help picking a rear rack

[rcannon100]

How much volume are we talking? Are you packing three pizza’s and an order of garlic bread – or some Cheetos?

Seat Bags

These can be amazingly not small

There are these weird things from Topeak.

[worktheweb]

I have a Tubus Cargo, it is a great rack. It has taken punishment for thousands of miles of heavy use and heavy loading.

I used to ride a cheap aluminum rack from Performance Bike (TransIt), and that was a mistake. It failed quite dramatically. I use my rack a lot harder than you will, I commute with a pannier and rack trunk everyday and enjoy fully loaded touring with significant weight on both my front and rear racks. That said, I like steel because it does not fail the way that aluminum does.

There are seat post mounted versions like this one that are easy to take on and off of the bike, so you’d only have it on when you want to use it. The video on their page shows them installing the thing in just a few seconds. I haven’t used this one, but I do use the company’s panniers, and they are built like tanks. If you’re not loading the thing down like crazy, that might be a good option.

In terms of what to put on the rack, I use Arkel’s Bug Backpack, albeit a much older version, everyday for my commute. It hooks onto the pannier effortlessly, holds a ton, and is comfortable on my back when I’m off the bike. I also use their TailRider Trunk Bag daily for my breakdown kit, a rain jacket, keys, wallet, glasses, and other random stuff. It is surprisingly big – I can even fit a U-Lock in there when I’m not using the bug (which holds one, too). Either one would hold lunch, clothes, and a bunch of other stuff.

As for a handlebar bag, know that if you have significant weight in there, it will make the handling of your bike a lot different. I have used bags and also front panniers, and unless I’m touring and need the space, I much prefer having the cargo on the back of the bike.

[Tania]

The Arkel trunk bag velcros on – if I can Velcro/bungee it down securely to a Tubus Fly them I’m all set. The Fly is light enough that I won’t care that it’s on there full time.

The Cargo would give me more bag options I guess. But you’ve ridden with me: I’m slow-ish, and I often struggle. So the weight IS a consideration.

[dasgeh]

@worktheweb 113117 wrote:

There are seat post mounted versions like this one that are easy to take on and off of the bike, so you’d only have it on when you want to use it. The video on their page shows them installing the thing in just a few seconds. I haven’t used this one, but I do use the company’s panniers, and they are built like tanks. If you’re not loading the thing down like crazy, that might be a good option.

I’ve used this on a bike without mounts (does yours have them?) and it worked fine. It does not work with panniers, only trunk bags, so it sounds like it would work for you. But, you may realize that you like getting stuff off your back, and then you’ll want to be able to use panniers.

[dasgeh]

@Tania 113118 wrote:

I’m slow-ish, and I often struggle. So the weight IS a consideration.

I find that carrying stuff lower (ie. in panniers) actually helps. So yes, you’re adding 2 lbs because of the rack, but the bulk of the weight from your stuff is in a better place. Might be worth the trade off

[Tania]

@dasgeh 113119 wrote:

I’ve used this on a bike without mounts (does yours have them?)

Um….yes? Maybe? Er…I think so? I know it has mounts for a rack but not sure if these are the mounts you are looking for.

@dasgeh 113119 wrote:

But, you may realize that you like getting stuff off your back, and then you’ll want to be able to use panniers.

dcv informed me that I’ll never be a “real” roadie while I continue to use my hydration pack. But I loathe squeezy bottles and you don’t want to be biking near me as I struggle to get the bottle out of the cage and drink and then drop it on the ground as I struggle to get it back into the cage. So I’ll likely always have a backpack (I’m used to it).

[Raymo853]

Consider frame bags:
http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FFP
OR a small handlebar bag
http://www.jandd.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamCat=3&iLevel=2&subcat=10

[Anonymous]

Pm me if you want a used topeak explorer. Free, just find a way to come get it or meet me somewhere. If you don’t like it, hey it was free, pass it on to someone else. Though, with a 44cm bike you probably need extra long mounting thingies which I don’t have extras of and do cost small amounts of money, but I am an experienced rack-on-small-bike fitter and can show you what you need. Btw, this (mounting geometry for small bike) is probably something you need to consider with any rack you choose, would be my guess. Sorry to possibly scramble your brain more. But it is not my fault!! It is the fault of people who manufacture bike accessories made to fit “average” bikes!

btw, if you really are going to use it only occasionally and don’t want it the rest of the time, I have found that the initial installation and getting the set-up right and the rack level can be a bit fussy, but once that’s done it is a fairly quick job to take it on and off. Four screws. Just make sure the screws are with the rest of the rack, not lost somewhere and it is a couple minutes to do.

And if Tania doesn’t want it, does anyone else?

[KayakCyndi]

I’m going to buck the trend here — get a bigger backpack and one with expansion capabilities. Dickie steered me to the Vaude Splash 20+5 and I love it. When the +5 is expanded I have room for most everything. The only time I wish for more space is if I’m forced to carry my laptop. My usual load is lunch and work clothes. The Splash will take a hydration bladder too but know that it will also take up space.

[Tania]

You know, I think I agree with you Cyndi. The more I research racks, the more I realize I need to keep researching racks. The easiest solution for now is just to run to REI and get a roomier pack. My 33L is really just too big for day hikes/climbs etc so it would be multi-purpose.

BTW, you are now my official Bike Accessory Guru.

[KayakCyndi]

@Tania 113132 wrote:

…. official Bike Accessory Guru.

I wonder if I can make that be my forum “type”. I like it much better than “senior member”.

Also, when going to REI take your helmet. Here is why. Many backpacks are too long for us short torso-ed folks. I found that several I tried on felt fine when standing but when simulating a riding position with a helmet on the backpack would hit my helmet and be really awkward. Look for something that comes in torso sizes get a xs/small. Osprey makes a couple that REI sells. Oh and look in both REI’s bike and general backpack section. They seem to spread out the packs a little. Happy shopping!

[rcannon100]

@Tania 113132 wrote:

BTW, you are now my official Bike Accessory Guru.

Damn, another job I didnt get.

[Phatboing]

@Tania 113132 wrote:

You know, I think I agree with you Cyndi. The more I research racks, the more I realize I need to keep researching racks. The easiest solution for now is just to run to REI and get a roomier pack. My 33L is really just too big for day hikes/climbs etc so it would be multi-purpose.

BTW, you are now my official Bike Accessory Guru.

If you want to try a couple of racks before deciding, I’m not using mine right now (roomier pack ) – I have a Topeak MTX thingummy, a Racktime Addit, and a Freeload (now Thule).

[KayakCyndi]

@rcannon100 113134 wrote:

Damn, another job I didnt get.

And really this is the only job I want!

[Steve O]

@Tania 113132 wrote:

You know, I think I agree with you Cyndi. The more I research racks, the more I realize I need to keep researching racks.

I carried my stuff in backpacks for a number of years. The first day I switched to a pannier I was happy, and I’ve never gone back. I would much rather not have stuff attached to my body, and I don’t really care about adding a little weight for the rack. I totally love my Arkel Shopper, because I can toss stuff into it literally on the fly (just today I noticed my ankle strap coming loose. I grabbed it and threw it in the pannier.)

But there are others here on the forum who prefer backpacks for some completely unimaginable reason. I don’t get it.

[Author]

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