WTB Nitto Big Back Rack - LARGE

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Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!

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Nov 28, 2020, 7:47:00 PM11/28/20
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I saved the medium Big Back Rack from my Betty Foy but alas, the 700c wheels on the Platypus don’t allow for it. I need the large. 

Would anyone like to sell a large Nitto Big Back Rack (and yes, I’m holding out for that exact rack) that is in very good condition?

Thanks,
Leah

Abcyclehank

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Nov 28, 2020, 9:11:37 PM11/28/20
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I have one but let me make sure I have extra struts long enough so you can get it back far enough.  I will check tomorrow.  Was busy helping my son move across Michigan all day.  Feeling extra old and tired.

Ryan


dougP

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Nov 28, 2020, 10:26:44 PM11/28/20
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Rivendell has struts available. 

dougP

Jason Fuller

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Nov 29, 2020, 1:40:47 AM11/29/20
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I'm curious the issue - is the top deck hitting the fender, or the seat stay struts too short, or are they hitting the rear brake? Just trying to understand the options, as that's a real bummer 
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Leah Peterson

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Nov 29, 2020, 11:49:01 AM11/29/20
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Jason, here’s a video showing the issue:
Video.mov

Jason Fuller

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Nov 29, 2020, 2:25:00 PM11/29/20
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Oh shoot, if only that was known before the tail light install; could have gone with the SON rack mount light.  You could switch to the rack mount light and put a small nut and bolt through the hole left behind, but then it would not be perfect and I understand if that's a deal-breaker. 

This is the light in mind: it is very nice and is made to fit the tab on the back of your rack! Comes in polished too, of course. 

Leah Peterson

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Nov 29, 2020, 4:22:47 PM11/29/20
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Jason, this is the way I always learn: The Hard Way. In my  head, I think, I had a 55 Betty Foy. I will get a 55 Platypus. I will save this rack; it will be nostalgic, a nod to my first Rivendell bike love, and oh what could go wrong?! I do NOT think about fender taillights getting in the way of racks. If I had TOLD them, the good people at Analog would have foreseen these problems and set me up. If only I lived in Vermont instead of in exile in the desert.

I like the fender light set up and I don’t plan to change it. I could hope the Large Big Back Rack sits tall enough not to interfere with the light, or I could choose a rack without that mount hanging down, I suppose. I plan to keep the bike light, so maybe just a Saddlesack with rack support. I don’t know! 

Still looking. 
Leah

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 29, 2020, at 11:25 AM, Jason Fuller <jtf.f...@gmail.com> wrote:

Oh shoot, if only that was known before the tail light install; could have gone with the SON rack mount light.  You could switch to the rack mount light and put a small nut and bolt through the hole left behind, but then it would not be perfect and I understand if that's a deal-breaker. 


This is the light in mind: it is very nice and is made to fit the tab on the back of your rack! Comes in polished too, of course. 

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John Stowe

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Nov 29, 2020, 11:51:41 PM11/29/20
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I have filled surplus fender holes with ear stretcher plugs for some extra bling. They need either a leather washer and loctite, or just glue, to keep from rattling loose.

My dynamo taillight of choice is the B&M Toplight Line brake, because... brake lights! Currently running that plus fender-mounted Pixeo (battery, motion+dark sensor) on multiple bikes in our family.

masmojo

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Nov 30, 2020, 1:14:25 AM11/30/20
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Leah, A couple/few suggestions here:
A) There are plenty of lights that fit that little tab on the rack. (Unfortunately that would make the existing light obsolete) You could still use the same cable routing as now, just extend it up through the fender to the rack mounting point.
B) Take a hack saw and saw the light tab off the rack. cover up scar with some silver paint. (I am sure Riv knows what kind of paint matches the Nitto silver)
C) Ditch the rear rack entirely; Since I stopped commuting I find the rear rack/bag sort of superfluous. I am running a Med. Wald basket up front mounted on a Surly 8 pack rack with a massive Realm Basket bag, so more than enough capacity, but I could do with much less (& frequently do) and I am guessing you could as well. I took the rear rack off my bike just prior to my Western states circuit a month ago and I really didn't miss the extra weight. It's a pity to weigh down a lively light bike with excess weight, whether it be a Crust Titanium or a Platypus.
IMHO I would ditch the rear rack and get a front rack. Bonus Front racks typically have a more forward mounting position for your light which I really appreciate.
  

Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY

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Nov 30, 2020, 2:16:53 PM11/30/20
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The correct answer is:
"C) Ditch the rear rack entirely" 
Especially with a step throughish bike (when you're standing and giving it your all up whatever hill of death you may come across), but doubley especially considering your kids can carry their own stack of textbooks now.
-Kai

Leah Peterson

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Nov 30, 2020, 2:32:11 PM11/30/20
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Kai, you may be right. I’m hesitant to add weight to the bike, I’ve enjoyed its lightness so much. I am slightly bothered about the limitations of going rack-less. Yesterday I was on my Clementine and wanted to shed my down vest. Where to put that on the Platypus?! Maybe a small Saddlesack will work without needing a rack...

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 30, 2020, at 11:17 AM, Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY <kaivi...@gmail.com> wrote:


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Edwin W

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Nov 30, 2020, 3:39:42 PM11/30/20
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Regarding FOGRRL (Fear of going rear rack-less, rhymes with "you go girl"), I suffer from the same. So I always have a rear rack - Pletscher, Racktime, I've had a number. These days, with a Mark's rack and walk basket up front, I rarely ever use the rear rack except to hold my rear dynamo light! Which would not apply to you, of course.

Keep us updated with what you come up with,

Edwin

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Leah Peterson

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Nov 30, 2020, 3:57:14 PM11/30/20
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Joe, I agree. Amd they’re sold out at Rivendell!!! 😫😫😫

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 30, 2020, at 12:49 PM, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm #TeamLightness, too, and I like the idea of a rackless saddlebag. If it's not too big empty and clears the fender, you can load it up and have it rest on said fender without pushing down too hard on it. A grid-gray Bag Boy to match your Banana Bag should work. 



On Monday, November 30, 2020 at 11:32:11 AM UTC-8 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:
Kai, you may be right. I’m hesitant to add weight to the bike, I’ve enjoyed its lightness so much. I am slightly bothered about the limitations of going rack-less. Yesterday I was on my Clementine and wanted to shed my down vest. Where to put that on the Platypus?! Maybe a small Saddlesack will work without needing a rack...

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 30, 2020, at 11:17 AM, Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY <kaivi...@gmail.com> wrote:


The correct answer is:
"C) Ditch the rear rack entirely" 
Especially with a step throughish bike (when you're standing and giving it your all up whatever hill of death you may come across), but doubley especially considering your kids can carry their own stack of textbooks now.
-Kai

On Monday, November 30, 2020 at 1:14:25 AM UTC-5 masmojo wrote:
Leah, A couple/few suggestions here:
A) There are plenty of lights that fit that little tab on the rack. (Unfortunately that would make the existing light obsolete) You could still use the same cable routing as now, just extend it up through the fender to the rack mounting point.
B) Take a hack saw and saw the light tab off the rack. cover up scar with some silver paint. (I am sure Riv knows what kind of paint matches the Nitto silver)
C) Ditch the rear rack entirely; Since I stopped commuting I find the rear rack/bag sort of superfluous. I am running a Med. Wald basket up front mounted on a Surly 8 pack rack with a massive Realm Basket bag, so more than enough capacity, but I could do with much less (& frequently do) and I am guessing you could as well. I took the rear rack off my bike just prior to my Western states circuit a month ago and I really didn't miss the extra weight. It's a pity to weigh down a lively light bike with excess weight, whether it be a Crust Titanium or a Platypus.
IMHO I would ditch the rear rack and get a front rack. Bonus Front racks typically have a more forward mounting position for your light which I really appreciate.
  

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Patrick Moore

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Nov 30, 2020, 4:03:55 PM11/30/20
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What about a Tubus Fly Stainless Steel? 14 oz, I think, and can carry 40 lb. Steve Bilenky is modifying one for my new 26" wheel road bike. Not quite as pretty as a Nitto, but light and pretty enough for the Platypus.

Or, sure, go rackless with a saddlebag. I can't really tell how much distance there is between your saddle rails and the top of your fender, but certainly a small Saddlesack should fit, and perhaps even a Medium (or the Happisack or whatever they call it nowadays) with the right attachment mechanism; the Carradice SQR is not a thing of beauty but it can hold the bag higher than if attached to the saddle loops, indeed, raise it above the top of the saddle. Carradice also make a special, low-profile model saddlebag with the capacity of a Nelson, 16 liters, meant to be used with the SQR, and which will indeed fit in tight spaces between tire and saddle; this is the Super C Slim. Black and not exactly as pretty as a Happysack, but easy to remove when not being used.

