Which style front rack?

[Netdewt]

I am looking for the right front rack. I've pored over all the options but I can't decide, so I thought I'd check with the collective. I'm not probably doing fully loaded touring on this bike, but I want to have some flexibility. Weight is not a huge concern - I know it'll be a heavy bike. Front load capacity of the bike is supposedly 20lb. I really like Rando bags and would like to run one full time.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20886311/spacehorse/spacehorse1.jpg

Full rack (Nitto, Surly, etc) - pannier ability built in, expensive, big
Canti rack (Nitto, VO) - very small, cheap, keeps fork bosses free for lowrider rack
Mid-fork rack (Nitto M1/M18) - may take some custom work, possibly sturdier, mid range cost
Porteur (VO, Pass&Stow) - huge platform, heavy, big, possible pannier capability, expensive, bags for them are ugly (IMO)

Another side question. In your experience, is a decaleur needed?

[thirdgenbird]

I'm inexperienced but voting the mid-fork style.

Its small but still carries the bag you want. Unlike the canti rack, it will work on a future disc frame that you may want.

[Netdewt]

I'm inexperienced but voting the mid-fork style.

Its small but still carries the bag you want. Unlike the canti rack, it will work on a future disc frame that you may want.

However the canti rack keeps options open for this bike, to use low-riders.

[jr59]

I voted mid, because of you wanting to use a rando box bag all the time.

Ir it was mine, I would want a porteur type that I could use front bags on.

Like this;

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/vo-porteur-rack.html

[palincss]

As to whether you need a decaleur: depends on the size of the bag. The small bags don't need one, the larger ones do. If you can rule out the tiny size bag based on your needs, then the size of the bag you get is largely determined by the distance between the rack and the decaleur. Mostly there isn't much adjustability in decaleurs; you have a basically fixed amount of space and you buy the bag of the right size to fill the available space.

[palincss]

Apropos of porteur racks: almost certainly this bike wasn't designed to use one and if you did use one you almost certainly wouldn't be happy.

It doesn't make much difference whether you mount a small rack off canti posts or off fork braze-ons, other than that chances are you might be able to get a stock rack to fit the canti posts; but if you're going to get a custom rack made to fit this bicycle anyway, it doesn't matter in terms of function which way you go.

[Netdewt]

I voted mid, because of you wanting to use a rando box bag all the time.

Ir it was mine, I would want a porteur type that I could use front bags on.

Like this;

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/vo-porteur-rack.html

I do like that you can hang panniers on the porteur. It's like a full rack + platform.

[Netdewt]

Apropos of porteur racks: almost certainly this bike wasn't designed to use one and if you did use one you almost certainly wouldn't be happy.

It doesn't make much difference whether you mount a small rack off canti posts or off fork braze-ons, other than that chances are you might be able to get a stock rack to fit the canti posts; but if you're going to get a custom rack made to fit this bicycle anyway, it doesn't matter in terms of function which way you go.

Porteur: they look like they have the potential to be clunky, and heavy!

I wouldn't be able to afford a full custom rack, it would be a Nitto M18 (very adjustable but I might need extended arms) or one of the other mini racks and I'd hope to be able to bend the rack to fit (notice how much lower my mid-fork bosses are vs. the one below). Either way, the canti rack sounds easier.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4971687882_7c80ec4767_o.jpg

[jr59]

Apropos of porteur racks: almost certainly this bike wasn't designed to use one and if you did use one you almost certainly wouldn't be happy.

It doesn't make much difference whether you mount a small rack off canti posts or off fork braze-ons, other than that chances are you might be able to get a stock rack to fit the canti posts; but if you're going to get a custom rack made to fit this bicycle anyway, it doesn't matter in terms of function which way you go.


I do like that you can hang panniers on the porteur. It's like a full rack + platform.

Palincss is correct in that the bikes geo would not allow you to use the platform as a true porter. BUT, and this is a big but. Using the top platform for a small bag/light type load. Maybe a bit more than a normal rando box type bag, should be fine. That and being able to use it for front panniers is a plus to me.

Loading it up with boxes and heavy type loads like a true porter is without question not what that bike was meant to do.

[thirdgenbird]

However the canti rack keeps options open for this bike, to use low-riders.

Good call. I'm torn between the two. It all depends on how much you try to carry long term. The canti mount also frees up the mid mount for a light(s) as we discussed. I'm not a fan of that clutter on my bars.

