I am a "crate on the rear rack" kind of guy but as I will need to start transporting heavier loads, I started looking into panniers and rear racks with a second luggage level so I can ride with both: panniers and a crate. I noticed that some rear racks with a second luggage level have the tubing extending rearwards, making the rear rack longer and covering a bigger part of the rear wheel (see example here). Some rear racks just have an additional tube, shorter than the top deck (see example here).
What is the purpose of the longer tubing?
by Jan_Marian
2 Comments
Helps keep pannier bags out the rear wheel. You can also mount bags to the lower horizontal rail, leaving the upper rails for mounting a top bag.
The lower level is to allow a trunk bag/cargo on top without obstructing the panniers. The added tubing creates a frame to secure the panniers while preventing them from getting into the rear wheel. It also creates heal room as the panniers can be placed further back on the rack.
I might also recommend that you consider adding a front rack, like an axiom lowrider, to your fork. By distributing the weight forward you’ll avoid some of the top heavy swing of a rear rack. Bonus, it might even improve your handling.