3

How feasible is it to install a rear rack and fenders on common vintage road bike frames (e.g. Peugeot PX-8, Raleigh Record/Super Course etc.), and how can it be done, exactly?-- on my "true" randonneur from Motobecane (which is now sadly dead), the frame had eyelets to allow a rack to be installed: 1971 Motobecane rear rack eyelets

However, on some other bikes, the rear rack is merely "clamped" onto the frame: 1983 Raleigh Royal rear rack clamp

Considering that e.g. a Raleigh Super Course doesn't have eyelets for a rear rack, would it then be possible to install a rack via this latter "clamp" method? Would it be able to hold a proper amount of weight, e.g. 20kg? Likewise, how would one put fenders on such a bike (if this is indeed possible)?

Improve this question
5
  • 2
    Of course it is possible. The question is, whether the frame is strong enough for it and is it OK to break it if it is not. I personally wouldn't do it and if I did, I'd keep the load at few kilograms. Old (early 80s and older) road bikes generally have enough space for full length fenders and clamps are fine for them.
    – ojs
    Commented Jan 28, 2016 at 17:05
  • @ojs that's an answer, not a comment.
    – Criggie ♦
    Commented Jan 29, 2016 at 7:32
  • Have you looked into seat post racks? While they may be commonly sold for mtb use, I've used one for commuting on a (modern) road bike without mounting points. The one I had was only rated to something like 12 or 15 kg but it wasn't chosen with load capacity in mind.
    – Chris H
    Commented Jan 30, 2016 at 17:30
  • @ChrisH: I did look into seat post racks (and even had one on a cheap hybrid bike many moons ago), but I really didn't feel comfortable buying something for a significant amount of cash which I can't "trust": On an irregular basis, I carry stuff like huge amount of fruits and vegetables, which are likely brushing up against that 12-15 kg limit...
    – errantlinguist
    Commented Apr 10, 2016 at 14:04
  • @errantlinguist on smooth road I'd feel comfortable exceeding that limit by quite a bit, at least for short journeys (i.e. not touring). As they're aimed at mtbs, the limit is set based on rather harsh riding conditions.
    – Chris H
    Commented Apr 10, 2016 at 14:49

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3

Does this frame have mounting points down on the rear dropouts? The sort sometimes used for mudguards/fenders, which can be repurposed for the downshafts of a rack. Since they hold most of the weight, a front mount is relatively lightly loaded.

I made a couple of clamps out of thin sheet metal for my rack, which wrap around the seat stays and bolt through the rack.

View from above Top view

Looking backwards Front view

Each bracket is a short strip of aluminium which is wrapped around the seat stay and then back on itself. The bolt is a stainless steel one, and is (edit: should be!) double-nutted for vibration resistance.

Remember at least 2/3 of the weight is taken by the rear struts. I've had a good 12-15 kilograms on this rack. The black plastic is a substitute for a mudguard/fender, which does fine protecting my backside and bag, but does little to keep the bike and chain clean.

Improve this answer
3
  • 2
    You can also buy similar brackets ready made. Search for "Tubus Clamp Set For Seat Stay Mounting" or "P-clip".
    – armb
    Commented Feb 2, 2016 at 16:58
  • @armb Good finding. I had the scrap metal, and my time was cheaper than money for a while.
    – Criggie ♦
    Commented Feb 2, 2016 at 23:49
  • 1
    @armb: Thanks for the heads-up regarding P-clips-- I'm looking into them as they seem to be the only (commercial) solution available...
    – errantlinguist
    Commented Apr 10, 2016 at 14:05
1

After a very lengthy period of research, I came across what seems to be the only two proper purpose-built luggage racks for road bikes without eyelets which are not light-duty "seatpost racks" (at least on the part of the Web which is in the languages I understand):

Streamliner Road DLX from Axiom Cycling Gear

Axiom Streamliner Road DLX luggage rack

Pros

  • Looks very sturdy: It's even made of titanium and is rated to 50kg!
  • Has a mount for a rear light/reflector.
  • Works without any eyelets at all: It's mounted onto to the frame using the brake caliper bolt and the rear wheel's quick-release skewer.

Cons

  • It only comes in black and the bike I'm mounting it to is plum-colored with chrome accessories: It would look like a tumour growing on the bike's back.

Roadie Rack from Topeak

enter image description here

Pros

  • It's available in a silver aluminium finish, which would blend in with the chrome on my bike better than black would.
  • Adjustable struts so that even without seeing it in-person at a shop, I'd feel safe ordering it in regards to its compatibility with my frame.

Cons

  • It's basically a glorified seatpost rack: The struts attach to the seat stays via "adhesive straps".
  • In accordance with being a glorified seatpost rack, it's ridiculously flimsy: It's rated for only 7kg!-- even some seatpost racks can hold more than that!
  • Despite being available in a silver finish, it's so ugly that I'd rather put the black Streamliner Road DLX on my bike.

Conclusion

  • There are indeed a few luggage rack options designed for road bike frames on the market, but they are so few that they are all a compromise.
  • It is possible for a luggage rack with struts to actually be worse than a seatpost rack when it comes to carrying capacity.
  • If you're going to have a bike and look for obscure products for it, it's best to have a bike which is black or at least has black accents.
Improve this answer
1
  • There is nothing about colour that can't be fixed by a paint can and some time.
    – Criggie ♦
    Commented Apr 10, 2016 at 20:13

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.