Rear rack question-From road bike to touring bike?

johnk123

This summer I have decided to try out some cycle touring and have decided to put panniers on my 2011 Giant Defy 3. I know it's not a dedicated touring bike, but considering I've been planning a new bike purchase for the summer, I don't want to shell out on a touring bike when I think it will manage the job fine. I'm not going trans-America or anything, just 5 or 6 days in Europe to get a taste for it.

I plan on fitting some rear Ortlieb panniers to the bike and am trying to decide what rack to go for. Are they all compatible with most frame types or would I be better off purchasing the rack from LBS where I know it'll fit?

Does anyone have any recommendations of rear racks? What about this one from wiggle? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tortec-ultralite-rear-rack/ Any ideas if they'll fit the defy? Looks like it.. and should be ok for the Ortilieb set?

Am I missing any more important basics when it comes to racks? Like I say, total noob at panniers and touring etc so any advice for this crucial segment would be greatly appreciated!

hardCopy

I have that rack on my Giant SCR, which was the predecessor to the Defy so I'd imagine you'd be fine. My heel does occasionally clip the panniers on the upstroke but the fore-aft positioning can be adjusted on most high-end pannier systems. All the bolts you need come with the rack.



I haven't done any major touring but I'm off to Italy for the next couple of weeks to put it to the test.

manwithaplan

I have one of those racks on a Specialized Langster (singlespeed with road bike geometry) and it's grand. The Langster has bosses for a rack which helps - not sure about the Defy?

I just use it for commuting with one 20 litre pannier. I have the pannier back as far as it will go to avoid heel strike - it's tight enough.

maloner

http://mizenmalincycle.blogspot.com/

A blog we wrote when going from mizen head to malin head a few years back over about a week. We all travelled light and didn't use racks at all. Some small bags on the bikes, but most stuff on our backs.

Food for thought.

le petit braquet

johnk123 wrote: »

I plan on fitting some rear Ortlieb panniers to the bike and am trying to decide what rack to go for. Are they all compatible with most frame types or would I be better off purchasing the rack from LBS where I know it'll fit?

Does anyone have any recommendations of rear racks? What about this one from wiggle? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tortec-ultralite-rear-rack/ Any ideas if they'll fit the defy? Looks like it.. and should be ok for the Ortilieb set?

Ortliebs come with inserts for the hooks that fit to the rack so they can be adjusted to fit the diameter of the rack. They also allow lateral movement of the hooks so you can adjust the heel clearance.

mr spuckler

i'm thinking of doing something similar on my CAAD9...my rear wheel is only (i think) 22 spoke...i presume something a little stronger would be preferable?