KingOfTheHill

I'd been looking at it for a while at Performance. With the recent 60% discount, I couldn't keep saying no. For $279 plus tax, I now have a nice and heavy steel framed bike to commute on and hit some fire roads. Yes, low end components, low end disc brakes, etc. but I like it. So, here are my questions:

1. Can you recommend a good, reliable rear rack that will hold about 40lbs?
2. Best reliable and tough panniers?
3. Best tires for mostly road but some fire road too?
4. Is there a reason to add a front rack if I am not bike packing/touring?

I don't mind adding more weight to what is already a heavy bike. I'm new to this kind of bike and racks/panniers and have been reading up on things, but I'm looking for fist hand experiences/recommendations.

Thanks!

fietsbob

IDK about what you will haul will it be in panniers .. or on top of the rack?


have you bothered to look at any of the other threads on these topics?

How about this one? Wald Baskets





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Darth Lefty 

Wow, that is a deal. Frame and fork alone are probably worth that.

1. Any "heavy duty" rear rack. I have Blackburn EX-1 on my bikes because they are what came with the Copilot kid seats.

2. I'll leave this one alone, I prefer other types of bags.

3. Marathon 35-37 size. Really, any 32 or wider, armored commuter tire will do fine on any dirt road that you wouldn't be scared to take a car on. 30mm would be a little skinny for my taste though. I've done it with some 28's and it was a little jarring.

4. Some people like front racks better, especially low rider racks. And you have the mounts for them. Rear loads have more effect on handling especially with a high load. They tend to make the bike want to twist out of your hands when you're walking it, and with a top rear bag on my vintage bikes I've gotten head shake. But rear bags also just seem more convenient to me.

RubeRad

That is a great deal! What version did you get?

KingOfTheHill

I got this one: https://www.bikeradar.com/us/road/ge...-review-52172/

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

I've been reading different threads but between learning about disc brake compatible racks, heavy duty, different styles, panniers, buckets, etc. I'm still trying to figure it out. I'm more than green when it comes to racks. I'd be hauling a laptop, files, clothes, and at times some groceries. Wouldn't regularly be hauling milk gallons, but yes to the occasional 6 pack or two of beer. I'm thinking 40 lbs in case I end up doing an overnight trip or two that some friends have been wanting to do, where we would stop and camp along the way.

Thanks for everyone's input so far.

RubeRad

I'm a less is more kinda guy, so I'd stick with the stock tires, give them a try in a variety of conditions. It's supposed to be a gravel/adventure bike, so they're probably fine on fire roads as well.

When shopping for a rack, make sure it will clear your disc brakes. When disc brakes were more novel, that was a common problem, the rack strut and the disc brake wanted occupy the same space. Nowadays there should be plenty of disc-compatible rack options.

For the most reliable, tough panniers, make yourself some kittiers. Or if you want to spend money to get panniers that will probably last your lifetime, buy Ortliebs