Bike Racks - How to Choose The Right Rack #RackPacking

#rackpacking
Racks Mentioned:

[brockdehler]

Something that might not be common sense: I would blue loctite all bolts to secure racks to eyelets. I had to end a huge bike packing trip because my front rack lost a few bolts and made handling too sketchy to continue

[bennettturk]

This is probably my favorait bike channel. Its totally the kind if biking I'm about.

[mrjack]

My favorite rear rack has been a Topeak. The sliding bag system is great and they offer multiple attachments like baskets, bags, panniers, etc... The center slide piece also acts like a fender to help keep water and dirt off my backside. I've had one on my mountain bike>commuter for close to 10 years with no issues at all. I put one on my girlfriend's bike and my new gravel bike. We carry her small dog in the Topeak basket on the rack and we are able to easily switch the basket from one bike to another with no tools or tying straps. You can strap other bags on top if you want and seems to be compatible with most panniers. I use them with some old Novara panniers. They offer plenty of clearance over the back tire. The rack also has a spot for a light attachment on the back. I think they are also pretty light weigh compared to others. I don't hesitate at all to recommend them to others. Best of all, Topeak racks are only $50.

[pushiepedlar]

I went through two Topeak rear racks in one year before realising that I needed to go for a higher quality rack considering how I was using mine. Have something similar to the Tubus Evo you spoke about. It cost 4 times the price of the topeak versions I had broken. It is incredible. Hasn't missed a beat in almost a decade of commuting and touring. So I agree that the quality is variable and you're much better off going with something very well made. Even if the price might shock you at first. It will last forever so you'll only buy once.

[robinheil]

I got a Tubus rack based on one of your earlier reviews. Super solid and lightweight, and the light mount works a treat

[SharonPiano]

I love the vintage rear racks with the built-in spring loaded clamp on the top (instead of having to use a bungee cord). You could also load these racks on the sides with panniers if you wish.

[JoshKablack]

My Ibera Pack Rack + trunk bag setup works really well for my needs. The quick on and off was rather essential for nighttime commuting when I had to leave the bike locked in public.

I've also used the Ibera Trunk on top with a couple cheap pan-yers on the sides and a tent bungied to the handlebars for my longest multiday tour yet, and that worked out alright.

[radlphil]

Thx a lot. That was very helpful! I was actually looking for a good front rack and now I'm looking forward to get my Raw-Rack! I really appreciate your channel!

[TennisEngineer]

Thanks for another great video! I've been loving my Pelago commuter rack. It's heavy but I use it for groceries and to counterbalance my kiddo riding in the back. When riding solo, it's super functional for both short and long rides, with ample room for a Wald 137, day pack, bear spray if needed, cameras, binoculars, lunch, etc.

[ghostyjack]

I've a Tailfin T1 carbon rack and I absolutely love it. Yes, the carbon racks Tailfin make are super expensive, but if you have a bike with not rack mounts, then sometimes you can't use the cheaper options. My bike has no mounts for either racks or mudguards as well as a bottom bracket-mounted rear rim brake (so no brake bridge), there were virtually no options available to me, this solved it and it is incredibly stable.

[JonPrevost]

I appreciate the intro but I think you should do a very nice in-depth analysis of the different "gravel" racks. There are a lot of options out there and I think the best part of your videos is seeing the combinations you create. I'd like to see a video where every rack is mounted and reviewed by it's specifications, weight, adjustability/volume, etc. There are just too many videos to watch on different options and nobody seems complete.
Thanks again for sharing your interest in cycling and the personal experiences you have with bikes and products. Always enjoyable.

[sacratomato]

Thanks. Super informative video for those of us just getting into the world of bikepacking (and commuting and ...).

[nicholkid]

I keep on searching for random topics and you always seem to have a video about that exact thing. It's happened like 3 times in the last week lol. great job

[scottstocking]

Nice episode Russ. When you said you had a show to look at your favorite racks, well lets just say I was just thinking in the wrong way. LOL! Good show I learned allot about the front racks which I do not have yet.

[ryangriffiths]

I own a Thule carrier rack I put on my front and rear of a fulls suspension mtb. Love them!

[landonashby]

For anyone rocking a fat bike 🚲 needing a good rack the Blackburn 3 piece rack has worked well for me. It can be mounted front or rear and comes with numerous mounting options. It's very versatile.

Tip: set the bolts 🔩 light while you are setting it up. When you get it where you want it, remove one bolt 🔩 at a time and apply thread locker before doing your final torque.

[biking]

I am having a bit of a laugh at your expense Russ, as you clearly have a bit of a collection of racks to have all these to hand and I bet these racks are the tip of the ice berg of your rack collection.

[CAPRAQUEENRC]

I use a Trek 920 rack on my 2018 specialized diverge carbon and absolutely love it ❤️

[markjthomson]

Like the idea of bike packing... had racks, built bags... so I must be rack packing! I have a set of front and rear Blackburn Expedition mountain bike racks... well loved!

[bruceblair]

Thank you very much for the very helpful information! I am considering running racks instead of the bikepacking bags do to their versatility.