I bought a 2014 Trek 520 and have been spending the past couple weeks buying touring gear. I'll be biking 1800 down the pacific coast next month and I'm starting to dip into my actual trip budget. I seriously did not think it would be so expensive to buy equipment and I already had most of my gear unrelated specifically to the bike. At this point I only need a front rack. I'm planning on using the stock rear rack, viz., the Bontrager Deluxe Interchange rear rack. Does any one know if this is the same stock rack that's been on the 520 for years? I really can't afford both a rear and front rack right now.

I've been looking at the Jandd Extreme Front rack, which I've found for $75 online. That is the absolute highest I can afford. I'd prefer to find a rack under $50. Is this a good rack? I hear the Tubus Tara frequently recommended, but its $100 price tag is too high for me.

Are there any other good front rack options? And will my stock Bontrager rear rack be ok for a pacific coast tour? I'm not sure how much weight I will be carrying, but I will make sure it is 40 lbs or under for the rear. The max load for the rear rack is 50 lbs.

MEC here in Canada used to sell an inexpensive (20 or 25$) aluminum lowrider front rack, kind of a Blackburn knockoff. I suspect places like Nashbar or other American bike places sell something similar that will work fine if you keep the load in the front panniers down, as my old Blackburn has over the years.

You dont need an expensive rack to have fun, just one that is functional and reasonably made.

others should have suggestions, perhaps check out REI online etc if you are in the States.

Chinese have copied the 70's Blackburn low rider hoop rack , the original was good.. packs flat for when you box the bike to fly to your trip start/return.

Check out REI for the Racktime Frontit front rack ($60.00). Made by Tubus (I believe) and seems to be pretty solid. I have the Racktime Addit rear rack and it works very well. I haven't installed the Frontit yet, but I have no doubts that I'll be pleased.

Racktime Frontit is a great rack for the money if you have mid fork eyelets. Most model years of 520's do…
I have two of these racks. One on my converted mtn bike touring rig and the other on a LHT.
Highly recommended.
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