Bike Racks - How to Choose The Right Rack

Quick overview of what you need on your bike to have a rack and the varied options of the racks out there. Support non-competitive cycling content: / pathlesspedaled
#rackpacking
Pipecutter Video: • Before you HACKSAW you...
Racks Mentioned:
VO Flat Pack Rack: velo-orange.co...
SOMA Racks: www.somafabsho...
Crust Racks: www.crustbikes...
Tubus Racks: www.tubus.com/...
Rawland Demi-Porteur: rawlandcycles....
Rivendell Racks: www.rivbike.co...
Simworks Racks: www.sim.works/...
Pass and Stow Racks: www.passandsto...
CETMA Racks: cetmacargo.com...
Ocean Air Erlen: store.oceanair...
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[@brockdehler2796]

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

[@0xsergy]

spare bolts and nuts can be screwed into unused mounting holes, etc.

[@uncrunch398]

My rear rack lost some. Collapsed from the weight and rubbed the tire until I stopped. It probably would still be good if I did what you suggest. Instead I get to buy another.

[@mrjack8849]

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.

[@영어레이]

the topeak rack and the sliding bag system is nice. I switched to a Tubus rack a while back and there are times where I miss the ease of the topeak

[@pushiepedlar2942]

Interesting that you've got such longevity from the topeak. I broke two within a year. I now have a tubus rack that has lasted 8 years of daily commuting and touring....

[@jacobkeller29]

I use the heck out of mine around town as well. I left some nuts in the top pouch and a squirrel chewed his way into it though.

[@vtstang66]

You should show some bags on the racks. You talk about how much stuff you can carry on those tiny front and rear racks, but I can't picture it!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXjZZ6iaZrp2l7c

[@bennettturk3206]

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

[@JosephMostowy]

Never get a steel rack. Always get aluminum racks.

[@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.

[@thatbmxguy]

I use the Ibera panniers with my ibera rack and they seem to be holding up great.

[@SharonPiano8]

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.

[@robinheil]

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

[@pushiepedlar2942]

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.

[@terry7893]

And the brand name of that is.......what?

[@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.

[@davidcampbell4647]

Should my rack lean to one side?

[@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

[@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.

[@krimoll]

I have a Tailfin at the rear and an OldManMountain Elkhorn in the front. They are both axle mounted & they are both really great products!! Expensive in the short run, but hopefully and probably not in the long run. They will both fit close to any bike; road, gravel, mtb, fat etc...!

[@scottstocking6935]

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.

[@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.

[@JaccoSW]

I have the same rack combined with a Carradice bag in the rear. I plan on getting the Pelago x Restrap rando bag with the magnetic Fidlock fittings at some point to have a bag in front as well for longer day rides.

[@tomdaoust]

Great video, chock full of examples and valuable links for taking action to buy. Keep up the great work.

[@sacratomato7]

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

[@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!

[@biking261]

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.

[@davidbierbaum4881]

I was going to mention that he seems to be "racking up" quite a collection, as well! My own 19 dollar "Delta Ultra Megarack" has done me quite well for all my grocery-getting, pizza-porting, and general errand-runnery for 18 years.

[@landonashby2029]

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.

[@ton1911]

Can you do show on storage solutions for bikes that don't have eyelets on the "front fork" ?

[@ton1911]

@@Vambracer I really don't why I did that. Maybe to emphasize my need for "front fork" racks without eyelets :).

[@alfred1925]

I have my lock (Trelock folding) starpped to one fork and a 4l bag (planet x) strapped to the other. Lock came with attackments, bag cage is attacked with just zip ties.

[@ryangriffiths2290]

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

[@john-mikaeljarvenkyla]

first foam finger number one baby!!!!!

[@wessfulton644]

Thanks Russ. A timely video for me as I'm trying to decide what type of front or rear rack to put on my Salsa Vaya for bringing along a little gear plus I just like the "cool" factor of seeing a bag on a bike. Excuse me now while I go see how many eyelets on my fork and down stays!

