Would like to ask about what the ideal/function of the rat trap rear rack is. I have an old one off a Raliegh and am planning on placing it on my Clubman, but not sure how it works and why.

Thanks and Enjoy!

Froghunter

Never used one of those spring clamps myself, but imagine it serves the same function of a bungee cord. Either put layers or straps from bags under the clamp to keep them from bouncing around while you ride.

If it's one of those old aluminum racks like a Schwinn, I used to use mine to hold a basketball in place. They seemed to be designed for that purpose as a basketball fit perfect into that rack/spring mechanism.

My bike (a Breezer) came with one. Can't be used for big/ heavy objects and I wouldn't use it on long or rough rides, but I've found that it comes in handy on a regular basis for holding small objects (such as mail going to post office) with minimal to-do. Not something that I would have gone out of my way to get, and I could certainly get by without it, but there have been plenty of times over the years when I've been glad I have it.

They come in very handy. Some of the modern ones have a fold out piece in the front that allows you to carry boxes and larger packages by the pressure of the spring part pressing the article against the front part.

I had one or two of those on bikes I had in the 70's. They're not very secure for most objects. My mom sent me shopping for milk once. Whole damn 3L went flying off and I came home with about 1L salvaged from the wreckage.

That's a Pletscher (made in Switzerland) rack that you all are talking about. I graduated from those to Blackburn racks sometime around 1980. Functional but not so good for panniers.

We have a winner!! About 15 years ago I was perusing the back closet of a lbs and found several cool old 'front' racks that had a vertical spring mechanism w/2 sets of thin, light bungee cords. Think threy were selling them for 5.00US. Wish I'd have bought them all now. Having a fg conversion w/flat fork crowns mine still works. I break it out from time to time and bolt it on. It's really handy when my trunkbag gets too loaded and I just need a little extra carrying space.

Mine says: Pletscher Made in Switzerland and Model V9 Pat Pend. on the crown surfaces. One of my favorite cycling purchases ever, I think.

Grew up with one. Perfect for holding a baseball glove with a ball inside.