New Rack
 

Just got my new rack in the mail today after ordering it on Sunday. That was quick. One thing that I have noticed with the Biria Rack is that it seems to be very light, although, it is rated to hold up to 55 lbs. My Transit TS-1 Rack does not seem as light, although it is not by any means heavy due to its' aluminum construction, and it is only rated to hold 35 lbs. I went with the new rack due to its silver tone, and its' ability to hold up to 55 lbs. However, I am a litttle warey (did I spell that correctly?) of the Biria being able to hold up to rigors of panniers loaded with MacBook, papers, books, lunch, groceries etc. Obviously, not all at the same time - i.e. MacBook, papers, books, and/or lunch at once and groceries on separate trips, except for the odd trip to the market on the way home.

Any thoughts on the rack itself? The material it is made of? The loads I wish to put on it? All thoughts are welcome!

On another note, I went to PB yesterday just to walk around, because I had some time to kill before I had to be at an appointment, and was talking to one of the shop guys regarding my fenders. See, I got an email from Velo Orange after I asked if they treated their VO Hammered Fenders with anything to help prevent against weather conditions.They stated that my tire size 700x38 may not fit with the 45 mm/700c fenders that I ordered, yet the PB shop guy stated I should have no problem with them.

Any thoughts?

Oh well, I shall find out this weekend (hopefully they come by then) when I have them installed if everything fits alright. I'm crossing my fingers that everything goes well. :lol:

Thanks again!

p.s. On another note, I can finally ride again, now that my hand is pretty healed up!

I recall you having a lot of clearance, so the fenders will probably fit fine. They're probably just overly cautious since they need some modification to install, so returning them will be a problem after an attempted installation.

The rack looks good. I wouldn't sweat it.

I could not fit 38 mm tires under 45 mm VO fenders, but it depends on the bike. There needs to be enough room in the fork and stays to allow the fender to sit far enough from the rim, to have room for the tire. Ask your bike mechanic to verify it will fit before he does anything that will make the fenders not returnable. In my case, I used 32 mm tires instead and all was well.

Cheap aluminium racks work fine as long as they have sufficient struts. Yours looks fine.
Personally I don't like adjustable height racks, that is an unnecessary complication for the convenience of the retailer. The upper stays to the frame also seem to have a not very rigid connection to the rack body but it should suffice.
55lbs is is quite high load, the classic Blackburn EX1 is rated for 40lbs and for years was the standard expedition touring rack.

+1

Yeah, I kinda think that 55lbs rating is more hyperbole than truth.

25kg is a myth.

unless it's a TUBUS then it can be quite reliable.

Yeah, I noticed one model "Universal" rack I've been using was rated up to like 45, but a much sturdier alu one I got for my vintage bike was only for 25. Don't think I really tested the former.

BTW, don't forget to post up some pics of Lola once she's kitted up!

M.

I fit 35mm tires under 35mm fenders and 60mm tires under 60mm fenders. No issues, whatsoever. Perhaps not the best coverage, but since most of the water and grime comes off the middle of the tire, they are fine. For mud, you'd definitely be better off with at least 10mm extra.

the height you want the mudguards to sit in relation to your tire , clearance between the tire and
the mudguard . is a choice..

you dont have to have them as close as possible do you?

if you can set up with more clearance then width compromises become less of an issue..


and [+1] given the water will tend to be coming off the center of the tire , its largest diameter,
they really dont Have to be so wraparound..

Hope you are right. I will find out tomorrow, and post pics!

Definitely will, M! She should be all done (minus panniers, I STILL CANNOT make a decision) by tomorrow, or Saturday. I'm so excited, and my wrist is healing nicely, so I can finally get back on the road!

Great! Thanks for the info., I appreciate it!

When/How'd you get injured? I missed that post.

This is the rack I just got for my rescued "All Pro": http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Had to retap the mounting holes, which slowed me up a bit, but after an hour or so of trying to figure out how that thing goes on (lost the instructions), I managed to get it attached. Looks more sturdy than my other style rack (posted a mini review of that in General about a month ago). It seems a little out of place, all chromey and new, on an old desert tan kind of bike. Matches the new brake arms and levers, though!

Actually, this model bike right in the Customer Photos section is almost an exact copy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-me...e=UTF8&index=3

Different model, though I can't make it out. I've got the original seat, but they still have the original fenders - mine has none. Yet. I'll probably go chrome so it matches the rack, but who knows? Eventually I'll probably strip the frame and paint it black.

M.

Hey M.,

I was driving in my Vibe about two and half weeks ago, and came up to a round-about where another driver failed to yield, and I ended up having to brake extremely hard, and ended up hitting my wrist on my steering wheel in such a way that I ended up with a snuff fracture, and a bad sprain.

I don't think it looks out of place. It is like cherry on top of the sundae!

Bummer on the wrist! In spite of the accidents I have been in, narry a scratch.

The linked bike isn't mine, but it basically is the same. I plan to get the same baskets too. You might get some utility out of them now that you have a rack. What is to become of your now replaced Transit?

M.