I just bought a Bridgestone RB-T to use as a daily rider/ commuter. I really like the bike. I would like it even more if it could be set up to occasionally take off on an extended tour with rack and panniers. The current fork is lacking all of the necessities for a front rack. This brings me to my question. Is it best to just buy a new fork with the braze-ons and eyelets for rack and fenders? Is it possible to have my fork modified to accept a rack? Any opinions/testimonials on the racks such as Old Man Mountain, that will fit any fork without much added effort?

I appreciate all responses and ideas.

I never used an OMM but I have only heard a lot of praise for them and don't think you could go wrong. I believe this rack only works w/ bikes w/ brake bosses which I believe your bike has? This would be the deal breaker. If it does work, the rack would also give you the option of using it on a MTB for a little expedition touring if you were inclined and would also save you from having to remove the crown race and have the fork painted. If I were in your shoes, I would probably go with this rack, but....

I had an early 90s MB1 and the fork had nothing on it in the way of braze-ons. I guess this was before Grant realized the benefits of fenders and racks. I took it to R and E Cycles in Seattle and they installed three sets of braze-ons. The cost was about $80 but this is about 15 years ago. I rattle canned it but if I did it again, I would powder coat which would not cost much more than $30. After this, I put about 20,000 miles on it. This way would give you more rack options. If you do go this route, make sure you use the type of eyelets that come out flush with the fork itself. The kind you see on seat stays for the rear rack. They are nice in that you don't need spacers depending on what rack you use and there is a lot more contact area for the weld.

But again, an OMM would be much simpler.

You`ve got fender mounts on your fork, don`t you? I have a `91 and it`s got em, anyway. You can probably use a couple of small spacers to mount the bottom of your rack to the fender bosses with P-clips up top and be all set. If that sounds too flaky for your tastes, or you plan on really heavy loads, your skewer mounted rack plan would probably be the next easiest. I`ve heard nothing but good about OMM either, but they sure are expensive. I think Axiom or some other mfg is now offering more economical skewer mounted racks- google around a bit and maybe you can find one.

I found one- looks like not many US dealers, but one is enough.
https://bicyclesource.us/product/axio...ck-36831-1.htm