I recently acquired an Electra Betty that I am planning on using for a short (1-2 mile) leg of my commute. My decision to go for the Betty was primarily comfort, since aside from the Amsterdam, it was by far the bike I felt most at ease on. However, I will admit that her stunning good looks also played a part.
This is a stock photo, not the actual bike. Mine has a nexus internal three speed hub, different grips, bullet front/rear lights and a darling bell.

It may sound silly, but having a cute bike is motivating. As such, I don't want to mar her good looks by plunking an ugly black blackburn style rack on her. No, she cries out for chrome accessories. I love the looks of this bullet rack, although it's a bit pricey. I also thought something similar to this Pletscher would be an inexpensive, neutral looking solution. (This, so far, is the only type of chrome rack I have seen locally.) The Wald Chrome Rack would be another option that wouldn't add to the look, but I don't think would detract too badly. Does anyone have any experience with these racks? My concern, especially with the first two, is durability. I'm a student so I routinely drag anywhere from 15-30 pounds of textbooks and supplies with me. I pare this down as much as possible, but unfortunately much of the time it can't be avoided.

Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated.

Get the bullet rack since it comes with the seat post clamp/adapter (which you will have to buy separately if you buy another brand) and IF the rack fits your bike...ask the seller or e-mail Electra ( sales@electrabike.com or scott@electrabike.com - general q's or josh@electrabike.com - tech q's)...ask about max capacity (lbs) that the rack is rated for.

Electra, https://www.electrabike.com/miva/merc...ct_Code=368424 , lists the same rack for $39.99 ($10.00 less, although out of stock).

Delta racks aren't bad if you don't mind silver instead of chrome:
https://www.deltacycle.com/all.php?cat=4

my wife is very pleased with her xtracycle

Here are some baskets if you like.

I have experience long ago in the 70's with the Pletscher rack. The aluminum supporting legs can bow out under very heavy loads. What that specific heavy weight is I can not tell you. Mine bowed out when carrying three cases of beer on top. I switched to a cheap chromed steel rack sold at the Pep Boys Auto Supply Store in Philadelphia and had no further problems with bowed legs with similar heavy loads.

Sci-Fi, the link I posted is actually a bit different on than the one on Electra's website. I'm not sure if the e-bay one is a knock-off or if it's an older design, but I like the lines of it better. I'll keep the Delta's in mind. Chrome's my first preference, but I could live with silver.

BAH, while the xtra cycles are intriguing it's a little more than I'd need. Plus, it would squash my plan to load the bike onto the bus for the remainder of my commute.

Georgiaboy, Have you used baskets? I thought about using a front basket for my backpack. I was afraid of how this would effect handling though. It seems as if turning would be considerably impaired.

I Like To Bike, thanks for the warning. That was kind of my suspicion. I don't plan on carrying three cases of beer any time soon, but you never know when that occasion will arise What style was the replacement rack?

The style was just like the Pletscher but in steel. Probably cost $5 new back then.

All my current in use bikes have rack/basket combinations. The racks came with the bikes which were obtained in Germany between 1997 and 2002. A couple of old Columbia's which I picked up at garage sales in the last year here for $5 each complete had similiar racks.

I can sell you one of the Electra racks for it.

Here's what I've seen. It's for the townie

That blue step-through is a cutie, ILTB.

Go with the Wald chrome, not the stock Electra bullet. I had one of the bullet racks and it wasn't able to carry much beyond a loaf of bred. It snapped apart eventually.

Sorry to say I don't have experience using a basket. I would think that at a certain weight level it would effect steering. You could start another thread asking about baskets. No doubt, someone on BF's could answer your question.

Yes, my daughter likes it too. She uses it for commuting in Chicago now. Has a seven speed SRAM/Sachs coaster hub, balloon 26" x 2.125 tires, full fenders, lights, bell, etc. I bought it new in Germany in 2000 at the local Opel dealer in my town who also operated a bicycle shop for about 700DM (approx $350).

ILTB, Sounds like a nice cute but pratical commuter. Your daughter is lucky!

Thanks, Cosmoline. The more I think about it, the Wald seems like best option. I plan to eventually throw a bsket on the front as well for smaller loads.

I appreciate all the input. Thanks to everyone for sharing their two cents. Having a place to ask questions like this is incredibly valuable - especially as a newbie with no 'bikey' friends.

Just picked a Raleigh Technium out of the trash tonight and it had a pletscher rack on it. The Raleigh has 700c wheels, don't know what the Betty uses, the stays may be too long.
Needs some tender care and elbow grease polishing, but if you would like, it's yours for the price of shipping.