Finally, what about a bikepacking saddlebag like those Revelate makes? Light, require no external supports but do pretty well at self supporting, roll up small, and when extended carry very surprising amounts for their bulk. I have a similar but smaller bag made by someone else that I forget that unrolls to 9 liters, the same as the Carradice Junior, but is far lighter and -- when rolled up -- far smaller.

But I'd hold out for the right rack; with a rack, at least, you can easily remove the panniers when you don't need them, harder to do quickly with saddlebags.

On Mon, Nov 30, 2020 at 12:32 PM Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:
Kai, you may be right. I’m hesitant to add weight to the bike, I’ve enjoyed its lightness so much. I am slightly bothered about the limitations of going rack-less. Yesterday I was on my Clementine and wanted to shed my down vest. Where to put that on the Platypus?! Maybe a small Saddlesack will work without needing a rack...

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Patrick Moore
Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

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Patrick Moore

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Nov 30, 2020, 4:23:39 PM11/30/20
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One more possible problem with a large saddlebag and no rack: the bag when full can press against the rear brake cable and prevent strong braking. I think Leah has V brakes instead of cantilevers, and perhaps V brakes aren't so affected -- I've not used Vs for a decade -- but the medium Saddlesack, temporarily substituting for rack and panniers on the new Matthews road bike, really does interfere with the action of the rear cantilever. Fortunately, I have one of those Nitto wire standoff things.

I think Rivendell-design saddlebags do this worse than Carradice-design saddlebags.

Thigh rub doesn't bother me -- I find it comforting -- but it is a real thing.

On Mon, Nov 30, 2020 at 2:15 PM Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:
Of course it's sold out! 🤦

Another issue with rackless is I don't think you've ever ridden a saddlebag that way, the rubbing on the back of the legs bothers some people (I'm one of those people). Your results may vary and whatnot. 

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Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY

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Nov 30, 2020, 8:14:55 PM11/30/20
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Bagboy up front is great, I have Rosco A set up like that with lowriders when I need to haul stuff. Rosco B has as light of a fully integrated basket/rack as I've yet to make. Probably do a basket on Rosco A soon (exposing it's lovely headbadge like sibling B's)
Ditching all rear weight is nice when you want to hammer out of the pedals on a slim waisted mixte frame, not that that's something to aspire to, but I've got a seemingly rational fear of creating flex in and around my bottom brackets, and I'm fortunate that the Rosco Bigs have a burly fork (75 lbs in lowriders over the bridge? Totally!!) 
Made this rear rack for my light awhile back-
IMG-1096.jpg
this way I'm not tempted to load it up :)
-Kai

On Monday, November 30, 2020 at 4:27:01 PM UTC-5 Joe Bernard wrote:
It would be a smaller bag in this scenario and no, they don't interfere with v-brakes. 

Ray Varella

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Dec 1, 2020, 7:25:36 AM12/1/20
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Leah,
Have you considered a saddlebag with a quick release?
Nitto makes a very nice one and the part that stays attached to your saddle doesn’t weigh much.

Ray

Brian Campbell

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Dec 1, 2020, 10:31:40 AM12/1/20
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I have used one of these bags on my AHH for years. It will allow you to carry what you need for a long day ride and a couple of straps on the outside through the D-rings allow for bulky clothing to be attached. 


You would easily be saving yourself a couple of pounds by not having the large rack. 

Dan McNamara

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Dec 1, 2020, 7:04:07 PM12/1/20
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I’ll second the Acorn Medium Saddlebag. Holds an amazing amount. Side pockets are great for small items (phone etc) that you need to grab in a hurry. I have never had a thigh rub issue. I have 3 of them. 

The only issue with Acorn is the wait for stock. This bag seems to sell more slowly than others that Acorn makes so it is fairly easy to buy one when they have a batch of bags to sell. 

Leah - I could loan you one for a test fit if you are interested. Just let me know. 

Dan

San Rafael CA

On Dec 1, 2020, at 7:31 AM, Brian Campbell <bdcamp...@gmail.com> wrote:

I have used one of these bags on my AHH for years. It will allow you to carry what you need for a long day ride and a couple of straps on the outside through the D-rings allow for bulky clothing to be attached. 

