I'm looking at putting a front rack on my bike for commuting. It has pretty low trail and I'm not going to overload it. No, my issue is that I'm just nervous about choosing the right rack.

I don't have canti's, nor do I have eyelets or any such mounting point available. To come to the point, I'll need to use some variant of P-clamp and mounting to the brake bolt. I'd like to avoid the fork dropouts since I routinely store and transport my bike in the trunk of my (very) small car, which necessitates the removal of both wheels.

I have the Nitto M-1 (AKA Mark's Rack) in mind. It seems to be designed for saps like me, but it's a spendy piece of machinery, though I've seen them on the Riv Bike Owner Bunch and eBay for less than new prices.

Nitto also has an M18 model that looks very similar: https://cgi.ebay.com/Nitto-M18-Front-...-/160508767889; so I wonder is it the same from the standpoints of function and installation?

Then there's the VO Rando Rack (w/ or w/out integrated decaleur):
https://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...-decaleur.html
https://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...ess-steel.html
Both seems to mount similarly to the M-1, but for less. Would I sacrifice much going with one of these?

Then I ponder, "Am I missing any others?"

Where do y'all weigh in on these racks?

Cheers!

I too am looking for a front rack, and one I've considered is the CETMA Half Rack or the 5 Rail rack.

https://www.cetmacargo.com/

I think the 3 Rail or HalfRack Cetma are the right dimensions for me, but it's not as sexy as the other racks I'm looking at, but still in the same price range as the VO stuff. It is a strong selling point that they're made in the USA, though.

I really like the light mount setup that they designed with that rack.

-R

I use the VO rando rack on my Cross Check, with a 12L Berthoud front bag. The p-clip mounts are rock solid over any terrain. With a VO decaleur (not the integrated one) the bag doesn't wobble at all. Even when fully loaded.

Man, you have got it lucky as far as getting a front rack is concerned. Not only does my bike not have any mounts for that kind of rack, the only mounts it does have are on an impossible angle. Then the fact I have disc breaks makes it a pain in the butt, then add on the suspension fork. Pain in the butt! I eventually got one mounted, just like yourself, for lighter loads.

The CETMA looks like the best choice, a lot of mounting options. The only drawback I see is the connection down at the fork. That wouldn't work on my bike though because of the handlebar mount.

What bike is it? Sounds like the wrong bike for a front rack. Maybe the CETMA HalfRack would be better than their standard models. Or maybe the Nitto Two Strut:
https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...op-rack/20-190

Think narrow small rack and having the Bag made with a stiffener in the bottom, rather than a wide rack.

so Bag will come off as you put the bike, wheel less, in the trunk. and it may all fit.

How about this? Needs a new brake, or maybe you can rig something together.

Sage advice. I'm thinking to do something like that...but a basket rather than a bag. At least for now.
I just pulled the trigger and ordered a Nitto M1.

It's a great looking rack, but it won't work so hot with sidepulls.