Originally Posted by
yangmusa
I'm wondering about getting a rear rack too. I already have the front lowrider which covers my everyday needs. I would only need the rear rack for occasional short tours - hence I'm wondering if the $140 is really worth it, since I won't use it that frequently. ThorUSA has a Pletcher seatpost mounted rack for $45-ish (that he tells me can easily be adapted to the Birdy's 35 mm seatpost), and it's rated for 18 lbs which should be enough for my tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat (stove and other stuff in front panniers). Ok, it won't fold with the bike, but on the other hand since I won't use it that often it'll be easier to take on and off than the Birdy rear rack.
Any ideas on pros and cons of either approach?
The Pletscher rack will add unsprung weight to the rear wheel, that is the only drawback I can see besides folding.
It may be possible to attach the stays for the Pletscher rack to to same point as where the Birdy stays go, and so minimise unsprung weight. I'd say the luggage capacity would go down a bit but not by much. You'll need to see how much pulling back the top swiveling attachment point can handle.