🔥GENIUS LEVEL Bike Rack!🔥(Jack the Bike Rack Review)

[@miarobv]

I bought the Jack Rack based on this review and I’m very happy with it. I bought it with bike camping on my Bike Friday in mind and It worked perfectly. Best of all it is easy to put on and take off. It also came beautifully boxed with straps and accessories.

[@MiVo1984]

THIS IS IT!! Been looking for a rack for my Ritchey Outback. The issue is the fork crown. And the easiness of taking it away so quickly is a game changer. THX!!

[@madisondeans5566]

This rack really caught my eye a few weeks ago,so glad for the review!As usaul very well done!Russ plz.don't ever change your style or lo-key highly informative content!🤗

[@alexmurdock9101]

I also have an Outback, and got the Swood twisted rack this spring. 100 grams, so a whole lot lighter. It supports a bag, but no shelf so can't strap misc stuff to it. I think PLP reviewed that already.

[@adhunt1]

Love that we've come back around to front racks. Turns out Jan and Grant are right a lot

[@JosephREkins]

The design is ancient. I have a 10 dollar cruiser bike basket with almost the same mount . Been around for decades. Kudos to these guys for modernizing it into a rack

[@puro52]

you have any link or a photo? maybe even a paintin? :)

[@timothymcdonough27]

The only images are etched in stone deep inside caves unfortunately :)

[@monty2078]

Yep back, tithe 70's. It was good then and still is.

[@wesdrum1999]

Cannondale made handlebar bags in the late 70s thru the 80's with a similar rack. It just came out from the bar and hooked through the top of their bags.

[@kylehoover114]

I’m sure your milk crate looks very stylish

[@thombatty1950]

This checks so many boxes for me. Front load, check. Easily moved from bike to bike, check. Support a small startup, check. I will be looking at this for my bikes that don't already have a front rack or basket.

[@Ade2bee]

In my opinion, Brompton came up with the best idea for carrying a bag on the front with its slot on bracket that attaches to the front of the bike. Therefore it doesn’t impede the steering as it glides with the frame rather than the handlebars. I appreciate that to clear a lot of cables and stuff you would have to have a higher, or should I say longer bracket, which would approach leverage on the frame, but it really is a good system

[@neil_b-g]

On this review, just received mine in the post, and it’s fitted! I have also setup my Restrap Rando (small) bag on there, and so far this looks to be the perfect fit and combo for my level of luggage needs. Nice and minimalist whilst flexible enough to my needs. Thanks for highlighting this one Russ!

[@kendalldever]

How did you order? I cant seem to figure it out.

[@ilikewasabe]

Sometimes old designs just works well in whatever timeline they are in

[@chickensmack]

I have drop bars on my bike for the specific reason, that with several straps and some paracord, I suspend my quilt and sleeping pad between those drops. This looks like it could save me lots of time in loading my rig on camping trips. Thanks for sharing. As always, good stuff.

[@jeffreyastjohn]

Great design. I wouldn’t ever put a permanent rack on my gravel bike but this changes things.

[@BrentZahradnik]

Stopped the video and went to back it immediately. Thanks for putting it on our radar!

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Just received my rack today. Excited to set it up. Thanks for your review.

[@MrGrenadeMcBoom]

I have been trying to figure out how to carry my lunch box on my commuter cyclocross bike without wearing a back pack. This is it! I saw it on your Insta and I'm already signed up. Early bird here I come!

[@YoSpiff]

Looks promising. Some similarities to the method that Rhode Gear used for their handlebar bags. I really liked their stuff. Im surprised nobody has adopted that system for modern use on 31.8 bars .

[@MountainVisions]

Cannondale, Rhode Gear... Etc. I loved my cannondale bag. Got one and it didn't fit my new 31mm bars, so I modified it with clamps and JB weld to work. Works great. Cost $25 total. No bag on my cables or hands, very stable (actually totally immobile, like a salsa front bag mount) and easy to access. I tried to bend it first, then considered welding one, but ultimately, JB weld was sufficient and it still allows me to use bike lights on my Trek 9600 drop bar gravel grinder (one on the fork, one on a drop down vs rise up bar extension). the drop drop down is to secure my front roll bag for bike packing. I'm a cheap SOB. I rigged it so I wouldn't have a bouncy bag on my cables. Works great. 6lbs of gear move an inch with a compression burrito and some voile straps.

