KC8QVO

Are there any inexpensive steel rear racks you would recommend? I'd like something that has the mounting bars on the sides, not just the top plate. Inexpensive is the key. I want to fabricate a front/rear set, but need something in the mean time. I'd like steel because I can weld it back together if it does break. Something that will hold 30-40lbs would be ideal, but not critical. My idea is to strap my backpack to it for shorter day or overnight runs.

Sixty Fiver

Wald's rear steel rack is a good value at under $30.00

Wald Chrome Rack

bwgride

Another: Ventura Universal Bicycle Carrier Rack

Amazon.com: Ventura Universal Bicycle Carrier Rack: Sports & Outdoors

fietsbob

If you can do that much why not just weld one up, yourself in the 1st place, in your workshop?

the tops of normal rear racks are narrow, 6" or less , so sticking the back pack on top of it will be unstable.

think amortizing a quality 4130 tube steel rack as an investment. 3/8", 10mm .. tube is often used .

tarwheel 

Generally speaking, the best and most expensive rear racks are steel -- such as Tubus. Less expensive racks tend to be aluminum. If you are looking for an inexpensive, good quality rear rack, the Planet Bike KOKO is a great option. I got one for about $30 new at my bike shop, and it's supposed to be able to handle loads up to 50 lbs or so. Tubus racks all cost more than $100 these days.

3speed

If you're only going to be carrying 30-40lbs max, and are worried about breakage, you could get an Axiom rack. They're rated for loads well above your intended weight, so even though they're aluminum, you shouldn't have to worry about the breakage issue. I believe mine is rated for 100lbs, but still isn't too heavy since it's hollow aluminum tubing. I've personally sat on it(150lbs) and pressed it with a pretty hefty force in each direction to make sure it's stable, and it will definitely stand up to it's ratings and is very solidly mounted on the bike. The rack I have was ~$30 if I recall correctly.

KC8QVO

I ended up ordering one of these:
Amazon.com: Ventura Universal Bicycle Carrier Rack: Sports & Outdoors

$20 shipped. It doesn't have the side mounting bars, but is steel.

The issue with fabricating is mostly time. I need to grab the welder from a family member 3 states away. When I have time to break away I'll make a trip back. Need to take some other things back anyway. I have some dimensions wrote down, so I'll work on sketching up some drawings here maybe this weekend. Which brings up a question - one of my riding partners' front racks is just side mounts for bags, no top plate. Can anyone think of a good reason why a top plate would be nice or just stick to the side mounts? When I get some drawings together I'll start up another thread to keep these separate.

RhinoDave

I use an inexpensive front mount rack for temporary short haul items such as a six pack of beer, a gallon of water, a bag of ice, a sack dinner from Subway, etc. Most of the time it's empty but it does come in handy once in a while.

Sixty Fiver

The 4130 tubing I use in our custom racks costs more than cheaper steel racks which are often made from less expensive bar stock, besides the torch and brazing / welding materials one should also have a good tube bender and a good alignment system (jig) to make sure the alignment is spot on.

Nice thing about custom or building you own is that you can set the width and length to suit your needs.

fietsbob

seen a bolt together angle iron rack made before .. there is extruded aluminum angle too ...

aluminum bar/rod stock dominates the rack biz of late .. NB: 70's blackburn originals are still in service ..

Sixty Fiver

I have vintage Blackburn racks on my touring bike... I can't see why I would replace them even though I can roll my own.

The plus to steel is that the service life is nearly indefinite and that they can be repaired if they suffer damage whereas aluminum racks don't take to being bent and straightened... the weight difference between steel and aluminium is negligible since the steel tubing is thin walled and rather light.

fietsbob

over 25 years and 3_3+ mo. long European tours .. to depreciate the cost of my BruceGordon racks ...

Doug64

+1

I have been using Blackburn racks for over 30 years without a failure.

Ironically, the only rack that I had that failed was a Tubus Cargo. One of the welds failed. They replaced it, but...........

KC8QVO

Those that have had racks break on the road - what have you done as a road side fix? Duct tape? Electric tape? Zip ties? Bailing wire or metal coat hanger? Any of those? All of those?