Hi bikers, I am a guy that grew up with all kind of MTBs and don’t really like to ride “on road” style (yet). I’m interested in YT’s Szepter because of its strong MTB background that packed in gravel interpretation.
Before I pull the trigger I just wanted to know about mounting pannier bags on it, as it would be my one-for-all bike including bike commuting (gravel road) and grocery shopping (so to convince my partner to buy). However the bike doesn’t offer rack mounts as YT claimed it’s the bike for fun rather.
After some research, I know racks offer these different mounting possibilities:
– front suspension fork
– seat post & rear thru axle
– seat stay & rear thru axle
– seat stay only
– the hard way: diy with using the removable fence screw holes & somewhere at the frame
Just wanted to hear you guys suggestions how would you do it? 🙂
Appreciated!
F
by 20031529
14 Comments
Honestly, a nineties mountain bike or hybrid from Craigslist, new tires and brake pads if needed, and a cheap Planet Bike rack. I’d be less stressed about it locked up outside the store and it’d still fit plenty of tire options and fenders.
Aeroe spider rack system. Ain’t cheap though. Otherwise just do saddle pack and handlebar pack
Get an Old Man Mountain rack that mounts via the thru-axle. They work very well on the front or back. Ortlieb is coming out with their own version next year that’ll probably be less strong but still fine. Otherwise, massive frame bag and fork leg bags like the Ortlieb front fork packs.
I’ve heard that the Szepter is a great gravel bike if you like to hit mtb trails as well. I don’t think it’s a good utility bike though. And the more racks and bags you add, the heavier and less fun it’s going to be on singletrack.
You may just want a cheap second “utility” bike as someone mentioned above. An old hybrid or 26” wheel mountain bike.
If you want one bike to do it all, maybe consider something in steel, aluminum or titanium with rack mounts.
An option would be either tailfin rack or aero pack with pannier mounts but may be more expensive than other options suggested.
Tailfin. Not cheap but well designed. Clean look.
I will never understand buying all around purpose bikes like this without frame rack mounts. It limits how much you can use them for and mounting a rear rack to a bike has been cheaply solved for a long time.
You don’t.
Instead, you get one of those monster saddle bags, like Ortlieb makes.
These two should do the trick:
[Alloy Rack – Tailfin Cycling](https://www.tailfin.cc/product/pannier-racks/alloy-racks/alloy-rack/?v=7516fd43adaa)
[BarYak Mule — BarYak | Bikepacking Carrying Systems](https://www.baryak.com/products/baryak-mule-double-mule-with-install-kit)
I’ve heard good things about the Ortlieb Quick Rack. Bonus points for being able to pop it on/off when needed without any hardware.
Think you’d really benefit from dedicated rack mounts on another bike. For everyday use it’s good to keep the bag off of the frame, mainly for ease of access
Go with Old Man Mountain. Their fit kits mount to the axle or QR skewer. Their gear can fit on almost any bike.
TailFin rack or an equivalent. They have mounting axles.
Gorilla glue. Or staples. Nails won’t work.