[@danielsotelo3942]

Glad its back in a modern form, great job! I've already recommended your stem rack to several riders who do the new long distance riding where they pack everything in line with the bike to be more aerodynamic, instead of the old side bag paniers.. I will highly suggest to make some kind of universal light bracket attachment at the very front, as many of these riders have hub generator lights like SON, as Paris-Brest-Paris randonneur type riding is becoming very popular.

[@craiglycke6170]

Your channel has become my go to for product reviews.

[@mfmg1000]

Ordered one each for my wife and me. Thanks for a well-thought product review.

[@daftpeasant1519]

Carradice used to make a simpler version of this 45 years ago, for fitting a handlebar bag to, without cluttering your bars up with straps. It held the bag about an inch forward of the bars, so you could still use the full width of the tops of drop handlebars, for your hands. It was steel coated with white plastic. I still have one in the garage somewhere along with its cotton duck handlebar bag.

[@martinmalloy5997]

Very sort after especially if you have the saddle bag too

[@ronwhite8503]

@@martinmalloy5997 sought after.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome - as a multiple bike guy with two Zeitgeists and no mid-fork mounts I think I’m gonna spring for this.

[@craigtorso]

Really appreciated the direct comparisons with the Nitto F16. Great review.

[@Ray.J]

So.....you do know Jack! But seriously, that is a good design and so practical for moving from bike-to-bike when necessary. Looks well made too. Personally I like to see the welds and such.

[@stevepark6363]

This is just what I’ve been looking for to sometimes turn a hardtail into a commuter with a basket.

[@bradstone5408]

Absolutely love the design and the looks of this rack!

[@myblackboxrocks]

Sweet, my gravel bike has a carbon fork and I've been looking for a stable front-load system for ages, this looks just the ticket

[@jasonwhitehead4068]

This is just what I’ve always wanted for my carradice bag 😁

[@tonypowers123]

You said it in the title-genius! 🙏 Sold! 👌 What a cool invention !

[@davidmurray3685]

Such a brilliant video, just about to pick up one of these so wanted some more info. Your video nailed it. Thank you 🙏🙏

[@garyp.7501]

I have an old, 70's front bag with a similar attachment points. The Front bag is great for holding snacks, and/or camera/phone etc. Not a lot of weight on the front wheel, I prefer to load the back when carrying a lot of stuff, but if you already have a rear bag full of cr*p, this will be a nice addition.

[@jarjar3143]

Wonder if it would fit on the condor bar . Running a salsa (clamp on) sausage roll type right now which just fits the only straight part of the bars nearest the stem .

[@capmidnite]

Okay, on second thought it is a pretty ingenious design. If I had the mounts on my fork, I would still prefer a dedicated front mini rack. If not, it is a cool minimalist design and has less straps flopping around than a cradle system. My one concern is the longevity of the soft parts with day to day use. That is, the whole thing is held in tension by the elastic band and the stem strap. Sure, when brand new the rack can meet the load specs but eventually fabric frays and elastic deteriorates. How often would these items need refurbishing and the cost? (more of a rhetorical question that depends on how much you use/abuse your gear, I guess)

[@andrewturner943]

This is too perfect. I can tie down the bulky camp stuff with their bungee straps and put a basket net on top for quicker access stuff. AND take everything off when I don't need it.

[@robbchastain3036]

Thanks for showing us all these racks and do-dads, Russ, a lot of fun to have a lot of options. Signed, a party pacer by age, not choice. And O how I grin, just thankful to still be in the game. And maybe you could do a vid on how to upgrade a Free Spirit. I know there's more speed in that bike, somewhere.

[@grady3130]

Looks rock solid and very sharp! 90 Euros shipped from China just doesn't work for me though

[@frakafrocka]

will this wear out your handlebars at attachment points, and make them break? ty for review and info.

[@LevinBe]

There is plastic in between. If ever then the plastic will break before the plastic destroys your metal handlebar.

[@frakafrocka]

@@LevinBe will this work on Jones bar

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

No.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

No.

[@milesbgibbons]

@@frakafrocka It actually does! I've used it with my jones bars (no rise) and the other creator of the rack has used it with his Jones (with rise). And it actually works really nicely as the bars and rack clamp your load together! It may even work with the Jones Fork! But we've not tried, only speculated

[@shmonklong]

I want this but for side panniers. Would be pretty useful for carrying coolers

[@J_heterodox]

Missed the preorder for this one but I’ll be on the look out for when they officially drop

[@mathewcumming4637]

At this stage. What I can say is that they have demonstrated an absolute master class in how to launch a product.

