Rack advice sought

[leighthebee]

Hi all,

My wife has a 2010 Scott Sportster and I'm told it needs a rear rack. I see there's an urban kit, but I don't think she needs mudguards that it sits on.

I'm guessing these racks are not universal? Was hoping to grab something from wiggle along with some things for me.

Any advice?

[DaveOZ]

Tubus make excellent racks and you should be able to find on to fit the bike. Most of them are designed to take panniers for carrying your load.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tubus/

[rdp_au]

I'll put a vote in for Topeak racks and bags. Their racks are sturdy and the quick release system means it takes just a few second to fit or remove the bag. They have a range of different bags and several types of rack to fit different styles of bike.

I use the MTX TrunkBag. I find it has plenty of room for regular commuting. Not cheap, but I've used it for three years now with no problems. Details here;

http://www.topeak.com/products/TrunkBags-MTX?WYSESSID=58jkf2395hidfohk00as1qvpa5

My wife has the same rack on her bike with a big basket. This is very handy to take into the supermarket, load up with groceries and put it straight onto the bike.

Rds,

David

[HappyHumber]

Whilst I'm not familiar with the Scott Speedster, as far as rear racks go, stick with the familar names already mentioned.

I would also recommend you choose one with with a secondary rail beneath the main platform. It makes for a more versatile set up. If you chose to run panniers (of which I've been a convert in the last 12 months) it means they can mount slightly lower and also clear of the main platorm. You can then thread ties or straps through underneath the platform to secure loads on top of the rack. If the only rails are the edges of the platform the panniers can foul access for additional loads there and block strapping routes.

Having the bags slightly lower means also a lower centre of gravity for better stabilitly

It's not a major thing but something I've come to appreciate with the Topeak Super Tourist DX and a Tubus Cosmos I run on seperate bikes.

Unless your wife is a consistent light traveller, I would avoid the seatpost mounted racks.

[il padrone]

If the only rails are the edges of the platform the panniers can foul access for additional loads there and block strapping routes.

This makes no sense to me

I run panniers on Tubus Cargo racks and am always strapping a load on top, with or without panniers

Having the bags slightly lower means also a lower centre of gravity for better stabilitly

Certainly a lower rail like what the Logo has adds some versatility, but I am a doubter of the 'stability' argument. A low mounting matters more for the front end, where high-mount panniers will weight your steering and turn it. But at the back end it's less of an issue. Eg. higher COG is actually better for balance. Watch a penny farthing rider ride really slow sometime.

[leighthebee]

Awesome guys cheers. I've also been forwarded "Ortleib" as panniers. Any love?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-super-tourist-rear-rack/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ortlieb-back-ro ... -panniers/

[leighthebee]

I'll put a vote in for Topeak racks and bags. Their racks are sturdy and the quick release system means it takes just a few second to fit or remove the bag. They have a range of different bags and several types of rack to fit different styles of bike.

I use the MTX TrunkBag. I find it has plenty of room for regular commuting. Not cheap, but I've used it for three years now with no problems. Details here;

http://www.topeak.com/products/TrunkBags-MTX?WYSESSID=58jkf2395hidfohk00as1qvpa5

My wife has the same rack on her bike with a big basket. This is very handy to take into the supermarket, load up with groceries and put it straight onto the bike.

Rds,

David

Trunkbags look real good. Might be just the thing....

[igstar]

Hi all,

My wife has a 2010 Scott Sportster and I'm told it needs a rear rack.

So who needs a rack

[leighthebee]

well a "second" rack.....

[HappyHumber]

If the only rails are the edges of the platform the panniers can foul access for additional loads there and block strapping routes.

This makes no sense to me

I stand humbled in the presence of your experienced bike travels, Pete. I retract my earlier, overthought ramblings.

Leigh : listen to Il Padrone... he's been at this bike game a lot longer and more seriously than most of us.

Though I do wonder if your wife will need to carry firewood. Come the revolution, maybe?

[ajh003]

My 2c worth - My wife and I both use the Topeak racks with MTX bags
I commute with mine - MTX EXP unzip drop down panniers each day - lasted well for 2 years so far
Seen em on Amazon for abt $60 instead of the $120 plus here in Aus - Dunno abt freight costs though
Wife doesn't need panniers but loves the MTX bag for all things that are a necessity for a girl to carry to the shops.

[Aushiker]

Hi

Another vote for Tubus racks here and for the price ex Bike24 or the like well worth the $.

Andrew