Nitto Basket Rack: is it too heavy?

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Hi friends, 

Can we just talk about the Nitto Basket Rack for one sec? 

I was so excited when this was made and I got one soon after. I have it on my Overkill Shopping Platypus, and I like the way it looks and its utility but it is SO HEAVY. Noticeably heavy. Like, when I lift the unloaded bike onto my van bike rack I struggle - and I’m no wimp. This Platy outweighs my rear-racked and Backabike’d Clem, and I think the Basket Rack is mostly to blame. 

I’m toying with the idea of removing it, but then I’d have to get a new setup for my dyno headlight, so I hesitate. 

I don’t think I’ve heard anyone else complain about the weight of the Basket Rack; I feel like I’m the only one, which makes me suspect I’m wrong. Before I do anything drastic, I just wanted to see if this has been anyone else’s experience. Is the Basket Rack a beast? Has anyone else tried it and disliked it? 

I know there’s a whole discussion out there about carrying weight on the front. I guess I’ve never had a real issue with it, aside from not liking that the bars swing around when parked. I’m not really talking about THAT; I’m wondering if anyone else finds this Nitto rack unnecessarily heavy. Not that I’m going for lightweight, here. I mean, look at these pics.

Leah

[Sky Coulter]

I haven’t ever noticed the weight. It is the best basket rack that i’ve tried so far. I’m sure if it isn’t working for you, there’ll be a line of folk happy to take it off your hands.

Cheers,

Sky in new west

On Oct 7, 2022, at 2:00 PM, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi friends, 

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[maxcr]

I had the same experience Leah... first I got really excited and ordered as soon as I could. I used it on my Atlantis for a bit only to realize that it felt too heavy for me. 

To be honest, I didn't enjoy the front heavy riding with the big Wald basket so I took it off and sold it. 

Now the bike is setup as more of a hilly bike, with a Nitto 32F Rack upfront to hold the light and any gear I want to strap there.

See before and after photos below.

Max

[Joe Bernard]

As a non-front-rack guy (so why are you even posting, Joe??) I have no thoughts on that particular rack, but I DO have thoughts on total bike weight. When I had my custom designed, then added parts, I leaned towards as much lightness as I could safely get away with for the use. Lighter = easier/faster was a consideration, but the main goal wasn't for riding but moving the thing around. If it's a struggle to get up the steps to my house or load in the back of the car I'm going to be annoyed by that, the bike needs to be accessible in all ways. SO. If you're struggling to load it and can find a lighter/smaller rack to do the same job, I think this is the way. 

[Collin A]

Leah et al.,

My wife had a similar feeling when she had the basket rack + basket on her homer...a total of about 4 lbs of dead weight on the front, which for her riding (unloaded, and when we did carry stuff it was always on my bike) was rarely utilized to its full potential. We removed it as a result and she now occasionally uses a bagboy on her saddle when she wants to carry stuff. Her homer is about 25lbs now with fenders and dynamo and banana bag and she appreciates that it is much easier to maneuver. Keep in mind the basket by itself is about 2 lbs, so you'd only cut off maybe 1 lbs at most if you switch to a lighter rack.

That being said, a basket on a stable rack is one of the best commuting and all-around-useful bike setups I have used and nothing compares to it's capacity in carrying all sorts of weirdly shaped loads. I'll end by saying definitively that you have to have at least one bike with a basket. The weight "penalty" is worth it.

Collin, basketcase, in sacramento

On Friday, October 7, 2022 at 2:00:17 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

[Joe Bernard]

Another issue when lifting is all that added weight has to be controlled on a fork trying to flop around on you. I've owned a couple bikes with big front racks and that part gets old RIGHT-quick. 

[Jared Wilson]

I had the basket rack on my Platypus (I think I got it from Max?) and loved it on that frame. Recently moved the basket rack to my SimpleOne with only praises, tho I only use a XS Sackville in the rear (would prefer a banana sack but can't justify more bags right now). I could see a basket rack in front and full size rack in rear being overkill for most people, but if you're doing only a front rack I feel the 52F with 139 is hard to beat in terms of utility.