[@Coloradical_]

I also have a Vaya. What racks did you end up going with?

[@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!

[@MelvinHughesatp]

I'm really enjoying my new Nitto R-10 rack supporting a Swift Zeitgeist. When I changed to a receiver bike rack with a front wheel clamp, I had to remove my Mark's Rack and Wald Basket to be able lock my bike in place.

[@Stefaon]

I am having trouble finding a good rear rack because of my disc brakes. Some are designed for, but there aren't many. This is a point to be taken into account.

[@hordboy]

I have an Ibera disk rack and it is a nice piece.

[@chriskalberg6356]

Topeka explorer disc version. Works well for me.

[@fancytyme]

I always want my rear pannier-bearing racks to be multi-level, if for no other reason than easier access to the panniers from the top. I've had a few racks with almost no clearance between the top of the pannier and the upper rack and it's just a pain. The Erlans look nice, looks like heavier tube gauge than the Carradice Bagman support. I have a Bagman on my touring bike that I use with a Fab's Chest -- it's a little too much weight, to be honest. I love the QR aspect so on the gravel bike I'm building I'm going to try just the QR seat mount with a Pec Dec. Thanks for the vid!

[@richcower]

I put a low rider front rack on my Cutthroat, happy with it. I like having my Ortliebs panniers up front where I can keep an eye on them.

[@anthonydiorio1999]

which model Ortlieb?

[@AbhilashBingi]

As a newbie, all those racks (except the pannier supporting one) look tiny and useless to me. It would have been nice if you'd shown what kind of things can be carried on them.

[@OriginalGabriel]

Love that Evo rack; insanely stable, and I love being able to take off my panniers without having to remove my trunk.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Have one that has lasted for about 15 years!

[@jochenkraus7016]

Evo refers to the shape of the lower attachment point where it's bolted to the frame (edit: I might be wrong because I watch the video on a small screen, but I think it's a non-Evo) This might be a Logo. I have a Cosmo on my touring bike. It has a bigger platform that offers more protection to the rear light and is made of stainless steel. Some other racks are also available in stainless steel. No worries about the paint because there isn't any :-)

[@OriginalGabriel]

@@PathLessPedaledTV it's the Evo Logo (or Logo Evo, can't remember which way they order the words)

[@OriginalGabriel]

@@PathLessPedaledTV mines about the same age, and still going strong

[@stephenturkLA]

@@OriginalGabriel It actually looks more like the original Logo, not the Logo Evo. My Logo is about 10 years old - a great rack!

[@john_r_legit689]

I still don't know what rack to get but I did find this video very helpful.

[@lesleykenwood2715]

I use a Tubus lowrider in the front. I switched out my front suspension for a Surly Troll fork. I love my Swift Industries Ranger Jr panniers. My rear suspension makes it impossible to have a rack in the back, and because of my height and seat to wheel space, a saddle rack basically sits in my tire.

[@TimFitzwater]

I'm sure you know this - but obviously you only need the eyelets at the bottom on the rear to be able to put racks on the back. There are plenty of adapters to put racks on vintage bikes. I tour on a 198 3 Trek with some simple clamps that go on the seat stays. The front is much harder on vintage bikes or bikes without eyelets.

[@CAPRAQUEENRC]

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

[@chasetherooster]

Specialized Pizza Rack is clutch. I'm about it.

[@daivernon7346]

Good video - love the links, please update some...

[@mythcrab6047]

Appreciate this video. I just ordered a Sunworks Oberto and Nitto rear rack.

[@bubbles.stu26]

I am looking for demonstrations on how to use a pannier rack.

[@lafamillecarrington]

Watch out for ABS fasteners on bags - they will wear down aluminium racks and rear stays if you aren't very careful!

