rack install questions
 

not very mechanical and new to bikes. Bought a Bor Yeuh rack and it doesn't have instructions. I've finally figured out where most of the nuts and screws go but am missing a few. My bike frame has a couple of metal studs that look like they can be removed with an allen wrench. Are these meant to be removed and replaced with mounting screws for an accessory? If so, anybody know the typical size so I can pick up the missing parts for my rack?



http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photo...-NCL-ANGLE.jpg

A picture of the mounting points on the bike or a model name would help;) I suspect the "metal studs" are your mounting screws if they are like the ones I use. Typically the thread on these is an M5-.80x10mm I would get stainless if at all possible.

Aaron:)

Here's a picture from Sheldon Brown's Glossary page. http://sheldonbrown.com/glossary My Bike is a Raleigh Detour 3.0, aluminum frame and is virtually the same as the picture. The piece in question is visible at the bend of the noodle. My metric allen wrenches are at work but 5/32 was a close fit.

Yep those are your rack bolts. You should be able to unscrew them put the rack up and put the screws back in.

Aaron:)

great! and thanks for the size info. will head to the hardware store when the weather clears a bit. picking up a bike repair book from amazon :) also also checking out the videos from expertvillage.com and parktools.com so I don't have to ask too many silly questions.

Not silly questions IMHO everybody has to learn. I like the Park Tools sites tutorials, as well as their tools.

Aaron:)

As stated, the best hardware is M5 stainless steel allen bolts: pick the correct length. Those going into tubes should be short enough not to touch the far side. Those going through the dropouts need a couple of threads exposed on the inside. There is usually no need for a bolt at the end of the nut unless the threads in your frame are worn out.
Washers are recomended between the allen bolt head and rack hardware. Smear the bolts with a very light film of grease to prevent siezing. If you use the same hole for mounting rack and fender stays, the rack goes against the bike frame, the fender stays goes outside.