Jared in SLO

[Leah Peterson]

This is fascinating. I’m really interested in these different experiences. So, to those of you who liked the rack: 

1. You didn’t notice the weight or find it objectionable?

2. You weren’t irritated by the bars swinging when parked? 

I even have the same bike as Jared and I have such a different experience!

L

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 7, 2022, at 6:59 PM, Jared Wilson <duh...@gmail.com> wrote:

I had the basket rack on my Platypus (I think I got it from Max?) and loved it on that frame. Recently moved the basket rack to my SimpleOne with only praises, tho I only use a XS Sackville in the rear (would prefer a banana sack but can't justify more bags right now). I could see a basket rack in front and full size rack in rear being overkill for most people, but if you're doing only a front rack I feel the 52F with 139 is hard to beat in terms of utility.

Jared in SLO

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[Piaw Na]

I absolutely hate having weight in front on the bike. It messes with the steering, slowing it down. By contrast, I regularly ride a triplet with 2 kids on the back + panniers and I don't mind that at all. Not even when the kids pretend to be flying and flap their arms while going down a hill at 30mph. I use the smallest possible handlebar bag I can find and avoid low-rider front racks (which sometimes I don't have a choice about --- carrying camping gear for 1 adult + 2 kids necessitates compromises)

[Garth]

If it feels too heavy to you Leah it feels too heavy. We're not clones, everyone's sensibilities are unique. Trust yourself.

FWIW, Soma makes an aluminum version of their Porteur rack, which weights 794g total vs. 1180g for the steel. That's a lot ! They both have the same weight limit, 22 pounds.

[Joe Bernard]

Now if you want to keep the rack AND spend money on a bike part (more is MORE) you can get this handy little wheel stabilizer thingy. I had one on a front-racked bike for a while, it won't solve the weight problem for lifting but it'll reduce the floppiness. 

https://velo-orange.com/products/vo-wheel-stabilizer

On Friday, October 7, 2022 at 4:06:44 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

[Jared Wilson]

I was cognizant of the fact that it weighed more than the M1 rack it replaced, but I never found it to be an issue per se. Plus the added peace of mind while getting groceries or carrying our small dog was enough for me to not think twice about it's weight.

I also keep a John's Irish Strap on all my handlebars to immediately lash my front wheel to the down tube when I arrive at my destination, regardless of rack/no rack, but I might try one of the stabilizer things Joe recommended as an added precaution.

Garth's sentiment sounds about right to me, if it doesn't feel good to you then that's that!

[Leah Peterson]

I know, and you’re right. I’m just hoping maybe enough people will give the rack glowing reviews that I will cave into groupthink and then change my mind, decide it’s perfect and keep everything the way it is!

On Oct 7, 2022, at 7:33 PM, Garth <gart...@gmail.com> wrote:



If it feels too heavy to you Leah it feels too heavy. We're not clones, everyone's sensibilities are unique. Trust yourself.

FWIW, Soma makes an aluminum version of their Porteur rack, which weights 794g total vs. 1180g for the steel. That's a lot ! They both have the same weight limit, 22 pounds.

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[Richard Rose]

Leah, I do not have the exact setup you ask about but I do have a Wald 137 basket attached to a tumbleweed t rack with King Many Thing cages. On the Clem the wheel flop is very annoying. I do not however notice the weight much. I will be ordering as soon as I can one of these after seeing it yesterday. It looks to be the perfect solution.

https://steerstopper.com/product

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On Oct 7, 2022, at 7:06 PM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

This is fascinating. I’m really interested in these different experiences. So, to those of you who liked the rack: 

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[Joe Bernard]

Ah geez, I did an awful lot of talking you out of it for someone who wants to be talked into it (see, earlier: Why are you even posting Joe??). Get the stabilizer, keep the rack! 🙃

[Doug H.]

