Rack/bags for hybrid

florida_hybrid

I've got a sirrus that I would like to see if it can be fitted with a rack or some type of bag(s) that go on the back. I don't really know whats out there, so any input is appreciated. The grocery store is not that far away, is it really feasible to put something on the bike (rack etc) that can be useful to grab a few items? Would such a system, if available fit a sirrus?

Thanks..

rek

To fit a 'full' rear rack, your bike frame will need eyelets for it to screw into. These eyelet screwholes are on the seatstays, near where your rear brake calipers are mounted, and also a set of holes right next to the rear wheel axle dropout.

If your frame doesn't have these, you can still get a rack that hangs off of the seat post. However these aren't quite as stable, nor have as much load capacity, as the frame mounted racks. A "plan C" is to get clips that go around the seatstays of the bike and provide a mounting point for a full rack.

Once you've got the rack on, you mount pannier bags to it. I have a nifty Topeak rack bag on my commuter bike which has zip-out expandable side bags, as well as the 'main' bag that fits onto the rack. It's also got a quick-mount system so that if attached to a Topeak rack, the bag can slide in and out of the rack really easily.

__________________
Peter
Cannondale Synapse Carbon Scalpel Cyclocross Ultra

florida_hybrid

Just checking online, it says my frame has fender and rack braze-ons...

I'll check out the holes in the seatstays and by the dropouts tonite.. kinda remember seeing the ones on the seatstays...

any links for a good rear rack??

SEAcarlessTTLE

I've found JandD makes a line of sturdy (if heavy) racks for a range of weight capacities.

Some things to consider when choosing a rack:

How much weight will I put on it? Light groceries or camping gear for heavy touring?

How far back does the rack put panniers? This is important to avoid having your heels hit the front of your panniers when riding, which can result in your panniers getting knocked off the rack. Note that heel strike depends on rack, pannier shape and size, and frame chainstay length. Nicer panniers, like Arkel's, let you adjust their fore-aft position, so your choice of rack is not the end-all, be-all. If your chainstays are shorter than, say, 42 cm, though, I'd be careful.

Can I easily attach a reflector or blinker to the back? (Almost all racks let you do this, but it doesn't hurt to check.)

How wide is the top platform? This might be an issue if you want to use a rack trunk. Arkel's excellent (if pricey) Tail Rider (a.k.a. Pelican) trunk doesn't work so well with racks with narrow tops.

Hope that helps...