Would anyone here be concerned about using one of the 3-pack bosses (or whatever we are calling them) instead of a proper rack boss for mounting a low-rider rack (tubus tara in this case)? I could add a rack boss in the correct spot if needed, but I'd rather be lazy if I can…
by rosywro
9 Comments
I mean, one of the worst things that can happen to you on a bike is that a front rack or fender break and cause you to flip over the handlebars…
I don’t see why not. It’s a steel fork, so I don’t think the bosses would be any weaker than a rack boss.
why do you think the bosses mounted in a pattern that happens to accommodate bottle cages are structurally any different than “proper rack bosses”…?
Totally fine and is a stock configuration on many factory built touring bikes.
i even would prefer this mount for the rack.
Plenty of racks have been mounted just like this, ie on a single bottle boss halfway up the fork. Mostly fine, but I’d argue it’d be better if you used the upper eyelets on the fork blade. You’ll need to use a longer screw and spacers to clear the caliper as is, bending loads on the screw make it much more likely to loosen or break. Same with the mudguard strut/clip, I’d relocate the mudguard clip onto the slot on the rack with it’s own screw. The rack screw is shorter, less cantilevered loads, less likelihood of loosening.
Low rider bosses are supposed to be 165mm apart, I’ve made a few forks where one of the 3 pack bosses is in this location
That’s totally fine and a nice setup to boot
I’m more concerned about the direction of the dropout in relation to the placement of the caliper. “It’s fine”, but it loads opposing braking forces into the skewer and makes lawyer lips absolutely essential. They should be facing forward and thus perpendicular to the opposing load.
Is that a Soma fork?