I really like how this thing is coming together btw. The pictures look great. You were lucky this frame was too short for me :)

[gomango]

I'm also torn between a canti mount or low riders.

I use low riders on two bikes, my Hollands and my Fargo.

On the Fargo, I also use a Revelate Tangle and a Pika. I don't need a bar bag, as I use a Gas Tank and a mountain feed bag.

On the John Hollands I use Frost River bags in addition to the Tubus low riders. A Sawbill Trail and a Caribou Trail are perfect for this frameset. Think light weight.

On my Bilenky though I use a Nitto canti mount with a Swift Ozette. This bike has the right geo to put on a larger rando bag. It rides/handles like a champ.

Here is what I would do with a Space Horse. I would go really light with a small rando bag. The Space Horse is going to handle like a truck if you aren't careful with too much weight.

Don't get carried away with size!

[yummygooey]

you probably want a decaleur to help keep the rando bag in place if you're going to be putting anywhere near 20lbs of stuff in it.

i have a small ozette with a VO decaleur and it is SOLID!

[Netdewt]

On my Bilenky though I use a Nitto canti mount with a Swift Ozette. This bike has the right geo to put on a larger rando bag. It rides/handles like a champ.

Here is what I would do with a Space Horse. I would go really light with a small rando bag. The Space Horse is going to handle like a truck if you aren't careful with too much weight.

Based on how it is described from All-City, I don't think I'll try to ever set up with front panniers. I'll have to switch to a true rando/650B setup if I want to do that. So, I think porteur and full are out.

The Paul Gino may work with the rack support sandwiched between it and the fork. But still, what do I gain from the mid-fork mount (besides possible future compatibility)? Also, the VO canti mount is $100 with integrated decaleur. If I need a decaleur, it might be the way to go.

http://store.velo-orange.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/530x530/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/p/a/pass_hunter_with_integrated_decaleur_1.jpg

The geometry of the frameset itself, is a mix of traditional road and touring geo's giving the bike agile head tube and seat tube numbers, a relatively short rear end, but with a lower than roadbike bottom bracket for increased stability while loaded. The tubeset was chosen with 30lbs rear and 20lbs front max loads in mind.

So, perhaps it makes the most sense to focus on lighter loads for the front. Rear loads may be easier to attach for single trips (those dual pannier setups), but all that can wait.

http://www.frontageroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-22-at-9.52.54-AM-344x350.png

i have a small ozette with a VO decaleur and it is SOLID!
I love your bike! Sometimes I wonder if I should have done the Soma. I've now passed on Soma for both of my recent builds... :rolleyes:

[R3awak3n]

I would do the M18 and put and rando bag on it. I have been fine without a decalleur but I dont care that much stuff on it.
I use the velcro and then use the hoops for the shoulder bag and run these through them and the rack
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A8C5P0/ref=oh_details_o09_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

its a black bag (large swift ozette) and you can barelly see the straps. Works really well, bounces a bit on bumps but on nice road its solid. I have no problem putting a decalleur on it but I really have not seen the need yet.

[Netdewt]

This Racktime Topit apparently mounts to the mid fork bosses and fork crown. Doesn't look so bad... a little more modern than the Nitto and VO racks.

Found in this very complete article about mid fork / low-rider mounted racks: http://twosixteen.com/fivetoedsloth/2010/10/top-racks-and-mid-fork-bosses/

http://www.bikebagshop.com/cart/images/racktime-topit-front-rack-silver-stock.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aeEG_IPGQ6M/TpuOX_kRdJI/AAAAAAAACME/_Vp-pBF8AfI/s800/HS_12.jpg

[thirdgenbird]

What bag do you plan to use? I'm thinking a Decaleur won't be needed. Like Grady said, keep it light and keep it simple. I think you may find yourself riding this bike a lot. You don't want a lot of "extras" on a normal ride.

I think the light mount would work with the mid fork boss, but you can also hand it off the rack if it comes with a set of bosses.

Soma makes some very nice bike, but you would have had a hard time finding one in this shape for the price. I wouldn't second guess that at all. If you upgrade down the road, you won't loose much at all on the experience.

[R3awak3n]

that more modern rack is really ugly. If you get a rando rack it will disappear under the rando bag.

If you want to mount the rack on the middle fork bosses then get a marks rack from riv and get the extra long nito poles. Works great, super secure.


