For many cycling enthusiasts, the journey into bike travel began with a simple, reliable setup: a Bike Rack Rear and a pair of panniers. This classic combination remains a cornerstone of traditional bike touring and stands out as one of the most adaptable choices available. In today’s market, a variety of high-quality, smaller panniers are available, making a lightweight rear bike rack an excellent base for a versatile bikepacking system. This is particularly beneficial when you require extra storage capacity or when your bike lacks sufficient saddle-to-tire clearance for a larger seat bag. Much like a dependable minimal front rack, a lightweight rear bike rack proves to be a valuable addition for bikepacking adventures, daily commutes, and errands around town.
Exploring the Versatility: Uses for a Rear Bike Rack
While the applications are extensive, here are three primary ways a rear bike rack enhances a bikepacking setup:
Mini Panniers for Bike Rack Rear
Mini Panniers: Adding Extra Cargo Space to Your Bike Rack Rear
Integrating a pair of compact panniers with either a front or rear rack is a practical solution when you need to expand your packing capabilities. Some riders prefer to avoid a heavily loaded front end, making a rear rack a more appealing option than a front-loading setup. Furthermore, when navigating technical or uneven terrain, positioning the load at the rear arguably improves bike handling by keeping the front end agile. This setup also provides the advantage of maintaining clear visibility of your front wheel and the path ahead.
Dry Bag Strapped to Bike Rack Rear for Bikepacking
Dry Bag Versatility on a Bike Rack Rear
Rear bike racks also function as an outstanding platform for carrying gear, even when the additional volume of panniers isn’t necessary. This is particularly useful when using a long-travel dropper post, a common feature in singletrack-focused bikepacking trips. When a standard seat bag’s capacity falls short, strapping a drybag directly onto the platform of your rear rack is a highly effective alternative. This method not only ensures full dropper post functionality but also simplifies packing and offers exceptional stability for your gear.
Bottle and Cargo Cages Mounted on Bike Rack Rear
Expanding Capacity with Bottle and Cargo Cages on Bike Rack Rear
Certain rear racks, such as the Tumbleweed T-Rack and OMM Elkhorn, are designed with threaded bosses that accommodate bottle and cargo cages, further enhancing carrying capacity. This added versatility is a significant advantage, allowing you to transport extra water or gear as needed. It’s also an ideal solution for cyclists who lack the heel clearance for panniers but still require additional space for equipment.
Advantages of Choosing a Rear Bike Rack
Bikepacking Setup with Rear Bike Rack for Optimal Clearance
Enhanced Clearance and Space with Bike Rack Rear
As previously mentioned, spatial limitations are a primary reason to consider a rear bike rack. Smaller bike frames often have limited space within the frame triangle for bags and reduced clearance between the saddle and rear tire, or handlebar and front tire, restricting packing options and highlighting the need for a rear rack setup. Saddle-to-tire clearance becomes even more critical for bikepackers who utilize dropper posts. Often, even the smallest dropper post-compatible seat bags can interfere with the tire. By relocating gear weight from the saddle to a rear rack, you enable unrestricted dropper post movement, maximize its travel, and lower the center of gravity, resulting in a more stable and balanced system.
Expandable Bikepacking System Using Bike Rack Rear
Expandable Gear Carrying with a Rear Bike Rack
Unlike most seat bags, which have a fixed maximum volume, rear bike racks offer adaptable versatility to meet varying needs. For shorter trips, securing a dry bag directly to the rear rack platform provides a straightforward and effective way to carry bulky items. When more capacity is required, a set of small panniers can be easily added. Racks equipped with threaded bosses are also excellent for carrying extra water, fuel for stoves, or other supplies on longer journeys, creating a highly expandable packing solution.
Selecting the Ideal Rear Bike Rack
Choosing the most suitable rear rack for your bike and intended use depends on several factors. Initially, it’s crucial to determine how you plan to use the rack and with what gear. Certain racks are not compatible with all pannier types. Others have specific weight limits, making them better suited for lightweight dry bags or smaller loads. Furthermore, consider whether carrying additional water might be necessary, especially for routes like the Baja Divide. In such cases, opt for a rear rack with cargo cage expandability, such as the Tumbleweed T Rack, the Old Man Mountain Elkhorn, or the Tailfin Aeropack system.
Compatibility is another key consideration, and consulting with your local bike shop or the rack manufacturer is often the best approach. However, here are some specifications to evaluate and measure:
Tire Clearance for Rear Bike Racks
Tire clearance is a fundamental aspect. While some rack manufacturers may be less explicit about this specification, you can often infer it from the platform dimensions. Others, like Tubus, provide detailed schematic drawings.
Rack Height Considerations for Bike Rack Rear
The second most critical measurement is the rack height—the vertical distance between the platform and the lower mounting bolt hole. Mounting points for rear bike racks vary across bike frames, so it’s essential to locate your frame’s mounting points and measure the vertical space between the lower mount and the top of the tire. Generally, allowing at least a couple of centimeters of extra clearance is advisable for mud and to ensure the rack platform isn’t excessively high, which can affect ride quality. Finding the right balance is important. Some racks, like the Old Man Mountain Divide, offer adjustability. Others, such as those from Tumbleweed, come in different sizes to accommodate various bike geometries.
Generally, dropout/hub width and the placement of your frame’s rack mounts (if present) will dictate which racks are compatible. Some setups might require adapters or different strut kits, while axle kits are available for racks to be used even without frame mounts. With these options, finding a compatible rear bike rack for almost any type of bike is achievable.
Custom Rear Bike Racks for Unique Needs
If finding a compatible rack proves challenging or if you desire a highly specific design, commissioning a custom rack from a local frame builder could be a worthwhile option. Exceptional custom designs have emerged from builders such as Manivelle in France, Daam Built in Canada, and Myth Cycles in Colorado, among others. A custom-made rear rack ensures a perfect fit for your bags and bike and can often be color-matched to your frame for a cohesive aesthetic.
Essential Accessories for Your Rear Bike Rack
Several helpful accessories and add-ons can enhance the setup and functionality of your rear bike rack. Below are a few useful components, including some designed for bikes lacking rear rack mounts. If you have favorite accessories, share them in the comments section.
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