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Front and Rear Bike Touring Racks Carriers for Panniers
and Luggage: Why
a chromoly or cro-moly steel bicycle rack is best.
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see also
Bicycle Touring Panniers and Waterproof Bike Tour Bags and
Ortlieb Waterproof Panniers
Breaking a front or rear touring bicycle rack is a common
problem on long bike tours. Rear bike racks are often over loaded with
heavy panniers and camping gear and inferior cycle racks can crack, separate at the welds, or
snap mid tube. Front touring bicycle racks have the same problems plus fork clamps can
work loose and fall off or, with front braze on mounts, a cheap bolt can strip the
threads in the frame. This is one of the reasons why so many bicycle touring gear
and equipment packing list include common automotive hose clamps; the universal
field repair. Obviously any touring equipment trouble or failure
detracts from an enjoyable tour and traveling with cheap gear is always a recipe
for disaster. Since the start of our current trip in 2002 we have
never broken or had a rack fail but we have always been very picky about our
bicycle touring luggage racks. (see below)
There are two basic kinds of touring bike racks and carriers. chromoly steel and, the more common
aluminum. Before our current trip, I
cycled around North America solo for a couple years. I used common aluminum racks,
found in American bike shops, which worked well for the first few months but
eventually broke on a dirt road in Colorado.
I patched it back together using hose clamps and splints until I could find
a bike shop in Telluride, CO and buy a new one. Nothing is cheap in a
mountain resort ski town so, in order to afford it I had to take a job washing
dishes, which essentially ended my trip and I tried the ski bum life for awhile
before returning to cycling. Years later, before what
Cindie and I knew would be a much longer and harder tour, I was on the hunt to buy
cro-moly steel racks, like I had seen several European cyclists using, and avoid
bike rack problems in the future. My thinking was
the racks would be even harder or impossible to replace in developing countries like in South
America so I went with the cro moly steel racks for the long trip.
chromoly steel touring cycling racks are a bit heavier but allot stronger compared to
aluminum ones. Stronger is a huge advantage when hauling heavy loads,
touring off road, long multi-year bicycle tours, or if you just want too
substantially reduce potential problems while riding and touring.
Good racks are hard to find in the USA
The problem with high quality bike racks is they are a little hard
to locate in the USA. For years
Europeans have been bicycle touring with Tubus touring racks but only hardcore
American bike travelers are familiar with this brand and know the specialty
niche shops
that cater to bicycle touring equipment and gear where they are found. Below are the racks we
recommend and use on a daily basis.
Our Tubus Stainless Steel Racks: The best on the market
and what we trust in even the roughest touring conditions
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Tubus Cosmo stainless steel rear rack
Our years of fully loaded bicycle touring experience has
taught us several things about racks and the Tubus Cosmo rear rack is what
we use and recommend to other touring cyclist. Stainless steel is
incredibly strong, will not rust, unlikely to ever break, or require regular
applications of touch up paint but the Cosmo's unique lower pannier mounting
option is the part I like best. Depending on the configuration of your
rear load the pannier bags can be mounted the old fashioned way high on the
rack platform tube or lower on a second horizontal rail. We like the
lower position because it lowers the center of gravity for better balance
and handling but the lower position also allows a flat surface for hassle
free mounting of our tent, sleeping bags, and pads. The Cosmo also
solves the problem of heels hitting the rear pannier because of big feet or
short wheelbase (chain stay) and will work with just about any pannier set
made Stainless steel is never cheap but always worth it in the long
run. Simply put; this rack has no equal and is the top pick of serious
long distance touring cyclist |
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Tubus Nova stainless steel front rack
This is our front rack of choice. Stainless steel will
not rust and the low-rider design improves center of gravity and bike
handling which reduces riding fatigue caused by spending hours in the saddle
with a high center of gravity load. The best mounting hardware in the business insures the
rack stays on the fork without problems and makes it
easy to use and mount. Fits wheel sizes 26 in. or 700c and includes hardware
for bikes with mid-fork braze-ons. The best front bicycle touring rack
on the market. |
Tubus Chromoly (cro-moly) Steel Racks:
The economical choice for the serious bike tourist
Tubus Cargo 700c Bike Rack
Click above to purchase.
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Tubus Cargo 700c Bike Rack
The
heavy-duty rear rack from Tubus features tubular chromoly construction for
significant fatigue resistance and load capacity. Stable and durable, this
rear rack will work with just about any pannier set made. Unique mounting
system makes it compatible with almost any braze-on configuration. Braze-on
reflector bracket and fender stay eyelets are standard features;
powder coated finish resists corrosion.
Buy
Tubus Cargo 700c Bike Rack
HERE |
Tubus Cargo 26'' Bike Rack
Click above to purchase.
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Tubus Cargo 26'' Bike Rack
The heavy-duty
rear rack from Tubus features tubular chromoly construction for
significant fatigue resistance and load capacity. Stable and durable, this
rear rack will work with just about any pannier set made. Unique mounting
system makes it compatible with almost any braze-on configuration. Braze-on
reflector bracket and fender stay eyelets are standard features;
powder-coated finish resists corrosion.
Buy
Tubus Cargo 26'' Bike Rack
HERE |
Tubus Tara Front Bike Rack
Click to purchase.
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Tubus Tara Front Bike Rack
The simple design of the Tubus Tara lowrider tubular front carrier makes it
easy to use and mount. Fits wheel sizes 26 in. or 700c and includes hardwear
for bikes with mid-fork braze-ons. Buy
Tubus Tara Front Bike Rack
HERE |
Tubus Disco Bike Rack
Click above to purchase.
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Tubus Disco Bike Rack
The
heavy-duty Tubus rear rack features tubular chromoly construction for
significant load capacity and fatigue resistance. Stable and durable, this
rear rack will work with just about any pannier set made. Mounts to seatstay
braze-ons and through rear wheel axle via quick-release skewer; skewer is
included. Seat stay mount adjusts to fit different frame sizes. Reflector
bracket allows you to attach a rear safety light, sold separately.
Powder-coated finish resists corrosion.
Buy
Tubus Disco Bike Rack
HERE |
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Tubus Luna stainless steel rear rack
the Luna is a very lightweight rack, yet it can carry 40
pounds of load. It mounts to the brake bridge. |
Equipment Pages Index
Introduction
How Much to Bring and Weight
Some Advice About Advice
A Note to Perspective Sponsors and Gear Suppliers
(See more
about Sponsorship Here)
START HERE for Touring Bikes and Commuting Bicycles
Custom Touring Bicycles and Bike Upgrade Buyers Guide
Bicycle Touring Frames
The Steel Repair Myth
Steel and Aluminum Derailleur Hanger Repair
Bicycle Touring Wheels
Phil Wood: The Best Bicycle Hubs
Panniers / Bike Bags
Cargo Trailers Vs Panniers
Tires for Bike Tours
Bicycle Touring Saddles
Cindie's Women's Specific Bike Touring Saddles
Brooks Leather Touring Bicycle Saddle Care and Conditioning
Bike Computer
Touring Handlebars, Bar Ends, Adjustable Stems, and Padded Grips
Sealed Cartridge Headsets
Camping
Buying Camping Equipment
Tent and
Ground Cloth
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Camp
Stove
Pots and
Pans
Water Filter
Clothing
Bike Touring Shorts
Health and First Aide
Electrical
Short-wave Radio
Computer
Internet
mp3
Books
Packing list
Pictures of Equipment Failures
Shopping
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