You could also get a mini porteur rack like this:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/commute-accessories/glb-accessories/glb-porteur-front-rack

I have one, not currently on the bike that would sell for cheap but its pretty cheap from specialized too. It also mounts on the mid fork bosses and its sized btw a porteur rack and a rando rack, its quite nice actually.

[johngmartin]

Palincss is correct in that the bikes geo would not allow you to use the platform as a true porter. BUT, and this is a big but. Using the top platform for a small bag/light type load. Maybe a bit more than a normal rando box type bag, should be fine. That and being able to use it for front panniers is a plus to me.

Loading it up with boxes and heavy type loads like a true porter is without question not what that bike was meant to do.

Agreed. I run a (Soma) porteur on my commuter (IRO Rob Roy) that was obviously not designed for it, and I love it. With light loads (light backpack, normal commuting gear) it definitely negatively affects the handling, but not too badly and you quickly get used to it. Plus you have the option of cramming it full of groceries when you need to, without needing to worry about remembering your panniers, and you just be a bit more careful on the rest of the ride home to compensate for how badly the heavy weight ruins the handling.

That being said, I have a good friend who is 3/4 across the US on a coast-to-coast tour using an All City Space Horse and a Soma Porteur with a super heavy Freight bag, and he is doing just fine. Is it the way it is supposed to be? no. Could it be better? yes. Does he mind? Not at all. You get used to it and your body compensates when it is all you know. (I bet it would be hilarious to see him try to ride a unloaded road bike right now though... swerving all over the place). My point is only that it is possible!

I love porters, but they certainly come with trade-offs on most modern bikes. On your Space Horse, I would only recommend one for commuting with light loads and the occasional heavy load. Not for road rides, tours, or anything in between.

On my road bike, I personally prefer to go with no rack up front, and instead a handlebar bag (Ortlieb 5 or 6, or Swift Paloma) for long day rides and centuries. It's the lightest option, doesn't get in the way, is easily accessed, and it keeps the weight nice and balanced over your front hub's centerline. If it's a longer ride, I load up my tent and gear on a rear rack with panniers and bungie cords. For a really long tour, you can get a mid-fork rack and throw another set of panniers on it up front while keeping the handlebar bag up top.

http://i.imgur.com/3i1XRky.jpg

[gomango]

[QUOTE=Netdewt;1579923]This Racktime Topit apparently mounts to the mid fork bosses and fork crown. Doesn't look so bad... a little more modern than the Nitto and VO racks.

I wouldn't worry about looks so much for racks.

Stick with names like Nitto and Tubus. They cost a few more $$$ on the front end, but they are very well built. While you might not do long distance touring anytime soon, a Nitto Campee rack will last forever and a day at that rate.

I have some extra racks/panniers here if you want to try a front end load on the SH before you buy anything.

[palincss]

1. That rack is much too high.
2. Why do you think it more "modern" than a Nitto?

[Netdewt]

1. That rack is much too high.
2. Why do you think it more "modern" than a Nitto?

Yeah, I just saw it in the article and thought it looked "less traditional". Not getting that one.

The M18 becomes expensive once I have to buy longer support arms.

I think Nitto M12 (canti mount) is ideal here and I'll look into decaleurs when I get a bag.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5155/7168043094_35d3f0b087.jpg

[thirdgenbird]

Are you planning to get a bag that large? A smaller one wouldn't need a Decaleur.

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e7/35/97/e735976a488b941f62c7f963f0ddec0c.jpg

If you are planning to get a rear rack anyway, this may suit you fine. Front rack only would be a different story.

[Netdewt]

I like the design, but the plan is to fit shoes and work clothes, lunch, possibly a small laptop or camera gear. A rando bag looks awesome and seems like close to the right size. Not planning to think about rear racks until the build is complete. The front rack is too important for the rest of the build for me to put it off. I've seen way too many awesome rando bag clad bikes not to go for a rando bag. Maybe silly, but it's why I started this build!

[gomango]

Are you planning to get a bag that large? A smaller one wouldn't need a Decaleur.

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e7/35/97/e735976a488b941f62c7f963f0ddec0c.jpg

If you are planning to get a rear rack anyway, this may suit you fine. Front rack only would be a different story.

I like that set up's size.

My Swift Ozette isn't much larger, but it is plenty big to carry everything you might need for a long day trip.

Heck, I used that and my smaller Madden panniers for our 290 mile jaunt on my trip to our cabin two weeks ago.

Plenty of capacity. Just remember to keep the center of gravity low on the front end with panniers. Low riders are the ticket.