David Person

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Dec 1, 2020, 7:16:02 PM12/1/20
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Third the Acorn Med Saddlebag.

David Person

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Dec 1, 2020, 7:17:38 PM12/1/20
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Nov 12th (#3) copy.jpg
Brompton light and Rivelo patch extra.

Rusty Click

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Dec 2, 2020, 12:33:37 PM12/2/20
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Wish I could find an Acorn med saddlebag...I've been waiting for them to be restocked.

Rusty
Pgh, PA

David Person

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Dec 2, 2020, 12:39:34 PM12/2/20
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Rusty, I assume you have signed up for their restock notifications, but if not...

Dale Click

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Dec 2, 2020, 12:44:07 PM12/2/20
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Thanks, and I have, and I’m just waiting...waiting...



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masmojo

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Dec 2, 2020, 3:23:36 PM12/2/20
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I have one of the Realm TBD bags as well (and might get another) They are good and really versatile. I use mine on my BMX cruiser, it fits the BMX bars ever so well. BONUS: the Drip Camo colorway is the best!!  

On Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 11:50:12 AM UTC-6 mrg...@gmail.com wrote:
I just got a ~9L bag that works on both saddle and handlebars that I'm very happy with. Fits everything I need for a multi hour ride and doesn't use a ton of space between wheel and saddle loops.


This one is a Dark Realm TBD bag, but I think the important feature is that it has a rigid plastic liner that keeps its shape. Lots of bag makers do similar ones

Leah Peterson

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Dec 2, 2020, 5:51:08 PM12/2/20
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Friends,

I really appreciate what I’ve learned from you on this List; I owe you all a great deal for the strides I’ve made - when I started I didn’t even know I could raise my handlebars. I just like liked riding the bike and accepted whatever parts/form the bike had when I bought it. So, hear me well when I say I have affection and appreciation for you. 

That said, it would please me very much if you would review my initial post at the top of this thread. It was a straightforward WTB post. Somehow, it has become a question of why (which I don’t mind answering) I want a new rack, then a debate about other racks that would be better. I should change my taillight, I should use a front rack, then it was decided I should have no rack at all, and then you concluded I should try a wide variety of bags. Some threads invite opinion, but I’ve re-read my OP several times and can’t figure out how this was one of them.

Meanwhile, I’ve had people (plural!) PM me saying they have this rack, and then back out and decide to keep it. I tried to redirect this thread by not engaging in it, and not only did the posts keep coming, but you began adding them to my other thread about my Platypus. 

I’ve had to ask myself what is it about me that is inviting this kind of behavior? Is this how everyone else is treated on the List? I think not, and I suspect we all know why.

Do better. Because you ARE better. I truly believe that.
Leah



Sent from my iPad

On Dec 2, 2020, at 12:23 PM, masmojo <mas...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

I have one of the Realm TBD bags as well (and might get another) They are good and really versatile. I use mine on my BMX cruiser, it fits the BMX bars ever so well. BONUS: the Drip Camo colorway is the best!!  
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Dorothy C

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Dec 3, 2020, 9:12:08 AM12/3/20
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Blue Lug have it in stock. Seems like a stretch to order from Japan but when I needed 32mm 650b tires for my new Roadini, they were the only place I could find them. 
Shipping is expensive, but fast, at least to LA. 

Leah Peterson

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Dec 3, 2020, 9:30:39 AM12/3/20
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Thanks, Dorothy! Yes, I can get it new, was hoping to get a used one to try to save some dollars. I still may do just that, BUT....plot twist.

Does anyone remember reading Grant’s Blahg in September? I knew I had read something about a rear rack in his writings, and I found it this morning. Since it’s not working out with the used market, maybe I should wait for the new rear rack Grant mentions here. I’m attaching a screenshot for anyone else who is interested. I highlighted the projects that I am interested in purchasing. 



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On Dec 3, 2020, at 6:12 AM, Dorothy C <doroth...@gmail.com> wrote:

Blue Lug have it in stock. Seems like a stretch to order from Japan but when I needed 32mm 650b tires for my new Roadini, they were the only place I could find them. 

Ben Mihovk

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Dec 3, 2020, 10:01:17 AM12/3/20
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I am fired up for new Backabike bags!!!! Thanks for posting...can't wait! 

-Ben

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