[@jawjuk]

THIS IS THE NEWS THAT MATTERS. Great job, PLP!

[@zer0kelvin212]

looks great! I like the minimalism and the welds. But I carry a lot of weight so I prefer some kind of nitto style front rack that mounts to the crown and fork.

[@jimmymiller592]

does it seem like there is enough clearance if you have cantilever brakes?

[@benblasco]

I have centre pull cantilever frames that route through the stem. Will probably be an issue but I backed them anyway.

[@yutubl]

A very easy & light weight bike front rack to be fixed on the steering handlebar. For more weight should be put on the front rack I recommend putting a larger typical dutch style bike front racks to be attached below the steering handlebar at the vertical front frame shaft so that the front rack does move sidewards when you are steering left/right.

[@greenfeetoutdoors2779]

Really cool design! I can already think of some improvements and modificaitons. Love it and solve some problems for me.

[@event4216]

Looks like someone has made a bracket I thought of about this summer. I tied backpack in front of handlebars and wanted something to support it. My idea was to buy a piece of thick wire and bend it. Of course, this is more elegant and refined product.

[@marksadventures3889]

I must've blinked when this got released - just caught up with it. Good review and the Jack makes sense. ( I wonder how many Aussies have The Jack? - ackerdacker joke)

[@Snarfyy]

Man this is exactly what I've been looking for!

[@TheBuffjam]

I had one of those in the 1970's. I still use it.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Show me this magical thing from the past that is exactly the same.

[@ryanolinger639]

Thinking this will be great for my situation. My commuter is also my weekend gravel bike. I’d like to ditch the rear rack in favor of something more detachable.

[@luvinfunvan]

Looks great! I’ve wanted something like this for a long time. Hope they add a strap to accommodate slacker mtb head angles.

[@billmaidment5623]

Would you select this over the Swood Twisted T? This seems much more useful and easier to swap bikes.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Depends on the bag and how minimal you want to be. I usually use the Swood since most my bags work well with it.

[@billmaidment5623]

@@PathLessPedaledTV I'm buying a BXB Piccolo. I ride a 53cm bike so contact with the front tire is a real possibility. I could also see myself using the BXB or a dry sausage bag on both my gravel and mtb bikes.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@billmaidment5623 if youre worried about tire rub then the Jack is the safest option.

[@billmaidment5623]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Thanks Russ

[@kayzinti4452]

Wow! I didn't realize I didn't know Jack until this! 😁

[@bobshuff6156]

Did this product ever launch? Wholegrain Cycles website still says they are fulfilling kickstarter orders, but I have no idea how long ago they posted that message.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

To my knowledge they shipped.

[@racerx8410712]

I think this is a great product. Especially for the price. My only concern is that on some of my bikes I don't have enough space for the steerer tube strap. Is there a skinnier one included? Oh and will it work for bull moose bars?! Ha!

[@axlent123]

I just bought my first gravel the other day. And I’ve not been much into cycling in the last several years, so I don’t know exactly what equipment I want to add. But this seems kinda cool… I’m even thinking that I could mount my GoPro to it connected by a pole or something to get backward facing shots..

[@DucKien86]

Thank for your review. I love it so much anf i want to buy it. Plz tell me how to do?

[@dpell3543]

Still waiting for an email saying that it's available. Now awaiting , arriving in a few days, an etsy offering that mounts like the T rack which is also not so available.

[@jamm13dodger]

So just over a year later mine has arrived and it's looking great. Any advice on what bag would be best to fit on it?

[@stevenbrown234]

Will this work on mustache or Albastache style handlebars? Also will it work for 26.0 diameter bar?

[@ricardomalit]

I was like all "take my money!" then I remembered I'm using Bullmoose bars lol

[@Jakeaway]

What a review! Im sold

[@mikelacross]

I had something like the f16, think I chucked it, for some strange reason. Have turned the place upside-down TWICE now looking for it 😕. So this new job might be a much better replacement 😁 Mind you, $275 is a hell of a price!!!

[@davemeise2192]

I totally agree with you. It's an excellent design.

[@yourpalbertie]

I'm definitely going to get on this, I have a front-sus ebike that i use for getting to the supermarket, and have been hunting for an affordable solution for getting stuff on the front. My only concern is that someone might pinch the rack when I'm locked up outside, so I might have to try to figure out how to run a lock through some part of this without adding too much weight. Anyone have any ideas on how to avoid something like this getting nicked?

