Feedback / rack issue

[Franco Rinaldi]

Ciao folks .. picked up a used Mark rack (appears to be a previous iteration with the front tab for lighting). Spoke to someone at riv and they suggested grinding it off as it comes too close to the tire (I run a 2.1) and newer design of the rack has that tab omitted. A friend was grinding it off with a circle grinder and what began as a clean cut became a bit chunky upon completion (see video). How safe or unsafe is this rack now? I’m running a basket and using it for sleeping bag and tent. I have the rack strapped to my handle bars as well. Most of the weight is on the back of the rack and this front bar does not appear to be much in terms of load supporting anyway. Figured this was a good place to ask. Not ideal but have a trip planned for Friday and in a bind! Vid attached.

[iamkeith]

I couldn't see clearly.  Did you cut past the tab material and into the the bottom part of the hollow tube that forms the actual rack?!  If so and if it were me,  I'd graft ("sister") an additional piece of tubing (or bar or rod or scrap of aluminum nitto strut) next to it using jb weld or something, and then wrap the whole front section in twine for cosmetics.  It may be fine as is but, if you did cut the bottom of the tube, it has zero remaining strength in bending resistance. 

If you left part of the tab on it and are just worried about sharp edges, I'd still think wrapping it in twine is a good option.

[Franco Rinaldi]

It cut paste as you pointed out. What started out as a clean cut became a torn off shard by the end of the process. Was super bummed

Franco Rinaldi 

c:  646.403.0661 

-Pardon any typos, Siri typed this message-

On Aug 1, 2024, at 5:33 AM, iamkeith <keith...@gmail.com> wrote:

I couldn't see clearly.  Did you cut past the tab material and into the the bottom part of the hollow tube that forms the actual rack?!  If so and if it were me,  I'd graft ("sister") an additional piece of tubing (or bar or rod or scrap of aluminum nitto strut) next to it using jb weld or something, and then wrap the whole front section in twine for cosmetics.  It may be fine as is but, if you did cut the bottom of the tube, it has zero remaining strength in bending resistance. 

If you left part of the tab on it and are just worried about sharp edges, I'd still think wrapping it in twine is a good option.

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 11:52:42 PM UTC-6 fmri...@gmail.com wrote:

Ciao folks .. picked up a used Mark rack (appears to be a previous iteration with the front tab for lighting). Spoke to someone at riv and they suggested grinding it off as it comes too close to the tire (I run a 2.1) and newer design of the rack has that tab omitted. A friend was grinding it off with a circle grinder and what began as a clean cut became a bit chunky upon completion (see video). How safe or unsafe is this rack now? I’m running a basket and using it for sleeping bag and tent. I have the rack strapped to my handle bars as well. Most of the weight is on the back of the rack and this front bar does not appear to be much in terms of load supporting anyway. Figured this was a good place to ask. Not ideal but have a trip planned for Friday and in a bind! Vid attached.

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[iamkeith]

Here's a one-minute mock-up of what a scrap of aluminum strut and handlebar tape might look like.  Even a good hardwood dowel would probably work, or a stainless bolt/screw with the head cut off.  As noted, twine would look nice.  I've seen people wrap twine on the rack just for looks, or as a means to secure a basket.  The cosmetics could wait until after your trip tnough. 

[Franco Rinaldi]

This is perfect - I have scraps from my strut cut.

Franco Rinaldi 

c:  646.403.0661 

-Pardon any typos, Siri typed this message-

On Aug 1, 2024, at 11:17 AM, iamkeith <keith...@gmail.com> wrote:

Here's a one-minute mock-up of what a scrap of aluminum strut and handlebar tape might look like.  Even a good hardwood dowel would probably work, or a stainless bolt/screw with the head cut off.  As noted, twine would look nice.  I've seen people wrap twine on the rack just for looks, or as a means to secure a basket.  The cosmetics could wait until after your trip tnough. 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/6d0cbfb0-2af6-4076-834f-1f8b579f3ffdn%40googlegroups.com.

<20240801_091108.jpg>

[iamkeith]

Awesome

  Definitely use JB Weld or something equivalent to attach it, for structural strength.  The rest is just cosmetic.  Good luck.

[Steve]

That JB Weld is amazing stuff.  Based on my experience with it, I'd even suggest that if you fill the void with JB - smoothing the surface of it so it blends in well cosmetically - the effected section of the rack will be stronger than it was originally.