I have a light weight Soma Lucas front rack on my light weight Wabi Thunder and I like it. I don't need a heavy duty rack for heavy loads so it works for me. I usually choose lighter weight accessories all else being equal. I use a relatively heavy Brooks saddle because it is most comfortable for me so the extra weight is worth it. I don't even have a rack on my Clem as I use a banana sack and Randi Jo Bartender Plus and that's all I need. I am considering a rear rack for Clem and would look for something relatively light weight and minimal in design. I estimate my Clem weighs 32 pounds or so and my Wabi 20 and it is very noticeable when I lift the bikes but not too much when riding, other than accelerating from a stop. 

With all that being said, I have no idea if your rack is too heavy, I'm just sharing. lol

Doug

[Martin Alvarez]

@BBDD,

Forgive me, but is that the RBW52F as it's called on the Riv site? If so, I have one on my Toyo Atlantis and I've had mixed results. I had one of the bolts fall out on a long gravel ride from the fork eyelet on the right side. Whoops! Just this week on my commute the little "strut" on the right side started sliding so by the time I got home both sides were bent in vs straight up and the bolt on the fork crown was the only thing holding up the rack. Yikes!  

Probably user error on my part but that's been my experience with this rack. 

[lconley]

I have had the VO stabilizer on several bikes including my Clementine, but the SteerStopper is better. You need the extension (no-cost option) for step-through frames.

Laing

[Paul Clifton]

I haven't used that rack, but I have wanted to. I was going to chime in to say that it probably has to be as heavy as it is to carry the load it is designed for, but then I went to Rivbike and they have it rated for only 20lbs!? I figured it could carry more. I reckon a big bag of pet food would be ok, but I'd rather carry that kind of weight on the back anyway.

I suspect you can find a lighter front rack rated to carry more weight, but Riv doesn't list the weight, so it's hard to say for sure. I looked at all the usual suspects - tubus, jandd, blackburn, soma, surly - and nothing jumps out as a good option for carrying 20 lbs in a front basket. This Soma is rated for 22lbs and weighs 2.65lbs without the basket!! https://www.somafab.com/archives/product/porteur-rack-stainless-steel

And, any other big front rack you find probably won't be as pretty.

When I have used a sturdy front rack and basket, I've definitely noticed the weight and balance when I pick it up, but when I'm riding it's never been a big deal, I usually put it on my heavy bike anyway.

So, to me, it seems like you have three options: use it as is (my vote), find a smaller lighter rack and carry smaller loads in the front, or take the front rack off entirely and add a saddlebag or lowriders in the front for the overflow.

Paul

[Ryan Frahm]

In my experience, the only downside about a front load is the flop when parking. I enjoy the stable feel and slower steering personally. I have read so many that do not though. I have a Pass and Stow rack on my Clem H with a wald and Swift Sugarloaf, it is my daily bike that also tows my daughter everywhere. Feels great even using the lower panniers. I’m not sure what the rack weighs (I have the 5 rail) but it seemed super light when I put it on. Probably still closer to 2 lbs. 

For note, I have read that loads over 20 lbs aren’t on front racks because of the handling, not because they aren’t strong enough. I believe Pass and Stow said they had 170 lb or so guy take a ride on the rack and it was strong enough no problem. 

[rlti...@gmail.com]

I have that rack on my Hubbuhubbuh tandem. The rest of the bike is heavy enough that I don’t even notice the rack weight. I like the functionality of the rack so the weight doesn’t bother me much.

Robert Tilley

San Diego, CA

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On Oct 7, 2022, at 2:00 PM, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi friends, 

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[Joe Bernard]

And now..a rant: 

This topic brings up a rather glaring fallacy with the "weight doesn't matter" ethos, you have to lift the darn thing sometimes. Every time I see someone toss a 17 lbs. road bike up on a roof rack like a feather I sigh a little. I love fully loaded steel bikes for the stuff they can do, but they can be a struggle to live with if you have to get them off the ground regularly. 

Joe "oh good..stairs" Bernard 

[John Phillips]

+1 About what Garth said: if it feels heavy, it's heavy.

+1 What Leah said about not feeling the joy over lifting a heavy bike up stairs, onto racks, etc.