[Admiral Ackbar]

what bag is that? ^

[thirdgenbird]

It is an acorn. That's all I picked up.

[cinema]

However the canti rack keeps options open for this bike, to use low-riders.

Rivendell has released a new low rider option for it's marks rack.

http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/rmf2.htm

very awesome design. I would get it if my frame was designed for a front load but i've decided all surly frames are rear load biased. I might even put my marks rack up on the chopping block if you're interested, i just rarely put anything up front anymore.

[modernfuturist]

Stick with names like Nitto and Tubus.

Racktime is a subsidiary of Tubus. It's aluminum and not as durable as steel, but for a front rack it should be fine. My girlfriend has a Racktime rear rack and it's great quality for the price.

[Saguaro]

It is an acorn. That's all I picked up.

I have one of those Acorn Mini-Rando bags also and love it. Unfortunately they are discontinued. A Nitto Mark's Rack supports the bag.

I use this paired with a Nitto Big Back Rack and Ortleib Front Roller panniers for a lightweight touring setup. This contains everything I need to camp: tent, sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, titanium cookset, stove, fuel, fleece jacket, rain jacket, thermal base layer, gloves, fleece hat, tools, headlamp and more.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/9487214435_460f57cd83_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fsmsjF)[/url]

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/9490011946_02fd5a3800_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fsmsjF)[url=https://flic.kr/p/fsAMVC]

The bike now sports a Gemini Duo headlight mounted to the front fender with the battery pack stowed in the front bag side pocket.

If I was to set this up for credit card touring, I'd ditch the rear rack and panniers, and use an Acorn Medium Saddle Bag in place of the Tool Roll.

[burnses_suit]

Agreed. I run a (Soma) porteur on my commuter (IRO Rob Roy) that was obviously not designed for it, and I love it. With light loads (light backpack, normal commuting gear) it definitely negatively affects the handling, but not too badly and you quickly get used to it. Plus you have the option of cramming it full of groceries when you need to, without needing to worry about remembering your panniers, and you just be a bit more careful on the rest of the ride home to compensate for how badly the heavy weight ruins the handling.

That being said, I have a good friend who is 3/4 across the US on a coast-to-coast tour using an All City Space Horse and a Soma Porteur with a super heavy Freight bag, and he is doing just fine. Is it the way it is supposed to be? no. Could it be better? yes. Does he mind? Not at all. You get used to it and your body compensates when it is all you know. (I bet it would be hilarious to see him try to ride a unloaded road bike right now though... swerving all over the place). My point is only that it is possible!

I love porters, but they certainly come with trade-offs on most modern bikes. On your Space Horse, I would only recommend one for commuting with light loads and the occasional heavy load. Not for road rides, tours, or anything in between.


Rivendell has released a new low rider option for it's marks rack.

http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/rmf2.htm

very awesome design. I would get it if my frame was designed for a front load but i've decided all surly frames are rear load biased. I might even put my marks rack up on the chopping block if you're interested, i just rarely put anything up front anymore.

Reviving this old informative thread because after a year with my [now not-so] new surly troll, I'm thinking of heading into front-carrying options. For the last 20 years of serious biking its always been rear panniers. I'm thinking with the Jones bar a front rack would slay. So I've also been considering stuff like the soma porteur (plus ILE Porteur bag) but wondering if a Mark's rack might be better.

A few years later.. anybody have more thoughts or opinions to share?

[ColonelJLloyd]

I'd say you first need input from people who own the same frame. Some bikes with standard mid-trail design aren't fun to ride with more than a few pounds on the front and numbers on paper don't always tell you whether or not that's the case. I don't know the trail of the frame in question.

[R3awak3n]

I have had a front rando bag on a mid trail bike, it rode just fine. I mean low trail is definitely better for that but I really never had a problem and I loaded that sucker up a bunch.


I probably however would do a marks rack with a swift ozzette or similar rando bag up front, the porteur rack is huge and a porteur bag is also huge and I guess trail will play a bigger part if you want to carry that much up front and that high.

Regardless, front bags are awesome, you will love and use yours a bunch

[adamhell]

here is a horrible photo of my hunqapillar with a nitto 32F rack on it.
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/adamleibow/IMG_0292_zpsdxitxaox.jpg
it makes sense for a canti-only, (or i guess disc too) bike (since it takes full use of the fork crown hole), & it's great looking, but these smaller nitto racks DO have weight limits. if you buy a rack like this (32F, Mark's rack, M18), use an irish strap and http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/m3.htm to add some extra security to the rack. it really helps.

otherwise just get a pass & stow or whatever.

