Newb here, rack question.

[1speed]

Hi new guy here. I'm having a custom frame built by Scott Quiring http://quiringcycles.net/along the lines of the Salsa Fargo but with Paragon sliding dropouts so I can use it as a geared bike or a single speed or as a fixed gear commuter using a second rear wheel I'm going to build on a Surly hub. This is my first Adventure/Touring bike and I'm looking for some advice on racks.

[Done]

Racks and panniers aren't very popular for bikepacking, at least with the light and fast crowd. Most people are riding with frame bags, seat packs, handlebar bags, small backpacks, etc. That said, I know of at least two guys who will be riding the Colorado Trail race this year with racks and panniers--and at least one of them (not me) is an experienced and strong bikepacker. I prefer not to have too much weight on my shoulders and back, which is the only reason why I'm using panniers.

As per your original question, steel racks seem to take abuse better than aluminum racks. While it hasn't happened to me yet, many people have had aluminum racks crack along welds from metal fatigue. Not so much of a problem with commuting on smooth surfaces, but bikepacking is pretty bouncy!

On the flip side, aluminum racks are also cheap and light.

[1speed]

Racks and panniers aren't very popular for bikepacking, at least with the light and fast crowd. Most people are riding with frame bags, seat packs, handlebar bags, small backpacks, etc. That said, I know of at least two guys who will be riding the Colorado Trail race this year with racks and panniers--and at least one of them (not me) is an experienced and strong bikepacker. I prefer not to have too much weight on my shoulders and back, which is the only reason why I'm using panniers.

As per your original question, steel racks seem to take abuse better than aluminum racks. While it hasn't happened to me yet, many people have had aluminum racks crack along welds from metal fatigue. Not so much of a problem with commuting on smooth surfaces, but bikepacking is pretty bouncy!

On the flip side, aluminum racks are also cheap and light.

Yeah I'm kind of noticing that.

I would like the option of running racks though. Steel sounds better to me since I'm going full rigid at first. I'm having the frame and fork set up suspension corrected so I can run suspension later if I want to.

[rperks]

What type of brakes are you planning on using?  That can play big into the rack mounting and choices that will work.  Disk will limit your options the most, but I have used these for all sorts of loads over all sorts of terrain,
http://www.oldmanmountain.com/

If you can get the disk down low on the chain stay, not sure if there is a slider way, then you are open to options like Bruce Gordon or Tubus which build pretty robust racks as well.

I would think hard on this now before you wish the custom bike was something else. 

[1speed]

The bike will use disc brakes. I am seeing that they will limit my options somewhat, as will the Paragon sliders. The good thing is the frame builder wants to have the racks while he's building the bike so he can make sure they will work.

[jhl99]

I don't see rack mounting tapped holes on any of the Paragon sliding dropouts.  Are you planning use a conventional rack?

Maybe you should get a custom rack made while you are at it.  Have the builder put special lugs on the seatstays to support a custom rack (or maybe just shorten a commercial rack, like a Blackburn or something).


Another option would be to ditch the sliding dropout stuff and use an eccentric BB with chainstay mounted disk brake.  Then you can use conventional drop outs with rack eyelets.

Another option is just to use a Singulatory and give up on fixed.

Sounds like you building a Surly Karate Monkey.... might want to look at those and save some cash!

I think more consideration should be put into the true primary reason for building a custom bike...

I really don't understand the need for converting a bike back and forth between geared and single/fixed.  Why do it and introduce various compromises? 

As a final option, for the money of custom, I bet you could get both a decent single/fixed and a decent hardtail suitable for backcountry touring. 

[boddunn]

I've got a Tubus titanium lowrider rack which is perfect if money's is no object as it weighs about 350 grams and comes with a 30 year worldwide warranty. I got a second hand steel one for my girlfriend and they come with a spacer so you can use them with disk brakes, it worked fine on her bike anyway.

[Spoonie]

Besides the Old Man mountain racks, These guys do an niceish rack (though a little on the heavier side) that doesn't require mounting bolts

http://www.freeload.co.nz/

I've got one on test at the moment and have been moderately happy with it.  1000km's of light weight use so far.   Havn't tried it with panniers yet and cable routing can still be an issue but seems to mount onto just about any bike ok.   Strap a dry bag on and go!

Having said that, if you're only going to strap a dry bag to it, then I'd say a saddle bag would probably be a better (and lighter) option *shrug*

Cheers
Craig

[AZTtripper]

I do not consider myself as fast but I have learned that going light makes things a lot easier and more enjoyable at least if you want to ride challenging single track.

If you are looking at doing longish dirt road tours and want to do more camping then it would make sense to carry more gear and make the camping more enjoyable.

If I had that in mind I think I would look at the Tubus stuff or maybe even just pull a Bob.

[Chauncey Matthews]

Is your new bike going to be a 29er? Most stock racks ride a bit too low on a 29er when using  mounts located on the dropouts, so, have Scott put the lower mounts on the seatstays and a lot of racks will work fine with no extra mods needed. This way it keeps things away fom the brake and it would make it easier if/when you move the sliders.

Good choice on the Quiring, btw.

[1speed]

I don't see rack mounting tapped holes on any of the Paragon sliding dropouts.  Are you planning use a conventional rack?

Maybe you should get a custom rack made while you are at it.  Have the builder put special lugs on the seatstays to support a custom rack (or maybe just shorten a commercial rack, like a Blackburn or something).


Another option would be to ditch the sliding dropout stuff and use an eccentric BB with chainstay mounted disk brake.  Then you can use conventional drop outs with rack eyelets.

Another option is just to use a Singulatory and give up on fixed.

Sounds like you building a Surly Karate Monkey.... might want to look at those and save some cash!

I think more consideration should be put into the true primary reason for building a custom bike...

I really don't understand the need for converting a bike back and forth between geared and single/fixed.  Why do it and introduce various compromises?  

As a final option, for the money of custom, I bet you could get both a decent single/fixed and a decent hardtail suitable for backcountry touring.  

I'm trying to build the elusive "do it all bike". Right now I have 29er single speed and geared Qballs, a Look KX Light road bike and a Surly Steamroller, so I have most the bases covered. I've already sold off a Garneau tri bike and a Fetish fixie, I'm trying to de-clutter and simplify my garage and my life! I'm not going to say cost is no object, but I want to do this bike right. The paragon sliders will not work with a rack and although I'm not a big fan, an eccentric bottom bracket may be the answer.

Can't give up on fixed, that's 90 percent of my riding right now! Florida trails in my area are under water half the year.

[1speed]

Thanks for the rack offers and the advice guys. I talked to someone at Old Man Mountain yesterday and it seems the Paragon sliders are the biggest obstacle. I'm having Scott look at their racks on line and see if he can work with them. He wanted the racks in hand before he starts the frame so he can make sure everything works together. I also floated the idea of switching to an eccentric bottom bracket although I had one on a Salsa Juan Solo and wasn't crazy about it. I'm 225lbs and I could never get it to totally quit squeaking.  

[1speed]

I just ordered Old Man Mountain Sherpa front and rear racks and had them shipped to Scott. Since this is a custom frame he's going to build tabs to mount the racks without using the skewer brackets. Frame should be done by 9/1/10.  

I may end up not liking racks but I wanted the option from the beginning rather than trying to retrofit later.