I have been reducing the rack & accessory weight on my Hunqapillar & Hilsen. Or maybe it's just having a sore arm from all the vaccines I've gotten over the last two years??? I can count at least 10 shots off the top of my head! Doc said I needed a bunch of middle-age boosters, plus flu, plus my COVID shots.

Did I understand this rack alone weighs 4 lbs? That seems like a lot. My largest front rack is a Pass & Stow 5 rail and it's not that heavy.

John

[Corwin Zechar]

I "have" two basket racks. Each rack is mounted on a Hubbuhubbuh. One is on mine, the other on the Cunningham tandem (basket and rack gifted by me). About the weight - I do not notice a difference. But I may not be a good judge of any difference in weight. I regularly hoist, throw around, etc. these tandems for Charlie and my wife, and pick up lots heavier stuff at the gym. And I don't use kickstands - so the bars don't swing.

My sole criteria for keeping or ditching the rack is: Do you carry heavy loads? I can recall many pictures of Manny's Bleriot with cases of beer, groceries, etc. stacked on a front rack. Not sure which rack it was - but the photos predated the Riv basket rack. I would never trust a really heavy (more than 10 or 15 pounds) load to something less stout than my basket rack.

Given that you have two Platys, I am wondering why you would want to load the "heavy" on on the car rack? Why not save it for shopping and use the Pink Platy for club rides and car trips?

Just my two cents.

Corwin

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Hi guys, I’m so glad so many of you commented. 

Corwin asked why I load the heavy bike on the car rack. I have to take it to the shop and now and then, so that is a lift. I lift it a little bit onto the rack on the garage wall. Sometimes I want to drive to a ride with The Lone Wolf and then I take it for that. And there will be times I travel with it because I don’t want to risk the more precious red Platy or because where I’m going requires some hauling of stuff. Like a tour? I’ll do one with famous Pam Murray one of these summers…

But, originally the idea was what you said - ride the heavy bike for errands. And I do, but I’m just getting tired of that wheel flop and the heavy lifting. Actually, *unweildy* lifting - those bars want to swing out of my grasp when I do lift the Platy onto the bike rack. The Ron’s bag on the front leaves little real estate to grasp so the bars don’t swing.

Now, it is true that when you have a Hubbah Hubbah, you really aren’t concerned about lifting it, so who cares about the heavy front or rear rack. Totally agree and a great accessory to that bike. But the difference between my two Platys is so noticeable and while I love the look of the Basket Rack and its utility, I’m not sure I can keep it on there. I used to ride a Betty Foy and I had a huge front rack and basket for my dog because I was pulling a child on the back. It was just fine because I didn’t know any other way, plus I loved the Betty SO much after riding a Walmart Schwinn for so many years. But once I freed up that bike because my kid was on his own and the dog had died (of old age), wow, what a difference.

Last night I found the elusive mount in the elongated length and ordered it. A measly $5 and then shipping. I think I will try the bike with no front rack. Instead, I could move the basket to the rear rack, have my Backabikes on each side and then on the front would be my Ron’s Bag. That is either a great plan or else I’m going to break the rear end of that Platy by overloading it. What do we think about that plan, Group? 

Leah

[Piaw Na]

I think the "weight doesn't matter" statement only applies to say, the 3 pound difference between my Roadini and my custom Ti touring bike. Nobody would say that when comparing my Roadini and my triplet (65 pounds empty, 320+ pounds loaded with myself, 2 kids, a 2 panniers for a 3 week tour). Having said that, even on the triplet I shave every ounce I can because it matters when you're at your limit and you're climbing a mountain in 100F. If I were Leah, I would get a trailer that I could easily mount/remove for when I needed to carry a lot of stuff. I have had a Yakima single-wheeled trailer for 20+ years (out of production now but a similar one can be found here: https://www.mayacycle.com/bike-trailer-products/maya-cycle-bike-trailer). It easily detaches so when you have no load your bike rides like a normal bike (no wheel flop, etc), and then when you attach it you get a trailer! Even better, with the trailer there are ways of maneuvering it so that the trailer acts as a kickstand.

