Originally Posted by
windupcanary
I just bought a used custom tourer, based on a cannondale caad2 mtb frame. It's perfect except for one thing; the front fork doesn't have rack braze-ons. I am considering buying a surly long haul trucker fork (steel, w/ braze ons) and swapping it for the current thick aluminum caad2 fork. My question is basically this: how big a difference will those braze-ons make for full-load touring--will the u-loop mid-fork mounts for a rack work well enough to hold 25-40 lbs? Also, will the steel fork make for a considerably sweeter ride? General opinions?
25 to 40lbs. seems like a whole lot of weight to carry on the front, regardless of the fork type.
You can also consider racks that attach to the front wheel's axle via quick release. I have no idea how good or practical they are, but I'd look them up.