Hey folks,
Arthur here,
I'm a mechanic and bike messenger and I currently live and work in Berlin, Germany.
I'm getting a custom frame built and I'm planning to use Riv racks to support a rando bag in the front and Carradice Camper saddle bag in the rear.
I'm pretty settled on Mark's rack for the front of the bike, but I'm pondering the differences between Mark's Rack and R14 used as a saddle bag support.
The nearest Rivendell dealer is in the UK, and there is not a whole lot of RBW bikes and products over here in Europe, so I don't have access to seeing these racks in person, before acquiring them.
I like the minimalist and clean look and versatility of M1 aka Mark's rack, and, according to the BlueLug's blog, the R14 can be considered a larger version of this same rack.
I'm planning to use the rack almost exclusively as a bag support and like my saddlebags tucked in directly under the seat, close to the seatpost. I'd like to take advantage of the mid-fork and seat stay eyelets as well, even though it probably means sacrificing some rigidity.
Are there any arguments in favor of using either of these racks over the other?
I'd be especially happy to hear recommendations from folks who have experience with both these racks, but everyone is welcome to share their experience using either of them as a rear rack.
Appreciate your feedback!
A.