For me, having a rack on a bike is essential, much like fenders. I'm all for practicality, even if it adds weight and bulk to a folder.

On the rear is an Axiom Journey Adjustable mounted so the top is horizontal and the legs are at mid-extension. The extension arms are bent so as to not interfere with the seatbag when the seat post is dropped down when folding the bike. Under the I have what was a wine cooler bag that now serves as a carrier for my camera tripod. It's out of the way and convenient as all heck.





On the front I have a cheap aluminum caliper-mounted rack sourced from eBay for $11, shipped. To that, I've mounted a support bar that piggybacks on the fender mounts at the base of the fork and up, over the wheel as a brace for panniers. Without the brace there's nothing for panniers to clip into at the bottom, and they'd just flop around and get stuck in the wheel. As a bonus, under the top of the front rack, I bolted a pair of air pump clips and mounted a pair of LED MagLites...



I usually ride with a single 12L pannier clipped to the front rack, adding another 12L on the front if I need more. I spent my vacation last year on a tour of sorts, putting on over 700km around Vancouver and Vancouver Island. I had the pair of 12L panniers and a 20L on the non-drive side at the back, 18L daypack strapped on top of the rack. The handling of the bike calmed down to that of a full-sized bike with the weight. For regular rides, I prefer how it handles with even just a bit of weight on the front. The panniers are from the World Tour series by Mountain Equipment Co-op, in fantastic lime green. I'm quite happy with them.

As for the added bulk when folded? It doesn't bother me. The front rack lines up with the rear rack in height when folded and both together give me a convenient handle to grasp the bike when placing it on the back seat in my car, where the bike lives from from spring through autumn.

7km into my first century, riding from North Vancouver, BC to Victoria, BC. Helluva day!