does not seem to exist. I like the shelf as provides a better platform for the racktop bag, and a little water protection. Thanks
Both the racks on my touring bike have platforms and I believe they were designed for touring. Up front I've got an Old Man Mountain brand, Cold Springs model. I believe they've discontinued this model, but they have several similar ones. In the rear I've got a Jannd Expedition.
I like having decks on my touring bikes racks.
A couple of folks mentioned the Surly Nice Rack. I almost bought this rack, but shied away when I discovered several reports of them having failures. Until Surly publicly addresses this problem I wouldn't go that route.