[Leah Peterson]

Piaw has a point. It could come to that! (A trailer.) I went out and did a mock-up of how my bike would look with a rear basket. Not as nice, but there would be no wheel flop and I’d lose the weight of that heavy rack…

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 8, 2022, at 7:18 PM, Piaw Na <pi...@gmail.com> wrote:

I think the "weight doesn't matter" statement only applies to say, the 3 pound difference between my Roadini and my custom Ti touring bike. Nobody would say that when comparing my Roadini and my triplet (65 pounds empty, 320+ pounds loaded with myself, 2 kids, a 2 panniers for a 3 week tour). Having said that, even on the triplet I shave every ounce I can because it matters when you're at your limit and you're climbing a mountain in 100F. If I were Leah, I would get a trailer that I could easily mount/remove for when I needed to carry a lot of stuff. I have had a Yakima single-wheeled trailer for 20+ years (out of production now but a similar one can be found here: https://www.mayacycle.com/bike-trailer-products/maya-cycle-bike-trailer). It easily detaches so when you have no load your bike rides like a normal bike (no wheel flop, etc), and then when you attach it you get a trailer! Even better, with the trailer there are ways of maneuvering it so that the trailer acts as a kickstand.

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[Piaw Na(藍俊彪)]

I don't understand why it seems "not as nice." I suppose the big disadvantage of a rear basket is that if something flew off it you might not notice until much later.  Also a big object in there might rub against your legs. Since you already have a rear rack, I'd say that losing 4 pounds off the front would be noticeable!

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[Joe Bernard]

You already know what my opinion will be but I love to hear the sound of my own voice so I'll say it anyway! 🙃

I think your new plan is the way and the basket on the back looks fine. I wouldn't worry about overloading the basket/bags..Platys aren't built for full-on touring loads but you've got a lot of triangulation back there with the mid-stays, I think you'll be fine. Just try to remember when you're e in the store that you brought the bike, not a van! 🤣

[Jason Fuller]

I think the rear basket looks quite good actually, to my surprise to be honest!  And up front, it'll allow that Fab's bag to hang without impediment and you can mount the headlight off the fork crown, which are some big wins in the elegance department. 

I love the aesthetic and convenience of front cargo, but I'm coming to accept that Rivs are best with a rear pannier rack and only a small front "rando" rack and 137 basket for "overflow" capacity.  I pulled the Pass & Stow rack off my Bombadil and am not looking back!  I'll put a small Nitto rack on and will have saved over half a kg still.  

[Joe Bernard]

"I think the rear basket looks quite good actually, to my surprise to be honest!"

Jason, I was surprised, too. I think it's the long stays, there's so much room back there behind the saddle and it fills the space like it belongs there. I like it! 🏆

[Leah Peterson]

Well, we are going to try it, so I’m glad you guys think it looks ok. Jason, that poor bag has black marks from the basket rubbing on it. I hope it isn’t too noticeable, what a shame. I think it will be nice to see that headbadge and my mismatched colored brakes again, too: 

Regarding smaller racks for the front: Didn’t Rivendell tell us Nitto no longer wanted us using racks for baskets? Weren’t we supposed to only use the Basket Rack for baskets? This is one hesitation I have with moving my basket to the rear, but maybe I’m misunderstanding? 

Also, what makes a Rivendell better with a rear pannier rack, Jason? I have heard this more than once and am curious. I carried heavy front loads on my Betty for years and never noticed a problem…but then I also never noticed things like worn out chains and bald tires, so…. 

Leah

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[Jason Fuller]

Oh yes, it will be great to see that brake and head badge again!  Hopefully the marks on the front bag aren't too noticeable since it'll be "the back side" from most viewing angles. 

Regarding using racks like the M-18 and M1-B with a basket: they do have a pretty low load rating (4.4lbs?), though I am certain there's a large safety margin vs. other rack brands. I add the irish strap connection from the "tombstone" to the handlebar as a safeguard against failure. Also, if you run a metal front fender, that will break the rack's "fall" if it fails too. These two factors combined leave me unconcerned with running the small racks with up to maybe 15lbs load.  More than that and the steering is slowed down a lot anyway. This is a personal risk assessment, not a recommendation! 

