RifterAD

I am looking to ride to work on a daily basis and so I want to ease my sweaty back by getting a simple, flat, rack that can hold my over-stuffed backpack. I have a good backpack 32 liter that I use for everything (work, travel, hiking, etc)...so I don't want to invest in any new bags/panniers which would require me to constantly change the contents of my bags.

I just tried a standard rack from my LBS, but it's only 5.5 inches wide (my backpack is about 12 inches wide). Basically, much of my backpack hangs off of the rack and requires way too many bungee cords to really secure it when it's fully stuffed with my boots, uniform, toiletries, my folio, and lunch. It would be so much easier if there was a wider rack since I would only need 1 or 2 bungee cords max (or just a few small D rings).

I have seen plenty of front mounted racks that are nice and wide...but I cannot afford to obstruct my view when zooming down the road at 30-40 mph. Unfortunately, it seems that rear racks average about 5 inches wide unless I opt for a heavy basket type.

As of right now, I'm tempted to create my own by securing a rigid but lightweight surface to the bike rack somehow. But before I start that endeavor, I figured that I should ask the experienced folks in this forum to see what is out there that I missed in my Google searches.

Thanks in advanced!

DiabloScott

How about one of these?



Minoura Gamoh King Carrier Rear Basket in Tree Fort Bikes Rear Mount Racks

or these



https://www.modernbike.com/industry/...hotBoCPYPw_wcB

tyrion

It's easy to attach a basket to a rack with zip-ties. Use 12 or so zip-ties and it's very secure. Wald baskets come is various sizes and shapes.

speshelite

Those racks are nice! (no pun intended)

Would there be a problem with heel strikes if you attach average sized panniers?

ColonelSanders

Whether you can easily source this or not, I feel that one of the best options is the Racktime Racks, that come with quick release baskets, and their rear basket is one of the largest available for a bike and I believe the largest quick release basket available.


I bought the following Rack and Basket from Racktime and they have worked flawlessly for me.


Racktime Addit Carrier - black
Racktime Baskit Trunk Carrier Basket - black


In a few months time when I buy another bike, I will probably get this slightly more expensive Racktime Rack to go with it.


Racktime Tourit Carrier - black


They also have silver coloured versions if you prefer that over black.

JReade

I put a bag in my front basket and it isn't that noticeable. If the bag blocks my vision of something in the road, it was too late and I was gonna hit it anyway.

BobbyG

Here's what I do with my current normal-width rack and backpack:

And here's what I did (and still do) with my older commuter and normal rack. This video shows it's secure.

My current rack (something under the Transit brand from Performance Bikes) has four hex head screws that run through the shelf. On a rack like this one could use the screws to secure a wider board or basket.

RifterAD

Awesome, thanks for the responses everyone!

Leebo

Over thinking it. Get a regular rear rack. Put a milk crate on it. 6 zip ties, Done. Or a wald rack.

forresto

I have a 32L backpack and I don't like having it on my back and I just bought something that worked perfectly:


mec.ca/en/product/5026-791/Cento-Rear-Centre-Basket

add a rear rack if you don't have one.

With my laptop in the bag I place it in the basket strap side up and it fits perfectly.
The rain cover for my knapsack fits perfectly over over the basket for rain protection or I guess I could just put it on the backpack itself. I will have 100% protection from the wet (I use fenders and lined the bottom of the basket).

They make a removable version but it was double the price and I figure I could rig something up.
Much better than my other bike with the milk crate on it. I would not be able to swing my leg over the milk crate.
I use it for more than just my backpack other wise I would have considered something that would allow me to strap down the backpack.
Build and the hardware that comes with it is good quality and excellent.

kickstart

Racktime and their Snapit adapter is awesome. I have a bag and folding basket set up with the Snapit, on or off in a second. Easier to use than the Topeak system.

ColonelSanders

The reason I went with the Racktime rack over the Topeak was due to the following:

1. The Racktime rack is rated to hold 30kgs vs 25kg for the Topeak
2. The Racktime rear basket is substantially larger than the Topeak Rear Basket
3. Great range of quick release trunk bags available for Racktime racks vs only Topeak trunk bags.
4. Better range of accessories available overall for Racktime vs Topeak
5. Racktime rear rack itself is more attractive than the Topeak rear rack.

kickstart

On thing you missed, Racktime has racks with dyno (and battery) lights built into them.

ColonelSanders

Heh, that is true, but I didn't think to mention it as I saw that as too specialised an advantage for most people.

RifterAD

BobbyG, I like how you were able to attach your backpack with the bungee cords on the regular rack! I will have to try your method first. Although shipping isn't going to be fun (Europe to Hawaii), a Racktime rack with the Snapit adaptor on a basket seems like a great option. It gives me the platform to put my backpack (and/or groceries) during regular workdays, but it also gives me the versatility of a regular rack when I move back to the contiguous.

mjtyson

Please link to the rack. I've searched Racktime's website and cannot find this rack.

Thanks!

kickstart

https://www.bike24.com/p254723.html

ColonelSanders

And because it is quick release, if you are going out for a bike ride, you just take off the basket in a second, with the press of a connector.

KD5NRH

https://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toy...5/product.html worked well for me for a long time. They take a while to mount or unmount because of the bottom straps clipping around the rack stays, but if you get some of the reusable shopping totes, (color code while you're at it) you can also organize a bit, then just take out the bags you need. I had no problem fitting a lot of groceries in them, or a change of clothes, tools, spare parts, etc.
They also sit lightly braced out like baskets, and the whole top flips open so they're easy to load and unload.

rumrunn6

maybe add a dish rack from Walmart or similar store, or a back packers cooking grid using zip ties. amazon or outdoor store



https://www.amazon.com/GSI-Campfire-.../dp/B00015JQZO

or a stainless steel cooling rack
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...GLSPHOMWTDN4PD



I once built a custom rear rack for my daughters bike, using a dish rack from The Container Store & thin bar steel. cuz her bike was too small for any of the conventional racks I had in my basement

RifterAD

When I was going to do the DIY route, I was thinking of using a rack similar to those dish racks! lol It'd be fine for my usual commute, but I'm not sure I'd trust it with it with a beer run.

RifterAD

As much as I liked Racktime's removable basket feature, I decided to try a cheaper alternative, using Axiom's rack and basket, that should be similar. This way, I can easily remove the basket on the days that I don't needed it, and then quickly throw it on when I do.

I'm just excited at the prospect of relieving the weight and sweat buildup from my back when I commute to work!

rumrunn6

remember to let us see it when it's all hooked up

Bike Gremlin

Any rack will do for most any backpack:

RifterAD

The basket just came in yesterday. Sorry for the crappy pics (low light with a phone camera), but I bet you guys don't mind

I absolutely love the Axiom products so far. The Journey rack is very sturdy, well designed, yet relatively light weight. Best yet, it's not an expensive rack!

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The Market Basket LX is a lot heavier than the rack itself. The quick release is nice and quick, but I wish the springs were stronger so that it would hold it tighter to the rack. The basket can hold a good amount of weight, but I would not trust the basket to remain attached to the rack after a big bump or hard turn (when filled with a heavy load). Nothing extra bungee's couldn't fix tho.

Also, it came with a Velcro strap so that you could wrap it around the seat post to prevent any slipping toward the rear.

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Now I can throw on the basket for quick runs to the store and then take it off for my longer fun/workout rides after work! Next is to test the basket loaded with my backpack on a trip to work. I have done the ride with my backpack on the rack itself (which was great!) but I'm curious how much the added weight of the basket will effect my ride up the hill...

Thanks for all the suggestions and help!