[burnses_suit]

Regardless, front bags are awesome, you will love and use yours a bunch

Thanks so much for this :-) I'm so nervous about a front rack and what/why it means (rather than carrying one pannier for my daily carry on the rear) and trying to suss out why that might be...

[burnses_suit]

here is a horrible photo of my hunqapillar with a nitto 32F rack on it.
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/adamleibow/IMG_0292_zpsdxitxaox.jpg
it makes sense for a canti-only, (or i guess disc too) bike (since it takes full use of the fork crown hole), & it's great looking, but these smaller nitto racks DO have weight limits. if you buy a rack like this (32F, Mark's rack, M18), use an irish strap and http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/m3.htm to add some extra security to the rack. it really helps.

otherwise just get a pass & stow or whatever.

Neat bike (and don't put down your picture skills :no:) but yeah, I'm not fussing with straps and ****... it feels like a porteur is the way 2 go. is it THAT much heavier than anything else?

[dustyrider]

I have one of those Acorn Mini-Rando bags also and love it. Unfortunately they are discontinued. A Nitto Mark's Rack supports the bag.

I use this paired with a Nitto Big Back Rack and Ortleib Front Roller panniers for a lightweight touring setup. This contains everything I need to camp: tent, sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, titanium cookset, stove, fuel, fleece jacket, rain jacket, thermal base layer, gloves, fleece hat, tools, headlamp and more.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/9487214435_460f57cd83_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fsmsjF)[/url]

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/9490011946_02fd5a3800_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fsmsjF)[url=https://flic.kr/p/fsAMVC]

The bike now sports a Gemini Duo headlight mounted to the front fender with the battery pack stowed in the front bag side pocket.

If I was to set this up for credit card touring, I'd ditch the rear rack and panniers, and use an Acorn Medium Saddle Bag in place of the Tool Roll.

This is what I call dialed in! Nice setup. Guessing the medium saddle bag isn't much bigger on the back than the tool roll.

[ColonelJLloyd]

I have had a front rando bag on a mid trail bike, it rode just fine. I mean low trail is definitely better for that but I really never had a problem and I loaded that sucker up a bunch.

So have I. And I've had a bike with 51mm trail that I had to fight like hell to keep tracking on rough stuff. My point is that you don't know until you know and the trail value alone won't always tell you how the bike will handle.

[R3awak3n]

So have I. And I've had a bike with 51mm trail that I had to fight like hell to keep tracking on rough stuff. My point is that you don't know until you know and the trail value alone won't always tell you have the bike will handle.

I agree but I know tons of people with surly and front bags and they have never complained about it. My bike was a rawland drakkar, I forget the trail but was definitely mid and bike handled fine with 20 lbs in the bag.

but I agree with you 100%, also some people won't like a front load, low trail or not.

[burnses_suit]

So have I. And I've had a bike with 51mm trail that I had to fight like hell to keep tracking on rough stuff. My point is that you don't know until you know and the trail value alone won't always tell you have the bike will handle.

Is there a reliable way to understand/quantify (or qualify) "trail"?

[ColonelJLloyd]

Is there a reliable way to understand/quantify (or qualify) "trail"?

Yes. It's an exact geometrical calculation (http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/trailcalc.php).

[adamhell]

Neat bike (and don't put down your picture skills :no:) but yeah, I'm not fussing with straps and ****... it feels like a porteur is the way 2 go. is it THAT much heavier than anything else?

there really isn't any fussing with straps - you just run the strap through the loop of the rack and around the handlebars, then tighten. it's just so when a larger load is on the rack, it's connected to the bars as a failsafe.

re weight, it depends which porteur rack you're looking at. a lot of people here in the bay area swear by their Pass&Stow racks, but I doubt they'd try to convince you they're light. they sacrifice nothing to versatility, so you get a rack that's strong, pannier capable, with a large platform, internal routing for a dynamo hub, and good adjustability for mounting to a lot of bikes. the real question is: is it overkill?

[burnses_suit]

Wow the P&S looks so nice. Worth the extra cost over the Soma maybe just for the ability to break it down, and ship it... So many decisions:fight:

[Henrythewound]

Wow the P&S looks so nice. Worth the extra cost over the Soma maybe just for the ability to break it down, and ship it... So many decisions:fight:

Not sure what you ended up doing but I was in your same boat and ended up trying out the Soma Porteur rack on my gen 1 Salsa Fargo. It took a bit of doing to get the rack mounted with the leg adapters/extenders and the Fargo fork dropouts. I ended up having to fashion some spacers and use a rear skewer on the front to mount the rack. Even with all this the rack barely clears the tire.