Regarding pannier racks, there's no black and white, right or wrong, but I find that especially with the long rear ends of modern Rivs, you barely notice the weight on the rear rack compared to the front. They both do the job, and I've carried heavy front loads on mine, but even with 40lbs on the rear rack I find Rivs to ride quite normal, but put 40 lbs on the front and it's a true upper body workout to steer, and if you had to suddenly swerve around a car door or something, the slowed steering may become a danger

[Joe Bernard]

All of what Jason said, and I'll add what I think I remember about Nitto's concern for Mark's Rack: I believe they worry about the adjustable struts and that most folks connect them at the mid-fork braze-ons; that's not a very strong load-bearing situation and things can get bad fast if the rack decides to slide down the struts. The Basket Rack has a lot more "putting too much stuff on it" security built in. 

Some of the floppiness of front loads show on Rivs is due to the high trail design. When you see rando bikes with a big boxy bag on the front those are usually low trail frames which actually handle better with a front load. I don't know why the math works this way but I had a Crust low trail bike and it felt twitchy and weird without a front load, I did NOT like it. High trail Rivs with loads on the rear, this is the way for me 🙋‍♂️

Caveat: High vs. low trail will bring out the arguments with the quickness. This is one man's opinion! 

[Joe Bernard]

Dangit, I knew I'd forget something. The basket will be fine on the back, that rack is strong. 

[Luke Hendrickson]

I have the Soma Demi Porteur (rated to about 22lbs.) and enjoy it thoroughly. 

[jon f.]

Hello, and thank you for posting this. 

I was just about to order one to put on my, 'new to me' early aughts quickbeam. I was curious on it's weight and how it would feel.

For years ( about a decade !) I had a Schwinn voyageur with the surly front rack combo - ready to tour, ready to ferry an obscene amount of groceries home. It was heavy and worth it; I'm also ready to move to something lighter with my new quickbeam. Maybe a Nitto M1 or another minimal cantilever attached front rack will be nice. Won't be able to haul as much, but that's okay too!

Side tangent, but related: does anyone have a recommendation for a canti front rack? I was looking at the one on VO - seems decent, but would love to hear other people's opinions.

On Fri, Oct 7, 2022, 3:05 PM Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

As a non-front-rack guy (so why are you even posting, Joe??) I have no thoughts on that particular rack, but I DO have thoughts on total bike weight. When I had my custom designed, then added parts, I leaned towards as much lightness as I could safely get away with for the use. Lighter = easier/faster was a consideration, but the main goal wasn't for riding but moving the thing around. If it's a struggle to get up the steps to my house or load in the back of the car I'm going to be annoyed by that, the bike needs to be accessible in all ways. SO. If you're struggling to load it and can find a lighter/smaller rack to do the same job, I think this is the way. 

On Friday, October 7, 2022 at 2:00:17 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

Hi friends, 

Can we just talk about the Nitto Basket Rack for one sec? 

I was so excited when this was made and I got one soon after. I have it on my Overkill Shopping Platypus, and I like the way it looks and its utility but it is SO HEAVY. Noticeably heavy. Like, when I lift the unloaded bike onto my van bike rack I struggle - and I’m no wimp. This Platy outweighs my rear-racked and Backabike’d Clem, and I think the Basket Rack is mostly to blame. 

I’m toying with the idea of removing it, but then I’d have to get a new setup for my dyno headlight, so I hesitate. 

I don’t think I’ve heard anyone else complain about the weight of the Basket Rack; I feel like I’m the only one, which makes me suspect I’m wrong. Before I do anything drastic, I just wanted to see if this has been anyone else’s experience. Is the Basket Rack a beast? Has anyone else tried it and disliked it? 

I know there’s a whole discussion out there about carrying weight on the front. I guess I’ve never had a real issue with it, aside from not liking that the bars swing around when parked. I’m not really talking about THAT; I’m wondering if anyone else finds this Nitto rack unnecessarily heavy. Not that I’m going for lightweight, here. I mean, look at these pics.

