Preparing for a tour
 

Alright, so right now my hybrid can haul very little, with the exception of something that rhymes with bass. This is usually very good, but I'm going on a multi day bike-camping trip on the C&O canal, I have two suitable bikes, and currently am leaning towards my hybrid. The specs are as follows:

Frame: 6061 Aluminum
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Front Derailleur: SRAM X9
Wheels: Alexrims 29in
Tires: Kenda 700x38c
Shifters: Shimano Deore 9 speed
Brakes: Shimano Deore LX
Crankset: FSA Dynadrive
Gearing: 22/32/44 front, 11/32 rear

Yes, it is a bit of a frankenbike, but it works darn good, with emphasis on the darn.

Now, I have some problems with it, I want to mount a rear rack, and possible panniers, to it, but it has a compact frame, and I can't seem to find a suitable rack. (I don't want to use a seatpost rack, they look kind of ghetto) Does anyone know of a suitable rack?

Heres some pictures:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...e/PICT1384.jpg

And an action shot:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ite/img221.jpg

See what I mean?

Also, before I go I am going to have to replace the fork 'cause I bent it doing some sweet jumps. I'd prefer a rigid one, any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for the help.

can't help ya with the rack... but I have a question. I rode the C&O on a mtn bike a few years ago and it was fine. I am now wondering if I could do it on a hybrid -- depends on the tires I think. Are yours smoth?
Do you need those 35 tires or could you do it on 32, 28, or 25?

I've never rode the C&O, come this June, I will start on my first trip. But from people I've talked to, I'm under the impression that my hybrid will be fine.

I think using the Schwinn is a good choice for the C&O Canal Trail. One thing I didn't mention over at C&V is that the almost complete flatness of the trail means the need for gears is non existent. Adding a larger chainring might be a good idea.

I was able to install a Topeak rack designed for an MTB with disk brakes on my daughter's Cannondale Comfort 400. It also has 700c X 38 tires and a compact frame. It was about the third rack from the LBS. I suggest taking the bike to the LBS to see what they can fit. I wish I had a picture of her's, but here is a link and a stock photo.

http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Explore.../dp/B000FIAVHE

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...AL._SS400_.jpg

I see, however I run into yet another dilemma, my hybrid doesn't have those seat-stay side braze ons...

I will check my LBS when I'm a little less poor.

Pinch the bracket with the seat adjustment screw or go the the hardware store and pick up some electrical tubing clamps, they come in all kinds of sizes
Looking at you bike you can also use you brake mounting screws. just get some longer screw and two 1/4 spacers and bend the brackets to fit. use the
spacer to keep the bracket from interfering with the brake movement

I really like the idea of mounting the rack to my brake bosses. Thanks Timber8.

Take a close look at my wife's Super Sport. I used the clamps Timber mentions for both the rear rack and to attach the chainguard. They work very well.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...tyrearside.jpg

This is my front rack mounted to my front brakes

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...024640x480.jpg

http://www.oldmanmountain.com/Pages/...RearRacks.html

Old Man Mountain White Rock rack supports up to 40lbs
http://www.oldmanmountain.com/Pages/...ck-V-Brake.jpg

Here's an account of my 2009 Montour/GAP/C & O tour, which I rode on my Trek 7.5 fx:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...r-GAP-C-O-Tour

The OP might want to consider picking up a trailer for his trip. But if he's comfortable with everything on his rear rack, then use that. (I don't think a seatpost rack will be durable enough for the trip, since most of them have a low weight limit.)

I hope the OP rides the GAP as well. As nice as the C & O is, the mountain terrain of the GAP is beautiful.