When riding the steering seems fine but the front of the bike feels heavier (because it is?). The only time I really notice really negative effects is when off the bike. Parking, leaning against a wall, etc. The front end wants to swing heavily to one side. I'm not sure if the Fargo is a bad fit or if this is expected with big porteur racks in general. I have a feeling it's a bit of both. I never had a front rack before so am just trying it out.

[93KgBike]

Great thread!!!

[burnses_suit]

Not sure what you ended up doing but I was in your same boat and ended up trying out the Soma Porteur rack on my gen 1 Salsa Fargo. It took a bit of doing to get the rack mounted with the leg adapters/extenders and the Fargo fork dropouts. I ended up having to fashion some spacers and use a rear skewer on the front to mount the rack. Even with all this the rack barely clears the tire.

When riding the steering seems fine but the front of the bike feels heavier (because it is?). The only time I really notice really negative effects is when off the bike. Parking, leaning against a wall, etc. The front end wants to swing heavily to one side. I'm not sure if the Fargo is a bad fit or if this is expected with big porteur racks in general. I have a feeling it's a bit of both. I never had a front rack before so am just trying it out.

Wow old thread but thanks! I never got one yet.. There's always a different shiny new toy that I want, but hold back. I'm worried about the steering as well...

[Grumbs]

I love the look of boxy handlebar bags, and porteur rack bags, but there is no way that they would be practical for me, except maybe on a tour or on a long recreational ride. I need to be able to carry things around on foot in a comfortable way. I can't be carrying around a rack-bag with tote straps like a briefcase, or a boxy bag with a shoulder strap, bouncing around clumsily. Lots of bags look great on the bike, but I can't understand how people use them off of the bike, unless they don't really walk anywhere after they lock up -- this is basically what I do all the time.

The best solution I've had, to date, was an 80s Trek with low-ish trail, and a Pass and Stow porteur rack. The trail on that bike was ~44m and I strapped my bag to the rack. The handling was neutral enough that it never bothered me. P&S rack is heavy though. My next thing is a custom porteur rack on a bike whose rake has been adjusted for slightly lower trail, and a rack bag that I'm going to sew backpack straps onto. The custom rack is about the same price as the P&S, and much lighter. This is the best system I can think of for what I need, and I bet it would work for others as well.

Wow old thread but thanks! I never got one yet.. There's always a different shiny new toy that I want, but hold back. I'm worried about the steering as well...

[burnses_suit]

I love the look of boxy handlebar bags, and porteur rack bags, but there is no way that they would be practical for me, except maybe on a tour or on a long recreational ride. I need to be able to carry things around on foot in a comfortable way. I can't be carrying around a rack-bag with tote straps like a briefcase, or a boxy bag with a shoulder strap, bouncing around clumsily. Lots of bags look great on the bike, but I can't understand how people use them off of the bike, unless they don't really walk anywhere after they lock up -- this is basically what I do all the time.

The best solution I've had, to date, was an 80s Trek with low-ish trail, and a Pass and Stow porteur rack. The trail on that bike was ~44m and I strapped my bag to the rack. The handling was neutral enough that it never bothered me. P&S rack is heavy though. My next thing is a custom porteur rack on a bike whose rake has been adjusted for slightly lower trail, and a rack bag that I'm going to sew backpack straps onto. The custom rack is about the same price as the P&S, and much lighter. This is the best system I can think of for what I need, and I bet it would work for others as well.

Cool! u should totally post pics. I know Paceline is anti-porteur but i'd dig it :hello:

[nickrenfro]

honestly it's porteur or bust for me. I like having something up front that distributes weight across both wheels more evenly, while also being able to handle a **** ton of weight on the rack itself. It can get a little squirrelly at times if you pack on too much, but besides that there is no other way for me. Rear racks make frame flex over exaggerated, mid fork racks are only good for bags and I never really use bags, and a fork crown rack can only be a support for a handlebar bag.

[Grumbs]

Cool! u should totally post pics. I know Paceline is anti-porteur but i'd dig it :hello:

I will post pics :beer:
It won't be a porteur really, though. More like a fat tire road bike with a platform rack and big bag.