Originally Posted by
79pmooney
No, that doesn't happen. LowRiders direct weight straight to the front hub, completely bypassing the suspension effects provided by the frame. I suppose the rack stiffens the fork but I have never noticed that effect. My stiffest rack (a Jandd) is on my most flexy fork. It is still my most flexy fork. I used to take my racks on and off.. Never noticed a difference.
I love LowRiders and their competition because the ride and handling of the bike change so little between light and loaded. But one thing to keep in mind - since the racks and bags are not sprung weight, they are subject to far more road shock than you see. Be mindful or you will be breaking delicate baggage and bruising fruits and vegetables. Also your front wheel sees far more abuse. A stronger rim is a smart move.
Yeah, I was just thinking that a low-rider rack, since it crosses the curved (and most flexy) part of a fork, might stiffen it somewhat. But it sounds like not much, if at all.
I appreciate the note about front lowrider racks getting whatever motion/impact/vibration the front hub does. I'll be running at least 32mm tires here, possibly larger, but will have a wheel set up to take some abuse (likely Sun CR18 with 32 spokes, and I'll go with 36 spokes if I end up with heavier front loads).