REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Why no racks?

4837 Views 38 Replies 32 Participants Last post by perttime, Jan 14, 2010

MegaMustang

Discussion Starter · Dec 25, 2009

I've been MTB'ing and having a blast for about 4 months now. I ride at least twice a week, mostly on trails in the forest. Occasionally, I make a trip to the store or make some other short commute to a friend's house.

Given all that, I think I want a rack for the rear...something to bungie stuff to now and then... Something like this: http://www.topeak.com/products/Racks/ExplorerTubularRack_discMount

Product Musical instrument accessory Line Metal Parallel

I understand that rear racks are apparently uncool, but I'm not sure why. I get why they wouldn't work on a FS bike, but why not on a hardtail? Anyone care to explain?

Is it simply a weight issue? If so, I think a backpack weighs more than the 620 gram rack I pointed to above.

Thanks...

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1 - 20 of 39 Posts

AZ

· #2 · Dec 25, 2009

Nothing uncool about a rack , great for packing things home .

Bad Idea

· #3 · Dec 25, 2009

Racks don't allow you to get behind the seat for steep descents.

They also rattle...

If you don't find either of these to be a problem, throw the rack on your bike and rock on!

Funrover

· #4 · Dec 25, 2009

My old Haro hardtail has one on it! If it is a part time thing you can get the clamp on quick release models. Or go all out on some of the touring models. If you want a great sturdy all out sweet rack

http://www.oldmanmountain.com/Pages/RackPages/RearRacks.html

BadHabit

· #5 · Dec 25, 2009

Nothing wrong with racks and a lot right. Empty they weigh little, and they make it possible as you observe to actually live with your bike.

These fit many styles of bikes:

http://www.oldmanmountain.com/Pages/RackPages/RearRacks.html

My current riding routine out the door and back does not favor a rack. Back when I'd go waldschlaffen, I'd have a book, a beer and a mini-hammock in a rack trunk.

When I camp with my bike I use a trailer.

It's the weight factor when loaded and the supposedly uncool factor when empty--but screw the poseurs.

Edit: I see Funrover got there first with OMM.

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Ktse

· #6 · Dec 25, 2009

It's something extra that could fall off on the trail.
It's something that could get in the way if you want to bail off your bike.
It's unnecessary on the trail.
It's extra weight, 620g is a pound and more.
It's seriously uncool.

The same reasons could apply to fenders, handlebar mirrors, bottle cages, kickstands, and almost anything that's classified as an accessory.

blunderbuss

· #7 · Dec 25, 2009

Ktse said:
It's something extra that could fall off on the trail.
It's something that could get in the way if you want to bail off your bike.
It's unnecessary on the trail.
It's extra weight, 620g is a pound and more.
It's seriously uncool.

The same reasons could apply to ... kickstands

Kickstands are a safety hazard on any bike thats gets ridden offroad.

ae111black

· #8 · Dec 26, 2009

If your commuting racks totally rock if you are trail riding they can get in the way and get dangerous so that's why no racks!

SteveUK

· #9 · Dec 26, 2009

It would wreck pretty easily if you came off the bike and has the potential to cause significant damage to the frame and rear wheel.

gmcttr

· #10 · Dec 26, 2009

I have the non-disc version of that rack on my trail work bike.

The top of it is 2" above the tire and does not keep you from getting behind the seat. It does not rattle.

Weight is a non-issue to me.

I am leery of it slightly increasing my chance of injury in a crash or bailout situation. I could also envision it getting damaged fairly easily in a crash. I wouldn't want it on my main trail bike, but that's just me.

You would only have 4 bolts to take it on and off if you got it and decided you did not want it on all the time.

I Drink Blatz

· #11 · Dec 26, 2009

Dangerous? tell that to the guys on this site http://www.bikepacking.net/ Many of these cats ride in some pretty crazy places with a rack or large seat bag
Uncool you say? My buddy has a rack on his Pugs,
and it`s one of the coolest bikes Ive seen
The thing about Mtbiking is use what works best for you most of the time.

herbn

· #12 · Dec 26, 2009

used a rack on my first mtb in 84/85 ,i used it a bit for commuting to school,i bent it up pretty quick when i started to trail ride,i don't remember if it did any damage to the bike,probabely not.Up to a certain weight the bike is much easier to manuver with that weight in a backpack.

gmcttr

· #13 · Dec 26, 2009 (Edited)

herbn said:
...Up to a certain weight the bike is much easier to manuver with that weight in a backpack.

When I had 4 pressure treated 48" 2x4's hanging off the back it did make the front end a little light.

firstcut

· #14 · Dec 26, 2009

i see nothing wrong with the rack except for the weight issue. My buddy always rides the trail with his. Does kinda make you look like a goober though. Although hes sporting it on a $1000 bike.

perttime

· #15 · Dec 26, 2009

If you have a use for a rack, use one.

I carry a small back pack during my commutes so don't need a rack even there.

On trails, a rack is
- some more weight (I have enough weight already...)
- another thing that can break when I crash (I've never crashed hard enough to really break myself: just hard enough to bend some bike parts)

rvbuilder2002

· #16 · Dec 26, 2009

I guess I am one of the goober riders....I hate ever having anything on my back...regardless of how light it is.

I use this rack http://www.topeak.com/products/Racks/MTXBeamRackV-Type
on my bike commuting to and from work.
I also use it on trail rides that I am going out for quite a while; which I want to carry something other than just lightweight snacks, etc.

I like this style because it is so quick to install or remove.

This one with the bend in the rail will fit pretty much any MT bike while allowing the load to be positioned as low as possible to help keep the center of gravity low (very important when carrying any load).

Gasp4Air

· #17 · Dec 26, 2009

I assume you have a hardtail. Rear suspension would require a seatpost mounted rack. I use one for clothes and extra gear during cold winter riding. Look cool? No, but the trees and rocks don't care

Frosti

· #18 · Dec 27, 2009

i use a rack that is quite light and cheap
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...DOVR~0730929P/Schwinn+Rear+Seat+Post+Rack.jsp

and the best is that they make a thermal cooler bag that fits on it (uses velcro straps to attach to the rack). great for carrying those brews on an epic ride

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...VR~0730385P/Raleigh+Thermal+Rear+Rack+Bag.jsp

with being a post mount, its easy to remove on the days you don't want it

shiggy

· #19 · Dec 27, 2009

Bad Idea said:
Racks don't allow you to get behind the seat for steep descents.

They also rattle...

If you don't find either of these to be a problem, throw the rack on your bike and rock on!

BS! A rack does not prevent you from getting behind the saddle. The top is just above the rear tire. Unless you commonly buzz your butt on the tire the rack is not a hindrance.

Most make little noise when properly installed.

Use a rack if you want. Fenders, too.

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Keatan

· #20 · Dec 27, 2009

Some people use racks, I have for a 2-day trip. But for carrying extra gear a lot of guys prefer large saddlebags like the ones made by Carousel Design Works and Epic Designs. They may not be what you need but they do weigh less and have less to break.

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