Disc vs Non-disc Rack
08-15-17 | 09:32 AM
#1
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Disc vs Non-disc Rack
The disc breaks on my bike don't really extend laterally beyond where the bike rack will connect to the rack. The bike rack I'm thinking of getting (Topeak Supertourist DX) comes in disc and non-disc versions. Is there a reason to get one vs the other ? It seems like the disc version might not be as strong, but I'm not sure. If I don't need the clearance, should I get the regular ? (Picture is not perfect, I can take a pic from behind when I get home...)
Thanks.
Thanks.
08-15-17 | 12:52 PM
#2
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Madison, WI
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
If you can fit either rack, then think about the future or perhaps other things like fenders.
If you get the non-disc, might you have trouble using that rack on other bikes you buy later if you have a disc unit that is in the way? It is getting harder to find new bikes with rim brakes, who knows what the choices will be in a decade? In part I ask this question because my Tubus Logo has been used on three different touring bikes.
Non-disc - the rack is probably a bit narrower, makes the bike a bit narrower, that can be a minor advantage if traveling. Make sure that this rack will work with the panniers you want and with the disc unit in place. In other words, would the disc brake unit and this rack interfere with the lower hook on a pannier? If so, that might be an issue.
I do not know if you plan to use fenders or not. With the design of the mounts on the Lynskey, if you used the disc version that might allow you to put the rack on the lower mounting point and fender stays on the upper mounting point, lowering the rack slightly.
Those are the issues I would be thinking of if I was in your shoes.
If you get the non-disc, might you have trouble using that rack on other bikes you buy later if you have a disc unit that is in the way? It is getting harder to find new bikes with rim brakes, who knows what the choices will be in a decade? In part I ask this question because my Tubus Logo has been used on three different touring bikes.
Non-disc - the rack is probably a bit narrower, makes the bike a bit narrower, that can be a minor advantage if traveling. Make sure that this rack will work with the panniers you want and with the disc unit in place. In other words, would the disc brake unit and this rack interfere with the lower hook on a pannier? If so, that might be an issue.
I do not know if you plan to use fenders or not. With the design of the mounts on the Lynskey, if you used the disc version that might allow you to put the rack on the lower mounting point and fender stays on the upper mounting point, lowering the rack slightly.
Those are the issues I would be thinking of if I was in your shoes.
08-17-17 | 08:18 AM
#3
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
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some racks like Tubus, include a mount on the rack, for mudguards, separately..
... so you mount the rack on the bike, then mount the mudguard struts on the rack.
Longer bolts & spacers can gain width on a frame that may take a non disc rack but still need a little more clearance..
....
... so you mount the rack on the bike, then mount the mudguard struts on the rack.
Longer bolts & spacers can gain width on a frame that may take a non disc rack but still need a little more clearance..
....
Last edited by fietsbob; 08-17-17 at 08:26 AM.
08-17-17 | 08:43 AM
#4
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I purchased this rack a year ago and have been on three short, week long, trips so far. I have the disc version.
As for the strength, I would say it is fine.
I've taken about 25 lbs of stuff on super bumpy gravel roads without an issue. I've even given my 45 lb niece a ride.
The bolts that hold it to the eyelets at the wheel aren't really any longer than a standard rack bolt, if that is what you are worried about. The hole in the rack for the bolt is recessed quite a bit.
As for the strength, I would say it is fine.
I've taken about 25 lbs of stuff on super bumpy gravel roads without an issue. I've even given my 45 lb niece a ride.
The bolts that hold it to the eyelets at the wheel aren't really any longer than a standard rack bolt, if that is what you are worried about. The hole in the rack for the bolt is recessed quite a bit.
