Learning the Ways of Old Man Mountain

[GreenBikeGuy]

All right my first real question.

When I start packing, I'm absolutely certain that I'll be using racks & panniers, probably front AND rear.  I feel that Old Man Mountain's products are the obvious choice: they had me sold when I found out that they mount to the quick release, instead of those stupid eyelets!

Looking at their selection, I observe that there are two models, the Cold Springs and the Sherpa, that are advertised as being fit-able to either 29" wheels, or disc brakes (either or both of which are likely features of my forthcoming machine).  And after examining them both, I'm now faced with my first set of questions, for people familiar with OMM's materials:

A) First, am I wrong about confining my search to these two models?  Will the other two racks work, either with 29ers or discs, or both?

B) For that matter, will the two models that I found work with both, if ordered with the right prefix?

C) Load-stop or no, and why?  Specifically, I like the minimalist looks of the Sherpa, and feel that 80 lbs. of total capacity is quite enough!  But does that design give it more versatility than the Cold Springs, or less?  (I anticipate having to tie stuff up in who-knows-how-many configurations, when things go wrong.)

D) I've seen at least one reference to, and two examples of, getting 2 rear racks, instead of one rear and one front rack.  Has anyone here any experience with this approach, and if so, is it a good idea, or a bad one?

That should provide more than enough discussion for one post.......

[fat bob]

I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions as well. I was looking into a rack to get started too, and also took a look at the OMM stuff, but for the price they are asking, I think I'd rather just save a step and order a large capacity seat bag from Eric. The thought of a loud clangy rack rattling around doesn't sit too well with me, plus when I go with my SS set up I have fun bolts that I don't think will work anyway.

Thoughts? Opinions?

[J-No]

I went with the Sherpa on my Pugsley.  I like the canti mounts, and the lack of a load stop means I can strap my oversize stuff sack on there easily.  Many of the other racks tended to put the rack too close to my seatpost.  I did use the eyelets near the rear wheel.

It was a little more than I wanted to spend, bu now it's on and I don't need to think about it. 

[phil_rad]

I would go with the bags from Eric (Epic Designs) or Jeff Carousel Design Works). I don't think that they would be more expensive than racks and panniers, but way more flexible. That way you can ride any bike you want and have bags that attach and detach fast and easy. And much better suited for offroad riding
Just my opinion, doesn't mean its the right way.

Happy trials!

Phil 

[GreenBikeGuy]

I would go with the bags from Eric (Epic Designs) or Jeff Carousel Design Works).

That's another option, to be sure, and the bags admittedly give the bike a very nice look.  But I was planning on making some combination of racks AND bags to begin with (those handlebar bags look like a great place to carry a bedroll), and there's also the possibility of making my OWN bags, which could be fun.   So bags will probably get their own discussion, in the next thread.

[phil_rad]

I think the handlebar harnesses are a great idea also. I could see that what you're talking about (panniers and bags) could be a good option. Making the bags for oneself would also be fun and rewarding. Have fun!

[GreenBikeGuy]

Roughly, what I'm looking at is a MUCH more modern successor to this arrangement.....



....plus a little bag on the handlebars. At the very least, I ought to be able to better the weight and gearing range, considerably!  My only concern will be, where do I put the water bottles?

Also, after reading more online reviews, I'm increasingly leaning toward the Sherpa: it seems to be far more popular with this crowd, both on this site, and several others.

(P.S.  I only recently realized that this should have gone on "Questions and Answers."  My apologies; it's my first, real post. Is there any way to move it?)

[phil_rad]

Hey GBG,

Nice color! 

Have you heard of the Salsa Fargo?

http://www.salsacycles.com/fargoComp09.html

Might be something for you.

[GreenBikeGuy]

I'm not very familiar with Salsa Cycles, as a whole.  But it looks like a well-designed piece, that would have served well on my road-touring trip up the Maine Seacoast, 20 years ago!  (Long story.)

Right now, I'm looking for an off-road-and-BAD-road 'packer bike, for the wilderness and some parts of the Third World.  I also have a problem with drop bars.  But back in '90, that would have been a nice bike to find.  (As it stood, we got a Schwinn Voyageur [they were touring bikes then], which did just fine.)  I might also look into Salsa, just for fun, so thanks!

[GreenBikeGuy]

Looking closer, the El Mariachi would seem to be along the lines of what I'm looking for; it certainly has the right components!  Price is a bit steep, though.  Someday?

[bmike-vt]

Check out the Tout Terrain frames from Peter White. Not my thing - but sounds like something you might like.

[GreenBikeGuy]

Indeed they are!  I wish these had been available when I bought my now-veteran commuter bike in the mid-90's!

The rack is the frame: good idea.

[bmike-vt]

not really for commuting... 

[GreenBikeGuy]

You haven't seen MY commute, have you?

