I had left the pie plate off but then had an issue with the derailleur traveling too far and the chain got hung up in the spokes and even though I have that problem solved. until I change out the derailleur cause I don't like the looks of it I'm leaving the pie plate. I have a Pletsher rack on a parts bike and was thinking about using it but I like the Carradice bag I have so I don't know if I'm gonn put it on. Maybe my next project I'll use it.