[@marcuspotter6919]

Love the b-17 brooks saddle xd

[@Foxr6]

Great video Russ 📹 thanks for the post 📫

[@Eric-Red]

Enjoyed the video. I could use one of the seat racks to hold up my Zeitgeist bag. Small frame rider issues..

[@byronstumman7420]

Rocking a Portland Design Works rear rack and loving it.

[@tardigrada6000]

I love this channel. Thank you so muchhh!!!

[@bobobair]

Well done What is the spring loaded for?

[@ridesharebiz5317]

Great presentation. Can you do a presentation for fat tire electric bikes with a double rack to support an extra battery and use it for a trunk bag. Thanks.

[@BeardyBaldyBob]

My rack is actually an integral part of the frame. I didn't realise it was until the bike arrived, not sure how I missed it! Lol Not that I'm bothered. I love my bike.

[@lancerturner79]

Love the top tube bag!

[@thatbmxguy]

I've been ahem rack packing lately on my 20." I just have the velo orange randonneur decaluer for use with the Swift Ozette bag. It uses the cantilever mounts. The rear I found a cheaper but nice Ibera rack (just wish it was silver). It is stepped down and rear braced and worked pretty decent even if I'm using adapters for my frame. A future custom frame would have eyelets or mounts added to the frame. Its hard to get a custom 20" frame made to what I want though. Many builders decline me it seems.

[@hollymcintyre7745]

can you tell me what handlebar you have on that pink Crust bike? :)

[@fruitcakepablohoney]

Are there racks for bikes that don’t have eyelet?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes

[@s.sradon9782]

Any tips for cycling heavy? I tend to go 120kg to 200kg as I am a rather large man and In addition to big packs and heavy clothes i also ride with a large backpack. My rear wheel frequently takes damage as frankly, where I live is a shit place with awful "roads"

[@영어레이]

I don't have a need for it, but that tumbleweed rack really tickles my fancy, like I want to get a new bike just to play with that thing

[@s.sradon9782]

Imagine not having to cycle to shitholes marathons away through storms and unmaintained cycle paths with ludicrous cargo mass that makes the bicycle steer like a 6 wheeler. I should've gotten into this pack cycling thing earlier considering I'm probably on the hardcore end of this.

[@driventomadness117]

Great video. One thing I might have missed is if you mentioned not all eyelets are able to support a rack. Some are only meant for fenders.

[@jochenkraus7016]

Afaik that's very important for the one on the fork directly above the wheel because that one might be designed to hold the light but not a lot of luggage.

[@BicycleTouringExplorer]

I am using the Jandd Expedition rear rack and Jandd EXtreme front rack on my Surly LHT Touring Bicycle

[@Renogue]

Great video. The more I see your bombora the more I think about getting one myself 😁

[@sd99944]

What if I have eyelets near the hub and not where you pointed out, but instead further up on the rear (where the fork rejoins the frame), almost right below the seat?

[@angelraygoza4957]

I hope I find one for my beach cruiser.

[@zalsentzer]

So many options! BTW, is that a Glycine Airman on your wrist?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes 👍🏼👍🏼

[@wagz54]

zalsentzer good eye! I thought it was too. Fun when bike nerds bleed into watch nerds!

[@joes8134]

ah beat me to it! I was about to ask the same thing!

[@compassionsix]

What options are out there for carbon fiber without eyelets? I saw the old man mountain and it has peaked my interest.

[@jochenkraus7016]

I'm not sure if there are any. What might fit (mechanically. I don't know if it's safe) is a Tubus Disco that is held by its quick release at the rear axle and a Salsa seat collar with integrated eyelets. I use a similar setup on my (aluminium!) road bike. Or you could use bikepacking bags because they don't rely on racks and therefore not on eyelets.

[@robinweeks6019]

Great video, very helpful. However, what does one do if the bike doesn't have eyelets? Is there a way to add them?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Not without a lot of great expense.