[stevage]

>I think the handlebar harnesses are a great idea also. I could see that what you're talking about (panniers and bags) could be a good option. Making the bags for oneself would also be fun and rewarding. Have fun!

My thoughts:
- you can't jury rig a frame bag. you have to do it right, or pay someone else to do it.
- you probably can jury rig a saddle pack, but it's a bit fiddly to stop it rubbing on your legs. I didn't quite get there, so I got one from Jeff.
- it's really easy to jury rig a handlebar harness. maybe I got lucky, but I found a sleeping bag cover ("Roman" brand, has various compression straps and stuff attached to it) slipped over a Topeak handlebar bag mount worked perfectly, with no effort. There are probably lots of ways you can do something similar, like getting a canvas bag and sewing some compression straps onto it.

But if the OP needs a rack and panniers, he needs a rack and panniers...

[GreenBikeGuy]

I realize the importance of craftsmanship: I'm picky about luggage.  But I'm not talking about "jury-rigging": I'm talking about making a pattern, sitting down, and making it carefully, out of some good-quality materials, as a crafts project.  I've done conventional sewing with my mom, and I'm a semi-regular customer at Tandy Leather, which should give you an idea of the kind of standard I plan on holding my work to.

[JayP]

All right my first real question.

When I start packing, I'm absolutely certain that I'll be using racks & panniers, probably front AND rear.  I feel that Old Man Mountain's products are the obvious choice: they had me sold when I found out that they mount to the quick release, instead of those stupid eyelets!

Looking at their selection, I observe that there are two models, the Cold Springs and the Sherpa, that are advertised as being fit-able to either 29" wheels, or disc brakes (either or both of which are likely features of my forthcoming machine).  And after examining them both, I'm now faced with my first set of questions, for people familiar with OMM's materials:

A) First, am I wrong about confining my search to these two models?  Will the other two racks work, either with 29ers or discs, or both?

B) For that matter, will the two models that I found work with both, if ordered with the right prefix?

C) Load-stop or no, and why?  Specifically, I like the minimalist looks of the Sherpa, and feel that 80 lbs. of total capacity is quite enough!  But does that design give it more versatility than the Cold Springs, or less?  (I anticipate having to tie stuff up in who-knows-how-many configurations, when things go wrong.)

D) I've seen at least one reference to, and two examples of, getting 2 rear racks, instead of one rear and one front rack.  Has anyone here any experience with this approach, and if so, is it a good idea, or a bad one?

That should provide more than enough discussion for one post.......

I have used the OMM Sherpa rack on 26", 29", tandem, fat wheeled snow bikes, with or without disk brakes. I have used the rear Sherpa on both front and back. If your wanting a rack give those guys a call, they are way familiar with what we all do and they will line you out with the proper hardware you might need. There are many mounting options... They are great guys to work with too!
People mentioned the soft bags, yep there great too, but there is a specific tool for every specific job, it's just the society we live in.

[wdlandparker]

well, suppose it also depends on if this is going to be soley a bike for off-road touring, or if it is going to be used for other things as well...

[AZTtripper]

Roughly, what I'm looking at is a MUCH more modern successor to this arrangement.....



....plus a little bag on the handlebars. At the very least, I ought to be able to better the weight and gearing range, considerably!  My only concern will be, where do I put the water bottles?

Also, after reading more online reviews, I'm increasingly leaning toward the Sherpa: it seems to be far more popular with this crowd, both on this site, and several others.

(P.S.  I only recently realized that this should have gone on "Questions and Answers."  My apologies; it's my first, real post. Is there any way to move it?)

Something like this would be a more modern version. The front rack is held on by some heavy duty hose clamps lasted the whole trip just fine. The rear rack eventually broke but that's a large size "Dromedary" bag and I did fill it a couple of times and well that's just too much weight.

And Speaking of weight that's the problem with racks in general. Even if it were only for dirt roads I wouldn't want to ride such a heavy bike again. Now I have one of Eric seat bags I made my own handle bar harness pretty simple design just a sheet of cordura with some buckles and straps. I also made frame bag but the seat post bag looked like too much work.

[GreenBikeGuy]

And Speaking of weight that's the problem with racks in general. Even if it were only for dirt roads I wouldn't want to ride such a heavy bike again.

I fully understand the implications for problem pedaling and/or handling.  However, that's presuming that one has a choice in the matter, and I'm not sure that I will.  You see, while these racks won't necessarily be loaded up for every trip (especially short ones), I'm anticipating that "stuff happens," and that I may well wind up having to haul something extra, and extra HEAVY, on short notice.  For example, someone else's bike, or rack, might break down, forcing me to help haul some stuff.  Or I could go on a hunting trip, and need the extra carrying capacity to "bring home the bacon." 

Like I said, stuff happens.  I plan to be ready.

(By the way, nice setup!)