Anyone have a source for custom rack builder?
 

I want to get a rack with design like the TA front bag support

http://i.ebayimg.com/05/%21BibFZ%29%...1%7E%7E_12.JPG

only with struts that drop further down to fit the braze-on bosses on the lower part of the fork blades of a Specialized Expedition

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/...4290d6950f.jpg

I assume that's not a standard item anymore, if it ever was. I don't want a front pannier rack, but an over-the-fender-bag rack.

Anyone have a favorite constructor of racks?

Why yes I do. Capricorn Bicycles. I have been admiring this fellow's work around the Twin Cities. They are as nice as you can find, and I think he can build anything to your specs. I am getting ready to talk to him about racks for our journey to Lake Winnipeg this summer.

http://www.capricornbicycles.com/index.php

I believe I have seen some on Coho's website:

http://cohobicycles.com/cohobicycles/Home.html

Charles, I had the Rack Lady, Leah Starghartner, build a front Porteur rack for me a couple of years ago. It's excellent. She's built racks for V-O and works out of Banjo Bicycles in Madison:

http://www.banjobicycles.com/racks.html#
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26811168@N07/

Neal

Ellis cycle http://www.elliscycles.com/
http://www.elliscycles.com/models_pricing.html
http://picasaweb.google.com/stevewag...78369129460338

Bruce Gordon

http://www.bgcycles.com/racks.html

Thanks everyone -- I've written Leah Stargardter (note correct spelling), whose email is 12packrack@gmail.com, asking for a quotation.

Thanks for the correction, Charles. Goes to show what happens when I rely on faulty memory.

BTW, I've been amazed by the high prices those mini TA wire-hanger racks have been fetching on eBay lately. Too bad I sold a couple at a swap last year for something like $20 each. But I'm trying to get into a welding class at my university, so that I can build something along those lines for myself.

Neal

After visiting the linked flickr site, I can see why you asked for the quote. Very nice work.

http://i.ebayimg.com/05/%21BibFZ%29%...1%7E%7E_12.JPG

only with struts that drop further down to fit the braze-on bosses on the lower part of the fork blades of a Specialized Expedition

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/...4290d6950f.jpg

Hey, good to see this project moving forward!

Oh, the frame paint job is quite beautiful -- photos don't do it justice, since it's a pearl, and glints so nicely in the sunlight. I'm putting together my own simple graphics for downtube (extended geometric caps, in burnt orange), and screwing up my courage to outline the lugs with a fine gold paint pen. I have some pretty nice components for it: wheels built with NOS early Deore XT hubs laced with DB spokes to Velocity Synergy rims, Suntour XC pro champagne anodized canti brakes and levers, and thumb shifters, Sugino Mighty Tour crankset, Suntour Cyclone 7000 silver/gray derailers, Jitensha flat bar (slightly cranked, like Cinelli Priest) with Nitto Dirtdrop stem and cork grips, Suntour XC seatpost and Brooks B67 honey saddle. Still have to buy Honjo fenders for it, some Jack Brown Green tires, and Pake Lo-Phat pedals.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-3773699254952_2085_8713492

Try Rivendell-pretty sure they have some really nice touring racks. Bruce Gordon also made some excellent touring racks.