Need recommendation; rack adapter for a frame with no braze ons

[DogpawSlim]

As the title says, I'm looking to mount a rear rack on a frame with no upper or lower braze ons.

The only solution I have found is this; http://www.bikebagshop.com/tubus-qr-adapter-for-cargo-vega-fly-cosmo-and-carry-p-1032.html?gclid=CMuH2qyig60CFUsaQgodDDegCg. $30 seems steep for a couple inch-long pieces of aluminum.

As I see it, my options are: buy this thing, have braze ons brazed on, or use p-clamps front and bottom, which seems like a bad idea. Anyone have any suggestions?

[TimmyB]

How much weight are you trying to carry? P-clamps (get the kind with the rubber sleeve) should work just fine if the load's not too heavy...

[EricEstlund]

The Tubus adapter you linked to, as well as the Tubus seat stay clamps are superior products. Another variation is to use the QR adapter or stay clamps just above the drop out, and a single mount rack like the Fly to mount behind the brake at the bridge.

The QR adapter helps prevent rotation around the stay at the base of the rack.

[cnighbor1]

I use them all the time
heavy duty and many diameters
Charles

[DogpawSlim]

I won't have more than 20lbs, but it would be off road, so I'm wary of mounting the lower legs of the rack with p-clamps.

I suppose I shouldn't cheap out here...I'll go with the Tubus adapters, or an Old Man Mountain.

[TimmyB]

I won't have more than 20lbs, but it would be off road, so I'm wary of mounting the lower legs of the rack with p-clamps.

I suppose I shouldn't cheap out here...I'll go with the Tubus adapters, or an Old Man Mountain.
Ya I would be weary of p clamps on the bottom for the criteria you suggested. I take back my suggestion. At least you get another QR with the tubus adapters ;)

[jpw]

Old Man Mountain?

[xjoex]

I have used the tubus rack adapters on my CX bike for touring. They are very solid. P-clamps are good for fenders, but when weight comes in to play they don't work well.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dt1Jssak0Rk/TdnCLbQUMBI/AAAAAAAADeA/qo_ym-sIPw0/s800/IMG_5178.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T8P1yX_N5Qs/TdnBiXlcvBI/AAAAAAAADd8/6CzH9eO2FiM/s800/IMG_5177.JPG

More pics and what not: http://robonza.blogspot.com/2011/05/review-tubus-rack-mounting-solutions.html

-Joe

[rpettet]

Old Man Mountain?

They make great racks.

[mvrider]

The OMM and Tubus products are really nice, but when I searched for a more economical solution, I found the Axiom Streamliner:
http://www.axiomgear.com/products/gear/racks/narrow-rear/streamliner-road-dlx/

Like the OMM, the vertical struts attach to the bike through the skewers. A single strut attaches to the brake bridge. The system works well, but only for light loads.

However, what I found when I used this on my Trek 5200 for commuting is that the load in the back made the bike handle horribly. No fun at all. I ended up getting an old steel touring bike for commuting, and my ride became much more comfortable.

[cp43]

For the top part, you can get something like this:

http://aebike.com/product/problem-solvers-seatpost-clamp-34.9-w-rack-mounts-black-sku-st0687-qc30.htm

I haven't used one, but I'd be happier with that than p-clamps for mounting a rack.

Chris

[mvrider]

Ah, just noticed that Axiom sells something similar to that Problem Solvers clamp, in more sizes:
http://www.axiomgear.com/products/gear/racks/rack-accessories/trekk-seat-collar/

[TimmyB]

I have used the tubus rack adapters on my CX bike for touring. They are very solid. P-clamps are good for fenders, but when weight comes in to play they don't work well.
I don't think that's entirely true. For the bottom mount, I agree. But for the top, p-clamps work just fine (the kind with the rubber coating/liner, that is). When I modify the rando bike for touring, I have a tubus tara outfitted with pclamps since my fork has no mid-fork eyelets. I have put way too much weight in those panniers and there have never been any issues. Similarly, the seat-stays on that bike have no eyelets for a rack. P-clamps have never let me down. That being said, both racks are attached to the fender eyelets, where the bulk of the weight is centered. Like anything, YMMV.

[DogpawSlim]

Thanks everybody. The seatpost clamp adapter looks solid. Do the Tubus adapters get skewed out relative to each other?

I'm still leaning towards Old Man Mountain (http://www.oldmanmountain.com/Pages/RackPages/RearRacks.html), as it seems like the most solid solution.

[gdw]

Are you planning to use this set-up for mountain biking or dirt road touring?