For many cyclists, the journey into bike travel begins with a simple, reliable setup: a rear bike rack paired with panniers. This classic combination remains a cornerstone of traditional bike touring and stands out as one of the most adaptable solutions for carrying gear. With the rise of high-quality, compact panniers, a lightweight rear bike rack can be the foundation for a highly versatile bikepacking system. This is particularly beneficial when you require extra cargo capacity or if your bicycle 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 an invaluable accessory for bikepacking adventures, daily commutes, and running errands around your local area.
Versatile Uses for Rear Bike Racks
While the applications are numerous, here are three primary ways a rear bike rack enhances your bikepacking setup:
Mini Panniers
Utilizing Mini Panniers
Integrating small panniers with either a front or rear rack offers a practical solution when you need to expand your packing volume. Some riders prefer to avoid a heavily loaded front end, making a rear rack a more appealing choice than a front-loading setup. Furthermore, when navigating technical or uneven terrain, positioning the load at the rear is generally advantageous for maintaining nimble front-end handling. This rear load distribution also provides better visibility of your front wheel, crucial for technical riding.
Dry Bag on rear Bike Rack
Securing Dry Bags and Other Gear
Even when panniers aren’t necessary, rear bike racks serve as an excellent platform for carrying gear. This is especially useful when using a long-travel dropper post, common in singletrack-focused bikepacking trips. When a standard seat bag’s capacity falls short, strapping a dry bag directly onto the rear rack platform becomes an ideal solution. This method not only ensures unrestricted dropper post movement but also provides easy packing and exceptional stability for your gear.
Integrating Bottle and Cargo Cages
Certain rear racks, such as the Tumbleweed T-Rack and OMM Elkhorn, are equipped with threaded bosses designed to accommodate bottle and cargo cages, further increasing carrying capacity. This added versatility is a significant advantage, allowing you to carry extra water or gear as needed. It’s also a superb option for cyclists who lack heel clearance for panniers but still require additional space for essential equipment.
Advantages of Rear Bike Racks
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Enhanced Clearance and Optimized Space
As previously mentioned, spatial limitations are a primary motivator for choosing a rear bike rack. Bikes with smaller 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. These constraints restrict packing options, making a rear rack setup essential. Saddle-to-tire clearance is particularly critical for bikepackers utilizing dropper posts. Often, even the smallest dropper-compatible seat bags can interfere with the tire. Relocating gear weight to a rear rack ensures smooth dropper post functionality, allowing full travel, and lowers the center of gravity for improved stability.
Jones Spaceframe Review
Superior Expandability for Gear
Unlike most seat bags with fixed volume limits, rear bike racks offer adaptable expandability to suit varying needs. For shorter trips, simply strapping a dry bag to the rack platform provides a straightforward and effective way to carry bulkier items. When more capacity is required, adding a set of small panniers easily increases your gear-carrying capability. Racks featuring threaded bosses excel at accommodating extra water, fuel for stoves, or other supplies on longer expeditions, creating a highly adaptable packing system.
Lightweight Rear Bike Racks for Bikepacking
This gear guide presents a curated selection of favored and highly-regarded rear bike racks. Each option listed has been either personally tested or comes with strong recommendations. Almost all racks included weigh under 1,000 grams (2.2 pounds) and are well-suited for bikepacking. Key specifications are provided to facilitate comparison. Items marked with a “T” icon indicate products we have tested. Explore the list below for options and continue reading for guidance on selecting a rear bike rack and a compilation of recommended accessories.
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It’s likely we’ve missed some excellent lightweight rear bike rack options available. If you know of a rack under one kilogram (2.2 pounds) that you recommend, please share it in the comments section. Similarly, if you have experience with any of the listed racks, let us know about your experiences!
Selecting the Right Rear Bike Rack
Choosing the ideal rack for your bike and needs depends on several factors. First, consider your intended use and the gear you plan to carry. Some racks are incompatible with certain panniers, while others have weight limitations better suited for light dry bags or smaller loads. Additionally, think about the potential need for carrying extra water, especially for routes like the Baja Divide. In such cases, prioritize racks with cargo cage expandability, such as the Tumbleweed T Rack, Old Man Mountain Elkhorn, or the Tailfin Aeropack system.
Compatibility is another crucial consideration, often best addressed with guidance from your local bike shop or the rack manufacturer. However, here are key specifications and measurements to consider:
Tire Clearance Considerations
Tire clearance is a primary factor. While some manufacturers may not explicitly state this specification, platform size can sometimes provide an indication. Brands like Tubus often provide detailed schematic drawings for reference.
Understanding Rack Height
The second critical measurement is rack height, the distance between the platform and the lower mounting bolt hole. Rear bike rack mounts are not standardized across bike frames, making it essential to locate your frame’s mounts and measure the vertical distance from the lower mount to the top of the tire. Ideally, allow at least a couple of centimeters of extra space for mud clearance and ensure the rack platform isn’t excessively high, which can affect ride quality. Finding this balance is key. Adjustable racks, like the Old Man Mountain Divide, offer flexibility. Others, such as Tumbleweed, provide various sizes.
Generally, dropout/hub width and the location of your frame’s rack mounts significantly influence rack compatibility. Some racks may require adapters or different strut kits, while others offer axle kits, enabling rear rack use even without frame mounts. With these options, finding a compatible rear bike rack for nearly any bicycle type is typically achievable.
Exploring Custom Rear Bike Racks
If finding a compatible rack proves challenging or you desire a highly specific solution, consider consulting a local frame builder for a custom-made rack. Exceptional designs have emerged from makers like Manivelle in France, Daam Built in Canada, and Myth Cycles in Colorado, among others. A custom rack guarantees a perfect fit for your bags and bike and can often be painted to match your frame for a cohesive aesthetic.
Essential Rack Add-ons and Accessories
We’ve compiled a selection of helpful accessories and add-ons for optimizing your rear bike rack setup. Below are several components useful for bikes lacking rear rack mounts. Share your favorite accessories in the comments, and we may include them!
