How would you recommend securing a pannier rack on a bike without braze-ons?

Question

My bike has lugs for mudguards/rack down by the rear drop-outs, but not in the usual places at the top of the seat-stays.

My two options seem to be:

use P-clips around the seat-stays
fashion a single bracket extending from the centre of the rack to the bolt-hole on the rear brake bridge

The first option seems easier and less fussy, but perhaps there's another way.

Sunlite racks actually come with a bracket that fits to the brake bolt. I personally prefer p clamps because they allow a higher position, but they can run the paint off even if they are rubber coated — Andrew, May 27, 2020 at 0:59
@Andrew: Wrap rubber or duct tape around the seat stays before you tighten the clamps. — Michael, May 27, 2020 at 6:05
The bracket I made has broken. topeak.com/global/en/products/99-Replacement-Kit/… looks like a stronger way of uniting the rack with the frame; are there other parts available that do the same job? — Daniele Procida, May 20, 2021 at 20:37

David D · Accepted Answer · 2020-05-26 21:04:47Z

6

The two options you mention are widely used.

Another option is a seatpost clamp with rack mount points
There are a variety of makers and styles, here is one example.

answered May 26, 2020 at 21:04

David D

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I have an old steel frame in which the clamp is part of the seat-tube, so the clamp you suggest sadly won't work (otherwise it would have been ideal).
– Daniele Procida
May 26, 2020 at 22:27
@DanieleProcida, in that case just make/purchase some shims and clamp around the post only. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
– Lamar Latrell
May 27, 2020 at 10:09
1

@DanieleProcida What is the downside with P clamps? I don't like them because they are ugly and clunky but I'd use them if I had to. Is clamping to the seatpost an option? There are versions of this clamp for seatposts. Old steel frames are wonderful
– David D
May 27, 2020 at 13:19

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EarlGrey · Accepted Answer · 2020-05-26 21:41:38Z

3

You can attach the rack to the brake bridge, yes, any decent bike shop should be able to do that when installing the rack.

Or you buy a rack that clamps to the seat post: the Pletscher quick rack system will attach directly to the seat tube, so no need for the eyelets. https://www.pletscher.ch/index.php/en/products-en/carriers-en/quickrack-carriers-en They carry up to 25 kgs, as other racks.

answered May 26, 2020 at 21:41

EarlGrey

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A rack which attaches to the brake bridge will be much lighter. For example the Tubus Fly weighs 420g while the Pletscher Athlete is 940g.
– Michael
May 27, 2020 at 6:07
@Michael I guess the Pletscher is a bit over-engineered, because it provides the quick removal possibility, with no tools it can be removed simply by releasing the QR and rotting backward and sliding out.
– EarlGrey
May 27, 2020 at 14:40
+1, single strut to brake bridge is the right answer.
– Nathan Knutson
May 28, 2020 at 18:10

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