I wanted a front rack with a top deck. I looked at three racks and the Tubus Grand Expedition was the closest to what I needed. It was pretty budget friendly at around 110 euros. I have Arkel Panniers and nobody is making rack hook accessories for 12 mm tubing on racks. I used marine grade SS hose clamps And just happened to have some orange handlebar tape that I secured with Shoe Goo. so both of you are correct. Hook retention and padding.