Hey!
So i have a Trek Alpha 2.3 aluminium roadbike frame. I've been thinking about mounting a rack on it for longer(multi day) trips so to kickstart all that decided to pass by some local bike shops and ask for their advice. Two different shops told me that it can't be done.
As you can see in the pictures the frame actually has some bottom eyelets, but not top eyelets(the ones closer to the seat). Their answers really came as a surprise to me. I am a bit of a cycling newbie so i might be misinterpreting the usage of those bottom eyelets. I'm wondering if what they really meant is "we don't have the right rack for you".
So now I am turning to Reddit haha. What's your opinion would mounting a rack work? If so, any suggestions? I would like to have panniers on (because I already own a pair of Ortlieb panniers). If it doesn't work any other suggestions? I was looking at seatpost mounted racks but they don't inspire confidence especially on an aluminium frame and if I want to carry a bit of weight.
Thanks in advance!
by Zulfarjin
5 Comments
You might just need a rack that attaches by clamping to the tops of the stays, bottom eyelets look fine. Hunt around online for one with adjustable stays if the shops are dubious.
Your shop may not have had something to sell you but it’s possible. You can clamp to the seat stays, or get one that clamps to your seat post.
I think it should work. Even buy a cheap one off Amazon and if it doesn’t work return it.
You could check the Ortlieb Quick Rack, I’m using it in a really old road frame that only has those same holes, for the top part it locks to the seat post
I’ve done more than 1.000k with it and it’s quite reliable
Find a shop that will order an appropriate rack. If you find one, spread the word. They are worth supporting.