[@orangerabbi1709]

You can get metal zip tie locks. Have a look at hiplock and you see what i mean.

[@GameOfThePlanets]

Not a bad design for light loads. It could really benefit from a proprietary (tiny) ratchet strapping system.

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Super cool product! Thanks, Russ!

[@SIvers-or2ke]

Anyone who tends to over complicate things needs to see this to learn that the simplest things in life truly are often the best.

[@michaelmann6482]

Excited for this to go live. Price is good too 👍

[@OldschoolDT]

I joined the Kickstarter campaign yesterday and they reached at this time a 1000% of their goal. The rack hit the nerve of the community!

[@trishaleaver3581]

Some of the touring handlebar bags in the 1970/80s had a very similar frame.

[@capella28]

You think this would work with the Diverge Future Shock, or would that damage the FS?

[@hendrixinfinity3992]

This is super similar to the bagman by carradice and I think that's no coincidence. The bagman is a no brainer for randonneuring, it supports your saddlebag and makes it feel like it's not even there under light load. I'm not sure why carradice never made a bagman for the front because they would literally just have to make the bar a little longer and bend it a bit more. In any case, when I get my version of this I will be doing double saddlebag touring pretty sharpish. 24 litres in solid, good locations, aero compared to panniers, and keep my frame clear for big boi bottles? Yes please.

[@Jugomugo]

Basically a simplified version of the Ortlieb handlebar mounting bracket. Same general concept at least. This is a pretty slick design!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I guess. Except that it doesn’t require tools and can be moved from bike to bike and can be used as a rack.

[@Jugomugo]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Oh for sure! It's a super great design and if I wasn't already using my Ortleib I'd be looking at this in a heartbeat. I really like the idea of slappin' a basket on it!

[@rayachheuy]

Can I ask what the reach is for the handlebars with the green tape? Looks ideal for me, my current bar is like 125 and I feel a little too stretch out on the hoods.

[@DavidTuttleTex]

I wonder if it would interfere with the Redshift stem... The Jack strap around the steer tube would have to be slack

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes. Prob not the best with the RS stem.

[@Digi20]

I´d like to know what brand the titanium demo bike in the video is?

[@edwardgomez3633]

Any idea if this is ever going to be made available?

[@endianAphones]

I need to run some measurements. But this might be a bit too low for my bike. What's that other rack mentioned at 5:48? Something like F15 or S16?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Nitto F-16

[@paulmccutch]

headlight obscurity issue - is there a fitting on the front of the rack to solve that??

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Gino mount.

[@juliapoelstra3624]

Is that the Zeitgeist bag you've got on the rack?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes

[@davidpolek1549]

Are these only sold from Europe?

[@craigscott3133]

Do you think Jack will work with a suspension stem?

[@Soho-dude]

it can work but it depends on the suspension travel and the height of your rack.

[@Korina42]

Looks great! Not at all sure it would work with cantis, but very nifty otherwise.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Might work. Depends on the angle you set the rack.

[@simonlynch4204]

Beautifully simple. Although it's hard to see if it would fit a XXS frame...

[@MrJasonodonnell]

One of my favorite accesories of all time is a pair of Lynze Femto F/R lights. they are durable, work, look good, and every single part of that light is pure fuction.......the best part?, the rubber "straps" lock of to one side much tighter, that way the strap never falls off or becomes detached. I cannot stand procucts that dont have time for this simple idea.

[@19frog68]

Great review. What do you call those bungee cords? They are also my favorites. I buy them in multi packs at Home Depot but end up with several other bungees that I don't need. I have not found them sold separately. Always enjoy your content.

[@jenherrington9992]

Russ would this rack work for road bikes with "cheaters"? Do to my injuries I don't use my drop bars, preferring the cheaters. I have been looking for options for the front but all seem to crowd that space. My bike is a Specialized Dolce, small frame.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

What’s a cheater?

