cervelo48

I've read only wonderful reviews for tubus bike racks and no other brand/type of rack seems to share the same type of status as tubus racks.

Tubus racks cost approx. four times as much as other racks. Is it really that good? I'm considering a planet bike rack [$20]. Is there something I don't know about bike racks that I should?

rodar y rodar

Yeah, they do cost a few bucks, don`t they? Do you have a local shop with a good variety of racks in stock that you can actually see and fondle? I`d say go there with the bike you plan to use (and panniers, providing you already have them) and see for yourself how the fit and feel of various racks is for you. I have no doubt that Tubus and OMM products are absolutely top notch, but I betcha you can get a way with less and not much miss that stuff.

I have a Topeak rear rack on my commuter/tourer that I have a few minor complaints against, but for about $30 it`s been plenty good for two years worth of commute duty and several weekend tours. Will it last as long as a Tubus? I doubt it, but it`ll last long enough to get my thirty Dollars worth out of it. I`ve already gotten that, and it`s still going strong. Same probably goes for Blackburn, Axiom, etc.

On the other hand, I also have an even less expensive rack that I throw on my road bike from time to time for carrying a little extra gym bag. I ordered it sight unseen for the purpose that I now use the Topeak for, and when it arrived and I actually had it in my hands, I decided that I didn`t want to trust that chintzy P.O.S. with any real weight or for frequent use. That`s when I grabbed my check book and marched down to my local REI, and walked out shortly after with the Topeak. Just be sure to check it out in person, if possible, and make sure it feels solid and fits well on your bike, gives you enough heel and tying room, doesn`t let the panniers fight with your spokes.

cyclist2000

Also depends on what you are using the rack for. Are you going touring for months at a time or are you running to the store? Loaded panniers or a trunk bag? I have used blackburn racks for loaded touring with no problems but I only tour a week at a time.

Cyclebum

You might want to consider the Topeak Explorer rack. The Planet Bike and Topeak Explorer are basically the same design and price. I have used the Explorer for 4 years and many loaded touring miles with zero complaints. The Explorer sports 3 bracing struts vs 2 for the Planet Bike. As well as the strength issue, the third strut could help keep a weak pannier out of the spokes.

https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-6310703...N%3DB000FIE3WI

mulveyr 

I have a Tubus Cargo that came with my Sojourn. My wife has one of the PB racks that the LBS put on her LHT when she bought it. Construction wise, there's no comparison - the Cargo is *much* stronger - better welds, less flex, etc. On the other hand, the Cargo is overkill for the sort of weekend/credit card riding we do. The PB is just fine for that, weighs half as much, and cost 1/4 of the Cargo.

So honestly, it depends on what you're planning to put on the rack. If you'll only have a few pounds, any PB/Blackburn/etc rack will be just fine.