Veganbikes,

I'm not sure exactly what your intent is in your comments. They seem more like criticisms which do not add anything constructive. If you can't offer any assistance to my specific question, may I suggest that you simply move on to the next thread? As I read your comments, it comes across as typical mansplain to me what is and isn't without full comprehension of my situation or background.

First, I'm in no rush. I'm not going to get on my touring bike for a while as I have another road bike that I normally train with. Hence, my touring bike will be sitting in the garage for a while as it is still the middle of winter with snow outside and also, I do not feel it is safe to tour IMHO due Covid. Hence, my thinking was to pose my question here to see if anyone knows the answer in the next few months or longer. If no one knows the answer, it's not a big deal. When I'm getting ready to tour, I'll do general maintenance on the bike and follow through then if necessary.

But for whatever reason, there are some folks here that seems to think there is ONLY ONE WAY and that is to pull the bike and rack apart right now. Well, I beg to differ. Based on my previous questions, I know there are some in this community that have the same exact bike so I'm hoping that they'll stumble onto this question and possibly help with an answer. I wish you could respect the fact that this is an open forum and anyone can ask a question. But please do not DICTATE the method in which I seek my answer.

Second, I beg to differ with you on your comment of 'brute force is not solid'. Brute force is a qualitative term. What is brute force for me may not be brute force to you. For example, I have to 'brute force' my Continental tire back onto the rim when I fix a flat. But, I know it's solid because I have ridden 5,000 miles on it since. For you, popping your tire onto the rim may be no big deal. It is all relative.

I ,one hundred percent, agree with your comment regarding metal can fatigue and stress. As an engineer, I have seen much of this in my line of work with chemical reactors, heat exchangers and pumps and having to redesign these things. However, in this instance, the majority of the load or weight on the rear rack is on the quick release skewer as the Old Man Mountain Rack is designed to use a quick release skewer or an axle mounting instead of the lower eyelets on the bike which can cause more sheer stresses. That is why Old Man Mountain Racks are superior in so many ways to other racks but they can be a hassle to install IMHO. The brute force that I used is on aligning the rear rack with the 'upper eyelets' which does not experience the majority of the load or stress. I am confident that the my rack as is will work just fine.

IMHO. If any bike tourers have the opportunity, they should try to experience the beauty and majesty of the Pacific Coast Route at least once in their life. I have travelled all over the world and this route is one of the greatest national treasurer. I'm hoping to ride the entire route again when I get the time. I'm addicted to it! I like going light and fast even on my tour bike because per my opinion, you go further and see more. There is no right or wrong way just each to their own. C'est la vie.