Why Use A Front Rack Or Basket
01-19-16 | 09:50 PM
#51
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: Napa, California
Whether having a load on the front works well depends on the design of the bike and the preference of the rider. If you haven't tried it, you might think it's a terrible idea. For many, it works just fine, even a gigantic load. Some people have tried it and found it to work badly but they tried it on a bike that doesn't like front loads. You need the right kind of bike, and I can't say exactly what that is.
Long ago, I made a commuter bike out of an old 1970s Motobecane Nomad frameset. I noticed it rode BETTER when it had a front load on it. I can't explain that.
Long ago, I made a commuter bike out of an old 1970s Motobecane Nomad frameset. I noticed it rode BETTER when it had a front load on it. I can't explain that.
That said, I really don't think it's ALL in the bike, I think a good amount is in the head. I'm pretty sure I could take a lot of guys in here who say front loads ride like crap, and let them ride bikes that *I* feel ride better with front loads versus back, and they wouldn't change their tune. Because both change handling, and if you're used to the dead weight in the back feel with a misleadingly responsive front end (which doesn't actually make bike handling more responsive) you'll probably stick with it. I still feel that on the right bike, not only a low-mid trail rando bike though, that the handling is much preferable, but it does have a much more noticeable starting feel with that weight up front. Once you are used to needing to make those slightly heavier inputs though, you find it's extremely responsive and the back end acts like it should.
01-20-16 | 08:31 AM
#53
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 4
From: Oregon City, OR
I've used front and rear racks extensively and prefer to carry most loads in the back. For me, loads on the front seem to affect handling more adversely and also block my view of the front wheel and tire. Perhaps my bikes were not designed for carrying front loads. My touring bike had a Nitto M12 front rack for many years and I rarely used it for reasons mentioned above. I finally removed it when I installed a dynamo wheel and light and haven't missed it, as I mainly used it as a place to mount my LED headlight. I also had a Salsa Casseroll for several years that came with a front rack, which I only used a few times, such as carrying light packages to the post office.
I do use a small front handlebar bag on bike tours. I also have a front pannier and rack that I use for heavy loaded touring when I need to distribute weight better across the bike. But for general use and commuting, front racks are not for me.
I do use a small front handlebar bag on bike tours. I also have a front pannier and rack that I use for heavy loaded touring when I need to distribute weight better across the bike. But for general use and commuting, front racks are not for me.
That said, I do have a fixed gear with a basket on it, and it's fantastic. I ride 18 miles each way, so the upright position is kinda tough for that ride, but for short 2-5 mile rides, I love having the basket. It adds some versatility to it, and I have a cargo net that goes over it to keep everything in line. It gets mocked a bit, but it always ends up that someone asks to put a purse in it or a jacket.
01-24-16 | 02:03 AM
#54
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 97
Bikes: Working on replacing my stolen Soma Buena Vista Mixte
I have a front basket and rear rack. On another bike I had a front and rear rack, then later swapped to front basket.
I love over the front basket, holds my purse easily, though I want a slightly bigger basket and haven't found the right one yet. Once the load is over 7-10 pounds I prefer it in the back.
Porteur racks are cool but not practical for me. You need a strap and the right kind of bag.
i love my basket because the essentials are right in front. And if I get hot I have a place to put my coat/scarf/gloves. I also have basket panniers and bag panniers to use too for the rear.
I love over the front basket, holds my purse easily, though I want a slightly bigger basket and haven't found the right one yet. Once the load is over 7-10 pounds I prefer it in the back.
Porteur racks are cool but not practical for me. You need a strap and the right kind of bag.
i love my basket because the essentials are right in front. And if I get hot I have a place to put my coat/scarf/gloves. I also have basket panniers and bag panniers to use too for the rear.
