I'm reaching the end of my rebuild and am looking for a nice rear rack - one that's both useful utility-wise, but also fitting for the era/look of the bike.

My first pick is a Portland Design Works Payload rack, and it's probably what I'll go with but I wanted some other input & ideas because who knows what else is out there...
https://ridepdw.com/products/payload...nt=24749204929


I'll be commuting with an Arkel Tailrider trunk bag, so I'm looking for something with a decent platform to support it (also future hauling things): https://www.arkel-od.com/en/tailride...-rack-bag.html


But I am open to other ideas for racks.
I'm looking to stay under $100 in price (so no Tubus rec's please). It will need to be P-clamp compatible (I don't like how the single arm brake attachment looks & there are no rack mounts on the seat stays).
I already have a Topeak Explorer rack that I used to use on my old MTB when I had it as a commuter but I was looking for something a little more....elegant?

I also have the original rack that came stock on a 1974 Raleigh Sprite - which is period correct, lol, but not very pretty, and lacks support legs to hook panniers to.


Here's what the bike looks like currently to help stir your brains. Thanks for any input!

Consider Pletscher. It's about the same price as the Portland rack. https://www.rivbike.com/collections/...cher-clem-rack

The original Pletschers were pretty wimpy and had only one pair of stays, but really they were the only racks around when your Raleigh was new. The new version is much improved since now has two pairs of stays, but it retains its vintage looks. The mousetrap was great for holding your brown paper bag lunch...

You need to find an old Pletscher "mouse trap" rack for that fine looking machine.
Jon

If you have a co-op near they can be a good source for vintage racks. I have a blackburn that came on my 78 Motobecane GT that has a rack that mounts in behind the brake and since you don't have any rack braze-ons that might work and the rack stays could mount to your fender eyelets. It looks like this

I am looking at a Wald Rack for my Raleigh Gran Sport

Bet you could make this work...
It's a Wald rack trimmed back using a Dremel.








Project is by BF member "steppinthefunk"...

Probably the two most common racks from my old days ('60s) are the Blackburn and the Pletcher with mousetrap. Prior to those there were steel racks by Wald and others on the market. Tubus is popular today and has been for at least 15 years, but more pricey, and not neessarily light.

I have a few excess racks - in particular a Blackburn and a Cyclepro that have some wear, but are sound, and not eyesores - that would look right at home on that sweet Super-Tourer. Once I resolve my Flickr account issue, I'll send a PM.

I like this one the best so far. It's certainly lighter than the PDW rack, and holds 55 lbs which is still pretty darn good. I hate that you have to pay extra for the pannier rails though.

Keep the suggestions comin!

An old Raleigh with a Brooks saddle should have a canvas Carradice bag:

My guess is you chose style over function in picking that rack.

I like the wood insert but it won't last, especially if it ever gets wet. It will prevent soft things from protruding down onto the wheel, so that's good.

Get rid if the "swoopy" rack stays.

I think the black will go very well with the bike's color scheme.

FWIW, this is one of my favorite bikes, ever.

Agreed.