sacrilegious question
 

This may offend some of you purists, but here it goes.

I am thinking of putting a rear seat post rack on my new cdale road bike. Any recommendations on super light weight and easy to remove racks? I would need it to hold a small bag that could carry a small meal (veggie) and maybe a camera (dslr and 55mm fixed lens). Don't really need full panniers.

Was thinking something like
http://www.axiomgear.com/products/ge...ring-seatpost/

Or
http://www.rei.com/product/697096/to...ype-and-a-type

Just has to be super easy to take off when I don't need to carry stuff (like my workout rides). Anyone use something similar and have recommendations? Are there "systems" that are available (i.e. interchangeable)?

Thanks

I've used them in years past (riding a recumbent now, so.. not appropriate for my rides).

So long as you don't exceed their carrying capacity they are quite functional.

Initially, I intended to do as you say you're planning - put it on, take it off, rinse, repeat. Didn't work out that way after the fourth time putting it on. Just wasn't worth the time/effort and it weighed so little I don't think it affected my speed whatsoever. I eventually left it on permanently - all the while considering it semi-permanent.

I don't remember the manufacturer or model I had - I got it off eBay for about $15 used.

Moved to Road from Electronics, Lighting & Gadgets.

About your only option is going to be a rack mount that, as you show, attaches to the seat post. Some are picky on looks, and it will mark up the seat post, and only carry 20 pounds max, as I recall.

Most roadies I know use a messenger bag. Computer, clothes to change in at work...if you are commuting. Can carry more weight.

I've tried the seatpost style rack and was pretty disapointed. It can't hold much weight and sways from side to side (I couldn't get it tight enough not to) when loaded.

I'm starting to see that (not staying put) as a trend in the reviews of similar seat post mounted racks. I think I may just go with a backpack for the days I need it. It does seem like a hassle to put on and off, but I like being able to take my dslr with me when I'm out... the backpack would also allow me, when I want, to carry bigger, heaver lenses as well (albeit not very often when cycling).

It would also be less jarring on your sensitive camera equipment.

There are a number of seat bags that are big enough fora dslr, and several lenses, plus, jacket, food, etc.

A Carradice bag might work well for you.

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/carradice.asp

Check out the seat bags that Carousel Designworks sell. There is another company that sells some like them too. They have a model named the Pika I think but I can't think of the brand name. They might suit your purpose.

Edit: Revelate Designs is the other one.

I first got what I considered a really affordable seat post rear rack and was very disappointed that (1) it didn't stay put and (2) it didn't hold any real weight. I then moved to a very reliable rack from OLD MAN MOUNTAIN that attached to the frame. I do not keep my panniers on there when I'm not using them (they come on and off very easy and I got them from Arkel).

I guess I'm just assuming that their frame doesn't have rack mounts or else they wouldn't be looking at seat post mounted racks.

Take a look at this seatpost mounted bag from revelate designs. I have one of their gas tank bags and I am very happy with it.

https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog?CategoryID=4&ProductID=7

The trouble with any storage is that you start to put stuff in it. In the context of a seat post rack, I personally don't like them due to the temptation to overload them. I'd stick to a backpack, frame bag etc. You can get a nice hydration pack that will carry water nicely and have a good amount of room for other things like food or tools.

The other up side to a backpack is that you aren't leaving things on the bike if you lock up and walk away. It's easy to forget you left a wallet or keys in a bag on the bike... I have a heavy rear rack and a tail bag and I have to frequently think about what I've put in the bag before I ever walk away from the bike if I lock it up...or I have to remove the bag and take it with me.

That's one monster saddle bag.

The one drawback I see with that is that it needs a lot of exposed seatpost. Might not work on the OP's bike.

IMO, you'd be better served with a simple, nice backpack.

Much simpler, no need to attach/remove from bike, can be used for other purposes, will not affect weight distribution of bike as much as a panier or rack, etc

YMMV

Why would you get that instead of just throwing your stuff into a backpack? I'd rather have the weight on me than on the bike. And if you put something like that on, you will not want to remove it a lot. It would take a lot of time and hassle.

Edit: seems like I was 5 minutes late to post this. Anyway, I carry a backpack whenever I need to bring something along. If it's warm your back will get sweaty but that's the only downside.

^ I'd infinitely rather have the bike carry the weight instead of me. Also back packs are hot on your back.

Another option, in lieu of a saddle bag, or in combination with a small saddle bag is a frame bag.

Heh thats the small one. The clearances required are listed so fit can be determined easily.

Not at all... The Racks from Old Man Mountain allow you to mount thru your real wheel hub -- you don't need to mount it to your frame. I guess I didn't explain that.

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

...or a handlebar bag that Velcros in place when needed?

Thanks, but the Pika is way too small. The terrapin would even be too small, which is why I was thinking a seat post rack with a bag I could pull on/off and when not using I could completely leave the rack at home.

I don't want to put a rack system on this bike at all since I have my "mule" (trek 7.5 FX WSD) for hauling crap (I've got panniers and can interchange with my basket when needed).

I just wanted a tad more capacity than my tiny saddle bag. It wouldn't be too frequently, but when I want to go shoot or stop for a long lunch when riding the cdale, I thought a removable rack might be a good option, but it sounds to be more trouble than it is worth.

After all, I am thinking my backpack might be the best bet. My bag has room for a bladder and still has a good capacity for stashing stuff. In any case, it will certainly make the budget master happy that I am not spending more for another item for the bike!

You're looking at it wrong. This means there is more money to spend on something else for the bike.

I'm not so sure about that. The Pika's maximum capacity is 12 liters. The Viascha is 14 liters. The Camel back mule by comparison is 12 liters. Unless you're carrying a pretty big pack, it's not going to carry more gear than many of the saddle bags that are available.

Dill Pickle Gear http://www.dillpicklegear.com/ is worth checking out. The ability to customize your bag is really nice. My husband ordered a small saddlebag a few months ago, and I'm really impressed with its quality and functionality. I'm hoping I can purloin it for my commute a couple days a week without him noticing...

This might be light enough (just over a pound) that you won't bother taking it off for your workout rides: http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categ...neur-rack.html