Originally Posted by
Ridefreemc
I have a Kona Rove TI that I'd like to ride across the USA on, but the front forks (carbon fiber Whiskey) do not accept low rider racks. Has anyone converted such to allow for the racks? Whiskey's website shows some options with what I'll refer to as mounting points (on steel they'd be braze-ons), but they have through axles. My hubs are with skewers.
The other option I'm considering is getting a touring specific bike similar top the Kona Sutra (or a little upgraded from there, as I wouldn't mind a bit lower gearing). Maybe even a Jones Bike, but I suspect I'd be dropping speed a mile or two (unless I ride one and determine otherwise). Kind of a waste though, as my Rove is a great bike for the trip, but I really want to put some weight in front, as opposed to all on the back (did that for many tours years ago and while I made it fine, there is a better way).
Thank you.
I've toured on all kinds of setups of panniers, rear only, front and rear, front and rear and other stuff on top of rear rack on long trips, bikepacking setups with much less stuff -- and my suggestion is to think about NOT going the expense route of a new fork, but some sort of handlebar mounting system-- like a revelate design harness setup like I have, or a cradle system made by a few companies.
With lighter more compact tents, sleeping quilts, camp mats nowadays, I can put all my sleep set up in my revelate harness--tent, drybag with quilt, campmat, pillow.
This frees up a bunch of space from the rear of the bike, where I have some light panniers that I put clothes in, and then a frame bag to put heavier tool items etc in.
re low gearing--- all of us who have toured a lot know that even with a medium load, having low enough gearing just makes a trip more enjoyable, so what is your bikes setup right now.
You expressed concern about your gearing, so what are the numbers? How low is your first gear in gear inches.
check out gearing charts to figure this out
Let us know if you want some help with this, as its important for you to know what your bike has as it is now, to get an idea if a cross country trip with X pounds of bike + load weight.
show us a photo of your bike and or give the gearing details
not going the "new fork" route will put money towards other mounting systems, although having front and rear panniers is also a very valid cross country touring option, especially if not on off road trails.
Its very nice to balance the load and the easy on, easy off aspect of panniers is really nice at the end of each day. Easy peasy and fast to unload and load up in morning.
you have a bunch of options, fun to discuss details if you are serious about getting other ideas.
cheers