[@The404169]

I'm looking for rear racks for recumbent trikes - ice adventurer HD - with 26 inch wheel - the one ice offers puts the platform very high off the rear fender - to high for me - I'm adding a basket to take my small dog along on rides

[@outbackwack368]

I'm still trying to figure out how to mount a rack on my Cannondale Topstone Carbon. I only seem to have the bottom hub eyelets and some fender eyelets on the chain stays. I'm thinking I need some kind of hybrid seat clamp type? Thanks, Russ, as always!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

www.campfirecycling.com/product/salsa-post-lock-rack-mount-p-3192.html?attribute_pa_size-color=27-2-mm-seatpost-black&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4f35BRDBARIsAPePBHwQ5nn5Qj_97IIcAXpfVnMzpqlbQtZii9uYPU3L_kqIGAlanPowjC4aAiIYEALw_wcB

[@outbackwack368]

@@PathLessPedaledTV PERFECT, THANKS! I'll need to change my carbon seatpost to aluminum...

[@johnnyontrails]

Great review! Looking to get the Tumbleweed T rack for the rear or the pannier one. Curious to hear what legs length did you show on the video or have used ? Thinking 355mm or the 380mm.

[@leahmoynihan5230]

Do you have a video on bags? I don’t love my current set up

[@6242-j1z]

did it ruin the frame paint after using it for one year?

[@bruceblair4316]

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

[@NotaRobot_gif]

Great video!! I love those racks. I have a basket up front on my Surly and I am looking for a smallest rear rack....

[@devoidbmx1]

Great video! Thanks russ.

[@thskadow]

Pipe cutter; nice tip.

[@Benjamin_Bratten]

Did I read this correctly? The Nitto Obento rack only has a capacity of 5Kg?

[@tr3ztr3z]

What rack do you recommend for the State All Road?

[@bigwashburn]

Need your knowledge! Just ordered the Ortlieb Gravel pack panniers, and was curious to what rack (1) would work best with those, along with (2) on my 2021 Kona Sutra Ultd 29er. Rear rack only. Thanks

[@princepage632]

hey dude, look i have experience in racks, just not front racks. i just bought a new trek ds 2 gen 5, and it comes stock with front rack mounts on a fixed blade front alumianum fork. i want to install the specialized front pizza rack on it. will it work. trek says there bontrager carry foward rack will work, but i want to carry my sleep system on top and panniers on the side. i feel like the pizza rack will be more stable. both racks est. weight limit 33 lbs. thanks

[@LTHRIMAWITHANA]

Hi what is the back rack you recommend for Trek Fx 2

[@holgaholic]

hello can you guide me what diameter and length of screws do i need for the front rack to be attached to the fork

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Depends on your bike. Sometimes its m4 someties its m5.

[@whydaksh]

What would you recommend for a rack to put a child seat on? I have the Hammax seat but need a sturdy rack with 60 lbs+ capacity

[@Shihabdeenrecreationalcyclist]

4:14 is this rack compatible to disc break bicycle?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes

[@charliepi]

I've got a couple cheap Origin8 flat racks that I guess would be porteur style (I call em pizza racks), but they mount on the hub axle/quick release and not the eyelets, which makes tire changes a bit of a pain. I've been thinking of going with a rando or demi-porteur in combination with a rando bag for grocery trips and such. Just can't seem to make the decision. That VO flat pack looks pretty versatile, like I could still strap stuff to the rack even without a bag, where as the rando rack doesn't seem to offer much real estate. VO's stuff looks so cool, but the price is keeping me from pulling the trigger.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

They are definitely not cheap, but the VO flat rack is one of the nicest I've tried.

[@robertcoates2752]

If you join the Path Less Pedaled patreon you can get a nice discount at Velo Orange. ;)

[@charliepi]

@@robertcoates2752 I am a supporter :) and I decided to pull the trigger yesterday and buy a VO Rando rack with integrated decaleur along with their Rando bag and a few other goodies. The PLP discounts have saved me literally hundreds of dollars with VO and Soma this year.

