Originally Posted by
TallRider
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).
If you plan on running a lot of weight in those bags, you won't regret 36 spokes. I run 36 spoke Mavi Open Sports or 32 hole Velocity Aeros (the Aeros are a very strong rim) for my winter/rain/city bikes. I don't do extended touring bur ocaisionally run the bags quite heavy, sometimes at night and often o the fix gear; both places where rims occasionally get tested.
Ben