Originally Posted by
Ridefreemc
Okay it has taken some time to make progress, but here it is thus far. I purchased a Rodeo Labs Spork with the two holes for mounting racks (as opposed to the three holes), as it saved $100 and I don't see myself needing the three (I don't care for the little bottle holders and baby panniers). I had to have another caliper installed (another Sram), as the existing one did not line up. I could have run an adapter, but this new caliper fits better and looks/operates perfectly. I went to a 15mm thru axle and away from the quick release. I had Rodeo pre-install eyelets for connecting a rack or fenders down near the axle (as I will likely run fenders). The offset went from 43mm to 50mm and after two 25 mile rides I determine it is very nice. I cannot tell much difference in ride quality between the old vs. the new (still feels very stable).
The next step is to decide which front rack and bag/box setup. I'm edging towards a Velo Orange Flat Rack (a demi-portuer) and either a Rando handlebar bag (e.g., Velo Orange), or a bag from the likes of a Goldback from Bags by Bird. I like the Carradice bags, but I also like the XPAC material for a number of reasons.
Related - looking at another bag off the rear seat and like the bigger ones like the one mentioned above from BxB. Also, looking at the Tailfin or the Relevate Designs Spinlock. However, these would not be a used or useful on a day to day ride vs. longer tour. The bag idea would be great for both long and day to day/around town usage.
A lot of people on this forum like the Tubus Tara. It has a very small range for adjustment, in my mind too small, so if the horizontal bar is not horizontal it is hard to make adjustments. But it is a very strong rack. First post at this thread shows several photos of my bike, one photo (in a train station lobby) with the Tara on it without panniers so you can see the rack
Bike Tour near Lake Ontario and part of Erie Canal - June 2024.
I do not use a platform rack on the front for a big bag. I use a handlebar bag that has a very quick attachment method, so I can take the bag off and bring into stores and restaurants with me. I keep my valuables in the bag.
And I have enough steerer tube above my frame, that I have a second threadless stem mounted there with my handlebar bag bracket. Instead of writing up a description, here is a post I made a few years ago with some photos.
Racks/Bags and Interrupter Levers
The handlebar bags I have used are from a company that no longer makes them. But Ortlieb makes a handlebar bag that is pretty popular, you might consider one of those if you like the idea of a quick release bracket so you can take the bag with you when off of the bike.