[@historiareis327]

Hello I need help.. If I would Install a rear seat rack is it possible for people to be carried by the carrier or the carrier is going to break? Or one more the wheel and tires would explode? Thank you. Btw I recommend you do a material test weight of philippines carrier now being sold at shoppee for 900php.

[@KillilaghChurch12]

What rack would you recommend for a bike with full suspension and v brakes ?.

[@comounaverdura]

Are the racks rust proof?

[@SpinShoeGuru]

Good vid!

[@dice3000]

I bought a food delivery box rack lmao for bike packing.

[@thecleanchannelmusic]

RUSS! This is awesome. Thanks so much for putting this together! Only tangentially related, but! Have you tried the Outer Shell 137 and/or Rack bags? I'm trying to decide between the two for a bikepacking, camera rig, and commuting bag to replace my front roll and offer some versatility. I'd love any thoughts you had on size.

[@vickaiser]

Do you have to consider disc brakes when choosing a rack?

[@orci77]

Sorry, didn’t get which is the one mounted on the front of the Rivendell?

[@jonci9712]

Can anyone recommend me a rack that is compatible for a road bike fixie? And preferably one that can fit a skateboard on the side?

[@zoladkow]

Informative! THanks! :)

[@MegaAluchi]

Hi thanks for the video What is the ake if the rack you have in your left hand at the end if the video? Is it for rear or front? The Evo logo is ridiculously expensive, and I was considering it. Actually I disagree with you about the high rack prices. Those racks should not be that expensive. No offence lol

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

They cost what they cost. Try welding a rack and see how long it takes to do well.

[@robertcoates2752]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Plus making all the adjustable pieces, the eyelets and the bends. That part is way more difficult then welding imo. Also add in that they are niche items anyway means the economy of scale goes way down. So it isn't surprising that they are not cheap.

[@karlrovey]

In the case of limited eyelets, is it safe to fasten two things in the same eyelet? I have a fender on the rear of my bike that I would rather not have to remove in order to add a cargo rack, but it's fastened to the only available eyelets (that I can see).

[@thatguythatdoesstuff5899]

I just checked, I have 5 bicycles with racks and fenders mounted to the same eyelet.

[@stewartmckay9830]

Use star washers and look tight the first thing to rattle off on gravel is your racks

[@whyfarer7812]

Do you find any difference in fork flex/stiffness when you connect a sturdy rack to bottom/axle fork eyelets vs mid-fork/low-rider eyelets? I read that the larger Crust rack was designed to "attach to the top of the fork, be it braze ons, or the hole in ya steer tube and to the low rider mounts [mid-fork]. With these points of attachment the lower part of your fork blades continue to flex as they would without a rack." I'm working on designing some custom racks and I'm curious to know if this actually makes a noticeable difference

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

For me, yes. For most, probably not. You can visibly see the fork flex less on some forks.

[@whyfarer7812]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Thanks, Russ. I'll aim to build something using the mid-fork eyelets then!

[@bobbankshot3209]

I've been looking for a rack exactly like the rack on the pinkish Crust bike. Can you tell me what it is?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

VO flat pack rack.

[@flatheadfletch]

Why not mention widest tire option for the racks

[@353uba]

What rack can go on a recumbent bike

[@Kab_On_The_Fly]

Which would be the best for a Swift Zeitgeist bag?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Erlen works well.

[@cramit]

You've got really cool hair in this vid

[@uranusesbutt]

What kind of front rack can you run on your Jones? I’ve only ever seen it set up with low riders

[@donnyo65]

Another great video. I watched with interest because I find my Surly Ogre with load front panniers and bar bag wobbles like crazy at certain speeds. i was thinking of going for more of a 'Bike packing set up on the front with a couple of anything cages and a porteur rack - you have given me a few ideas for this, thank you.

[@dhilburn05]

are you selling any of those racks