I think my rack is mounted wrong
#26
Unlisted member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 435
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
Most manufacturers seem to claim that their racks will fit 97% of bikes.... however from what I've experienced, 99% of the time the people who want me to install a rack onto their bike seem to own the 3%er bike that the rack won't fit.
As for the term 'universal fit' that you see printed on the packaging of most bike accessories... that doesn't mean it will fit most bikes, it means that just about anybody will end up throwing a tantrum when trying to install it on a bike.
As for the term 'universal fit' that you see printed on the packaging of most bike accessories... that doesn't mean it will fit most bikes, it means that just about anybody will end up throwing a tantrum when trying to install it on a bike.
#27
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
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From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
Glad the LBS is sorting it out for you. My Schwinn hybrid has similar geometry and I fit my Topeak rack by attaching it in the front to a clamp on the seatpost, as a couple others suggested. Works great for me.
#29
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
So I talked to the guy at the LBS about the rack today. I also found my braze on...not ons, on. Right where the seatstays, the seat tube, and the top tube come together, there is a small metal bar with a braze-on on the bottom. One of the reasons why it was such a bi-atch to find. Obviously I couldn't use it with the mounting kit that came with the rack, so the guys at the LBS said for me to leave my bike there and they'd mount it for me. In their words, "we'll find a way to get it on". Talk about service?
Post up another pic or two when you get it back and show us what your shop had to do. I wonder if they'll use a special seat tube collar like AdamDZ mentioned (there are a few different versions out there, too).
#30
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Cape Ann, MA
Bikes: Two wheels, it goes
So here's the finished product. Hopefully no headbadge pictures snuck in 
The LBS guys had to flip the bracket then use a set of P clamps on the seatstays with 2 bolt points, one to keep the clamps shut and one to connect them to the arms of the rack. Looks and feels solid, so I'm happy!
Its a weird relationship that I have with these guys. They're the only LBS within 10 mins of my town (driving distance) and they are in the same town as my work so its easy to jump over after school gets out. However, while the guys are super friendly and helpful it is a bit overpriced and the guys always seem like theyre helping me because they have to, not because they want to. That last part is more feeling than anything, but that being said, I love supporting them as a local business and when they do stuff like this to help me out.

The LBS guys had to flip the bracket then use a set of P clamps on the seatstays with 2 bolt points, one to keep the clamps shut and one to connect them to the arms of the rack. Looks and feels solid, so I'm happy!
Its a weird relationship that I have with these guys. They're the only LBS within 10 mins of my town (driving distance) and they are in the same town as my work so its easy to jump over after school gets out. However, while the guys are super friendly and helpful it is a bit overpriced and the guys always seem like theyre helping me because they have to, not because they want to. That last part is more feeling than anything, but that being said, I love supporting them as a local business and when they do stuff like this to help me out.
#31
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
That looks like it's the only way those support arms will fit. They might have been able to reach the seatpost clamp and use a special collar like we said before, but the rack might end up tilting forward at the same time. Glad they were able to work something out.
Ain't that the truth. I'm glad that I'm too tall to have to worry about frames like these (well, for myself, anyway).
Ain't that the truth. I'm glad that I'm too tall to have to worry about frames like these (well, for myself, anyway).
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
Bikes: Cannondale T700s and a few others
That still looks a little hokey and I would be worried that as the pads wear you would start having interference.
I like that clamp and that clamp doesn't have to also clamp the seat post, you could used some Derailleur spacers/shims and mount that on the actual seat post below the shock.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...61&category=71
I'd try mount it to the seatpost with a clamp or to the seatpost collar. It may result in the rack tilting forward a bit, but that's not a huge deal.
Something like this might help:

Something like this might help:

https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...61&category=71
#33
Senior Member



Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,175
Likes: 5,355
From: SF Bay Area, East bay
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200, Soma double cross 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball, Waterford rs11
That still looks a little hokey and I would be worried that as the pads wear you would start having interference.
I like that clamp and that clamp doesn't have to also clamp the seat post, you could used some Derailleur spacers/shims and mount that on the actual seat post below the shock.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...61&category=71
I like that clamp and that clamp doesn't have to also clamp the seat post, you could used some Derailleur spacers/shims and mount that on the actual seat post below the shock.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...61&category=71
That's where i'd mount it.
#34
I didn't even get the special seat clamp.
I Just unscrewed the adjustable lever of the existing clamp, and re-fit the bolt through the rack support and clamp, tightened her up, and hey presto! It was done and solid.
(of course I had several weeks of head scratching and cursing before I hit on the solution)
I Just unscrewed the adjustable lever of the existing clamp, and re-fit the bolt through the rack support and clamp, tightened her up, and hey presto! It was done and solid.
(of course I had several weeks of head scratching and cursing before I hit on the solution)
__________________
Hey, I'm just this GUY...you know?
>>>Team Critical Mess<<< (You mean it's not SUPPOSE to hurt?)
My nice new Nashbar Touring Build AKA "The Flying Avocadooooooooo!"
1998(?) Trek 700 Multitrack
1995 Trek 1220 AKA "Jimi"
Older Non-suspension Specialized Hardrock
Hey, I'm just this GUY...you know?
>>>Team Critical Mess<<< (You mean it's not SUPPOSE to hurt?)
My nice new Nashbar Touring Build AKA "The Flying Avocadooooooooo!"
1998(?) Trek 700 Multitrack
1995 Trek 1220 AKA "Jimi"
Older Non-suspension Specialized Hardrock
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