Originally Posted by
jefnvk
So in doing research, I've noted two types of low riding front pannier racks: some have a bar that loops up and over the tire connecting the racks on each side of the fork, and some do not.
What is the purpose of this bar, and is is more desirable to have it or not? Is it just for more rack stability? Mounting lights? There doesn't seem to be any correlation to price and it being there or not, i.e. it doesn't seem to indicate quality.
As others have said, it's for stability. Think of it this way, if you have a single, roughly 10 mm (1/4" for the metrically challenged) tube or rod holding the load, that's not a lot of strength. The Tubus Duo uses 2 rods but that's still somewhat unstable. The hoop just braces the front of the rack and doesn't allow it to bend inward.
Since you don't have mid-fork braze-ons, it's not a good idea to go with something like the Duo or other hoopless designs. There's just not anything stabilizing the rack. I would suggest the Tubus Tara which is very strong and very stable.
Originally Posted by
jefnvk
OK, cool, thanks for the info! Most of the ones I was looking at have the hoop, so that's probably how I'll go, assuming I don't want to pony up the extra cash for one with a platform top rack. Was mainly just curious as to the rationale, as none of the manufacturers had an explanation as to what it was actually for.
Wasn't thinking of keeping much weight up there, probably just cooking equipment and food in one, and tools in the other, just trying to keep some weight off the back, as I packed way too much back there last trip without the camping supplies.
You...like a lot of people...are misunderstanding how you should load the bike for optimal handling. Bicycling magazine (back when they were actually useful
) did a test in the early 80s when the Blackburn lowrider came out. They demonstrated that carrying
more load over the front wheel improved the way the bike handles the touring load. Going to a 60% low front load/40% high rear load made the bike the most stable and easiest to handle. The worst handling situation was putting the same split but using a lowrider in the back.
I suggest you try putting all the dense, heavy stuff (cooking gear, food, fuel canisters, etc) in small panniers on the front and put all the light, bulky stuff (clothing, sleeping bag, etc) on the back. This has been the way that I tour on many bikes over the years. I even go so far as to utilize the front panniers only if I happen to be on a tour without camping. My wife usually carries only front panniers. At the very least, experiment with a heavier load on the front to see if it will work for you.