I’m fettling a pannier rack onto my Solaris, which has no suitable mounting points. I’m happy with a seat collar upper mount, it’s just the lower mounts that are a bit off.
The rack isn’t going to see world tour loads, right now it’s to give me somewhere to put the kiddie top tube seat when she’s not using it so I have room to breathe! Small pannier use or dry bag on top the other likely uses.
Currently fitted some p clips but it puts the rack further up and forward than I’d like as they need to be ahead of the brake mount. I might be able to get the p clip under the IS mount but it seemed more logical at that point to bolt it into the IS mount itself. It seems like an alright idea to me but what does the hive mind think? Is this something that will inevitably end in a fiery crash into a ravine or nothing to worry about?
Other suggestions welcome too- axle mounting isn’t on the table as that’s busy pulling a trailer.
axle mounting isn’t on the table as that’s busy pulling a trailer
Can you get a Robert axle project axle that does both?
Are you using a pannier and trailor at the same time?
I can't see why that wouldn't work with the leg on the outside, assuming it doesn't touch the caliper and push it out of line when the rack gets knocked. A large spanner is sometimes useful for manipulating rack legs into shape.
You would have to get a P clip of matching height for the other side.
I had to mount a rack on a disc frame recently too, so had the same issue. My thought was that rack mounts seem fairly weak for the weight they need to bear, and the brake mount seems much stronger. M6 bolts rather than M5 too. I used adapters in the end, but I'd be happy putting it on the brake mount. You're adding some static load in the same direction as the braking force, but I think there's easily enough margin... Maybe not on an ultra lightweight road frame though. You've still got to figure out the other side too.
Tailfin.
The expense will soon be forgotten.
rack mounts seem fairly weak for the weight they need to bear, and the brake mount seems much stronger
Yes, but there's only one brake mount. What will you mount it to on the other side?
Just get one of the strap on options like Topeak or Aeroe do.
Or a tailfin.
Be better than bodging it
Death in flames every time. Dibs on the bike(s)
Thanks all- I’m aware it’s a bit bodged but as I say, lighter loads only. Beyond the 30 quid for a different tortec if I’m spending the money for more capacity I’ll probably get a rigid fork and a front rack. If tailfin money I think I’d just buy a frame with rack mounts! I don’t think there’s anything in those replies advising against on safety rather than neatness grounds?
Can you get a Robert axle project axle that does both?
I didn’t think there was. Still a pretty expensive option at this point though, the trailer towing one was enough.
Are you using a pannier and trailor at the same time?
I’d say the rack will pretty much only be used when the trailer is also on. When it was just the two of us we could tour for a week happily with soft luggage. The bigger tent and all the other gubbins to take a toddler is a different kettle of fish though.
I don’t think there’s anything in those replies advising against on safety rather than neatness grounds?
It will only be attached to one dropout and at the seat collar. It won't be braced laterally so I'll flap around as you ride and it will be twisting the brake mounts as it does so. If you carry much of a load on it, eventually your brake mounts will fail from fatigue because they aren't designed to be twisted like that. Do you really want to risk trashing your frame rather than just buying a strap on rack?
It will only be attached to one dropout and at the seat collar.
That would definitely be madness- missed your question earlier. As suggested above, a matching p clip on the drive side. I’ve no concerns about using p clips for what I want, I just can’t get one in the right place because of the IS mounts.
I too was assuming you'd use a P clip or something on the drive side. Mounting it only on the brake mount (and seat post) is bonkers.
I’d say the rack will pretty much only be used when the trailer is also on. When it was just the two of us we could tour for a week happily with soft luggage. The bigger tent and all the other gubbins to take a toddler is a different kettle of fish though.
Your carrying a lot of weight and precious cargo. I wouldn't be messing with my brakes.
Tailfin. The expense will soon be forgotten.
As good as the tailfin is, he can't use a trailor and a tailfin. How much do you love the solaris? Maybe it's time to swop the frame and buy something with pannier mounts?