Originally Posted by
bradtx
fishboat, The advantage of front low riding racks, where the panniers placed as close to the axle CL as possible, is to promote stability while under way. Yeah, they'll cost more than the parcel rack pictured, but the weight will be lower with a much more secure mounting scheme. The more secure mounting will also allow more weight to be carried by the stronger, less dished front wheel allowing for better load F/R balancing.
Brad
Thanks Brad..lower center of gravity would be a plus with respect to handling, though I like the top rack for carrying something bulky & light like a sleeping bag, tent, or sleeping pad.
If I went with a low-rider rack, I'd probably end up getting a separate above wheel rack for carrying a light-bulky item...this is why I liked the combo in one rack.
Though there are low-rider racks with the above wheel rack built in (like the Surly Nice Front Rack).
This is a Trek 920 Front Rack I just stumbled on, hadn't seen it previously..looks like a reasonable design with lower cost..anyone with experience on this rack"
Still..my original question..I'm just a little baffled why front racks cost so much more than decent (not necessarily expensive) rear racks. They're basically the same raw materials, same labor, same machining process/equipment, just a different layup jig.. Though I understand cost & price have no relationship to one another..maybe just the lack of inexpensive knock-off competition allows the existing manufacturers to demand a high price..and get away with it.