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-   -   Do you run a rack on your folder? (https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bikes/930741-do-you-run-rack-your-folder.html)

zoom26 02-22-16 09:43 PM

Just the stock rack on the dahon vybe, when I took it out I realized how heavy it was. But, I really like it especially with the tie that comes with it. I still haven't bought panniers for it since i'm not sure if it would clear.

atombikes 03-05-16 07:35 AM

I use a 20" Racktime Fold-It rack on my Genesis folder. It's nice because it fully disassembles to lay flat in the suitcase I use for tranport.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CV...B=w847-h635-no

dezzie 03-05-16 09:08 AM

1 Attachment(s)
My Stowaway!

tds101 03-05-16 01:54 PM

I still have to install my fenders on my Dahon Speed P8, as well as source a rack. I'm the type that requires having both. I hate getting the mud stripe of shame, and I always need to carry something.

edelay 03-06-16 08:10 PM

I tend to wear a small backpack for commuting since I don't like to have a rack and panniers moving about and making rattling noises. Bought a Dahon Curve D3 in the fall. It came with a rear rack, which I removed. It also came with a Tern front truss and bag (this one http://ep.yimg.com/ay/nycewheels/dah...ing-bags-4.png) which neither I nor the previous owner could remove from the bike, so he threw it in. I thought it was ridiculous and too small... it is about the size of a tiny cooler or a very large lunch kit. I was able to squeeze my work clothes into it for my commute and I rather like it because
- no rattling noises
- very secure, but quick to remove
- the weight is very low on the bike
- my back doesn't get sweaty in the summer

I have to say that I thought it would throw the handling of the bike off, but it doesn't.

iamclaus 03-07-16 11:12 PM

For me, having a rack on a bike is essential, much like fenders. I'm all for practicality, even if it adds weight and bulk to a folder.

On the rear is an Axiom Journey Adjustable mounted so the top is horizontal and the legs are at mid-extension. The extension arms are bent so as to not interfere with the seatbag when the seat post is dropped down when folding the bike. Under the I have what was a wine cooler bag that now serves as a carrier for my camera tripod. It's out of the way and convenient as all heck.

http://i.imgur.com/jFN3yX7.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ybk05D6.jpg

On the front I have a cheap aluminum caliper-mounted rack sourced from eBay for $11, shipped. To that, I've mounted a support bar that piggybacks on the fender mounts at the base of the fork and up, over the wheel as a brace for panniers. Without the brace there's nothing for panniers to clip into at the bottom, and they'd just flop around and get stuck in the wheel. As a bonus, under the top of the front rack, I bolted a pair of air pump clips and mounted a pair of LED MagLites...

http://i.imgur.com/TAbXyQC.jpg

I usually ride with a single 12L pannier clipped to the front rack, adding another 12L on the front if I need more. I spent my vacation last year on a tour of sorts, putting on over 700km around Vancouver and Vancouver Island. I had the pair of 12L panniers and a 20L on the non-drive side at the back, 18L daypack strapped on top of the rack. The handling of the bike calmed down to that of a full-sized bike with the weight. For regular rides, I prefer how it handles with even just a bit of weight on the front. The panniers are from the World Tour series by Mountain Equipment Co-op, in fantastic lime green. I'm quite happy with them.

As for the added bulk when folded? It doesn't bother me. The front rack lines up with the rear rack in height when folded and both together give me a convenient handle to grasp the bike when placing it on the back seat in my car, where the bike lives from from spring through autumn.

7km into my first century, riding from North Vancouver, BC to Victoria, BC. Helluva day!

http://i.imgur.com/01tvnA4.jpg

Abu Mahendra 03-27-16 05:26 AM

Tern Kanga rack with 20 liter dry-bag
https://dl.dropbox.com/s/njxrgkwbkfn...0332.jpg?raw=1

long john 03-27-16 05:37 AM

nice set up what crank is that and front rack. The whole bike is great.
I want it!

SkunkWerX 04-25-16 06:36 AM

All 4 of my bikes are equipped with a standard aluminum rear rack and a cargo pack. I'd like to be lighter and less bulky.....but carry....a spare tube, tool(s), pump, lock, rain poncho/jersey, a spare jersey/shirt (especially in the humid season ~May 1 thru Oct 1). I also stash my cell phone, car keys, pocket knife/multi tool, and set of reading glasses. Probably have a couple tiny items in there too. No kitchen sink, but some days it feels like there is one.

For even longer day treks add an extra polar bottle of water because sometimes I am off the beaten path and can't risk dehydration, again, when it is hot and humid outside.

A question for those who do NOT use a rack: What do you normally carry as a minimal load and what kind of ride are you taking?
Just curious. (Maybe fuel for a new thread? "Don't use a rack and don't need one")

Thanks to everyone for their insight, I don't post much, but do read and learn a lot about folders here.

linberl 04-25-16 09:28 AM

My BF has a xootr crossrack and I pull the pin and remove it for rides where I don't need to carry stuff. In those instances, I carry a tiny patch kit, CO2 unit, wallet in a very small bag crosswise over my back. It's light, goes with me, minimal. My phone attaches to the bike. I could actually put all of it in my jacket pockets but I find that uncomfortable. My bike has 2 water bottle mounts. I live in California so don't worry much about rain, but my jacket is rain-resistant, and also becomes a vest with magnets for the sleeves. My "tools" are a small folding set on my keyring with my bike lock key, which has a carabiner and clips to my pants. I find carrying the CO2 much easier than a pump and, honestly, since I started carrying the flat gear I haven't had one =). I could shove a spare tube under my seat if I wanted but I'm proficient with a patch kit. If it's beyond patching, I'd call a friend and fold it into their car for a ride to a bike shop.

fietsbob 04-25-16 12:20 PM

Added the Carradice SQR SQR System to my Brompton seat post.

So I can put my Camper Long flap On ..

Paul Braithwait 04-25-16 03:48 PM

1 Attachment(s)
I've recently bought an Arkel rack and bag to use on my Xootr Swift. It would not be strong enough to use on a fully loaded extended tour but for general riding and commuting it's fine. It has a quick release bracket that clamps to the saddle rails and a soft rubber grip that wraps around the seat post. It can be fitted and removed very quickly which is great for folding as the Xootr needs the seat post to be clear for the fold.

hatrack71 04-26-16 12:21 AM

3 Attachment(s)
I run full front and rear racks on my Bike Friday New World Tourist. For my commuter folder, I like the rear basket and front bag as pictured on the Dahon. It's a really fun bike. Then I still have the Mobiky I'm trying to make rideable...replacing spokes today.

w1gfh 06-07-16 12:03 PM

I have a steel market basket zip tied to the Pletscher rack. It fits the retro look of the R20 folder.

https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7792/2...f29b5efb31.jpgIMAG1149 by w1gfh

SkunkWerX 06-09-16 05:34 AM


Originally Posted by w1gfh (Post 18827321)
I have a steel market basket zip tied to the Pletscher rack. It fits the retro look of the R20 folder.

https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7792/2...f29b5efb31.jpgIMAG1149 by w1gfh

Looks like it came with the bike as original equipment...definitely has "the Look". nice job.

w1gfh 06-10-16 10:34 AM


Originally Posted by SkunkWerX (Post 18831717)
Looks like it came with the bike as original equipment...definitely has "the Look". nice job.

I was especially happy with finding a position for the saddlebag; strapped to the front of the rack facing forward. When it was hung backward from the seat as intended, it got in the way of loading stuff into the rack.

https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7784/2...6e0a93f0a1.jpgIMAG1070 by w1gfh


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