[@jenherrington9992]

@@PathLessPedaledTV My apologies for not being clear. Cheater brakes or some call them top brakes. My Specialized Dolce Sport Disc, size 48 has the standard road bike brakes but it also has a set on the top. I sustained a crush injury in the military. Many years of surgeries to get me back in my zen zone, on the bike. My injured hand is capable of using the standard brakes but I find it much more comfortable and easier to sit up and use the top brakes. I switch back and forth from the hoods but due to my injury and height, 5.2 the top brakes are a necessary. My friends and I are planning a post Covid ride and well I have the less amount of pennies in my account. I found a bused set of front Ortlieb panniers from REI's used site. Due to the size of my frame and my top brakes a front bag has been more difficult to find. I love your videos on various bags and my friends have used your links to outfit their bikes but as you understand one size doesn't fit all. We no longer have to look identical and my financial constraints require me to mix and match. I love your channel for not subscribing to the ethos of because everyone else is doing it. I am new to road cycling, I used to make fun of Roadies as a young whipper snapper MTB cyclist. Now I find myself at times kitted out via used gear and riding with the speed demons but my zen zone is a Party Pace. Thanks for your informative videos.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@jenherrington9992 ah. Cross brake levers. It would work but you may have to recable. The Jack doesn't take much handlebar real estate and the levers should clear.

[@jenherrington9992]

@@PathLessPedaledTV YES! It looks like the best option given my frame size and brakes. I knew if I watched enough of your videos I would find something that would fit my MTB and road bike. Recable, lol. I am a master with those bungee cords. Tks

[@kwhatten]

Had one of these on my 10-speed 40+ years ago.

[@cleverboymlgameplays8230]

is it okay to put on carbon handlebar?

[@Ithinktooomuch]

can one affix a wald 137 basket to this securely? totally finding out about this now. gearing up for a tour soon:)

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Zip ties.

[@scotteffting8385]

This going to be perfect for my Masi Brunello that is getting a Rockshox XLPR

[@felixjackson2670]

Great. Looks solid and well made. Simple is best!

[@ovp2go]

Can you give me the info about the handlebars with the teal/blue bar tape you were demo’ing the Jack rack on?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Redshift Kitchen sink

[@ovp2go]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Thank you for replying. I appreciate it.

[@ricksantana1016]

This rack may very well be a game changer, Agreed great bungee cords! Although would I invest in this? Most certainly…

[@MontenegroNoel]

Nice find Lol poping out your Eye ball

[@jameskitchell1277]

Neat indeed I wonder if it will fit my pedego Boomerang?????

[@bennettshfd2]

Would the Restrap Rando Bag-Small fit this rack?

[@ericscott6682]

Oh yeah 😎. Obviously using the "Latest in Bungee-Cord Technology"!!

[@josephoutdoors]

Any idea if you could fit the Klickfix adaptor so I could use the Swift Paloma with it?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Why would you use both?

[@josephoutdoors]

@@PathLessPedaledTV I want to carry my mirrorless lens and camera in the handle bar bag but would prefer some extra stability at the bottom. It’s either that or maybe invest in the outer shell camera strap… Maybe I’m being overly paranoid as I’ve carried it with nothing but a camera anchor on a backpack strap when I’ve backcountry backpacked 😅

[@yanassi]

I wish there was more flexibility in the bar hooks. If it could encompass larger diameters or unique shapes like aero bars it would be great for electric scooters too. There are many options for bicycles due to the bosses that are brazed on the down tube, front forks, etc. but electric scooters have no options. My escooter has a folding handlebar (ubiquitous in electric scooters) which has two ends that fold down from a center ovalish center bar which the stem is attached to. That ovalish center piece is 42mm wide x 33mm tall (measuring the cross section) x 120mm long. While this particular folding handlebar is used by many escooter manufacturers, there are also other handlebar designs and also there are cross bars that attaches to the stem to put things like headlights and other accessories. Escooters is a growing PEV market, and strangely no racks are available. The most obvious attach point would be the stem or the handlebar that sits atop the stem. Now if a Jack the Scooter Rack was made, it only have to differ with larger hooks on the top and the lengths of the webbing. Escooters don’t have a gooseneck where the handlebar attaches to the stem, the scooter handlebar actually sit atop the stem. So the hook webbing could do a figure 8 around the stem, the drop down from the hooks would be shorter as it wouldn’t have to reach a stem that is setback. I would buy it. For now, all escooter riders use backpacks.

[@nunavikgraphics]

Will this work on trekking butterfly handlebars?

[@kasisyphus201]

This is perfect (form and price) for my 2017 Ghost Urban 2 commuter, which does not have any fork connections. I think one issue about the rack is when you have a Jones H bar or Moloko bar..I don't thing this would work very well, if at all? If anyone has a pic, please post.