Leah

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[Mackenzy Albright]

I ran a porteur rack and large basket on my romanceur and never noticed the weight. I'd be surprised when I took it off how much the rack+basket weighed. Riding I found it to be no issue. I could load it up and it was never an issue. I actually found it a bit too wispy unloaded - but I rarely go on a ride with *nothing* with me. 

Once I purchased a new style clem smith jr the wheel flop even with just a rack and basket drove me nuts. Loaded up with lots of tools or groceries it rides OK. but it didn't have the same effortless *pushing a wheelbarrow* feel my romanceur had. I feel it lacks the nimble aspect that works well bike camping riding gear on slower trails. 

I recently acquired a first generation Clementine - I find it's somewhere in between the Romanceur and Clem Smith. I read somewhere Clementines were a Hunqapillar front end with a swooped TT and longer rear Tri. It rides best unloaded. But doesn't have the same flop as JR making it tolerable lugging larger loads of tools or groceries. It's fine for now. I think once I get bike camping with it i'll have to be more creative dispersing weight rather than jamming it all in my front basket or large front porteur bag. 

Trail definitely seems to be the biggest factor IMO. I'd love a custom low trail hunqapillar(ish) bike one day. 

[Piaw Na]

That's because your romanceur is a low trail bike with 36mm of trail as opposed to the 55-60mm on typical Rivendell bikes.  Conversely, that's why the Romanceur won't ride well without a front load!  That makes bikes like that a specialized item as opposed as a bike meant for general riding that can be used for both carrying a load and riding without one.

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

I got my bike done today at the shop and it has made a huge difference in ease of lifting it onto the rack. I didn’t get far with setting it up again because when I got home I realized the rear dyno light isn’t working now. She shop had to mess with the dyno wiring and something is likely off, but I can’t see what. Also, they wadded up the wire and zip tied it to the top tube, near that pretty head tube lug and it’s hideous. I will beg them (and pay them again) to wire that bike more classily. My other bike is a perfect example, so maybe I bring that in as a guide. 

But, once I get these details handled, I do think I’m going to love the improvements. Photos to come!

[Joe Bernard]

Someday a bike shop is going to put one of your bikes back together properly. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but that day will come.  

[Leah Peterson]

Joe, isn’t it the truth? I got it all put right now, I think! More on that later. I’m headed out to dinner…

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 14, 2022, at 3:36 PM, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

Someday a bike shop is going to put one of your bikes back together properly. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but that day will come.  

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[Leah Peterson]

I picked up my bike today. I had the work done yesterday but when I got home I realized the rear dyno light wasn’t illuminating. Back I went, and since the shop was working on the light, I begged them to fix the wiring job they had done. The wires were bunched up and zip tied with black zip ties right behind my head tube. Really unsightly. I brought my raspberry Platypus along to illustrate a beautiful wiring job. I told them I’d pay them all over again for labor (to their credit, they tried not to accept, but I think it was fair to pay again because they were redoing the wiring for cosmetic reasons) if we could just mirror the red bike’s wiring. They studied the racing Platypus and snapped some photos. Then, they got to work. 

There was some problem with the connection for the rear light, so they replaced it. And there was an extra connection behind the headlight, so they eliminated it. They zip-tied the wires to the cables that run alongside the down tube. They secured the extra wire near the kickstand plate instead of by the pretty lugs at the head tube. Nice and hidden. This is not the bike I’m precious about, but I still like it to look pretty. The shop did a really nice job; I bet they will do their zip ties to the cables from now on. There really isn’t any drawback that I can see and it is so aesthetically pleasing. If I ever get access to mint-colored zip ties I’ll replace the black ones.

Here it is, bare naked:

I put the basket on the rack and hung the bags. It feels very different without the weight on the front end, but I think I love it. I have had zero time to ride tonight, but should weather cooperate, I’ll test it out this weekend. I really, REALLY love that I no longer deal with wheel flop. 

The reflector on the side of the Ron’s bag needs a new home. To be determined.

Thanks for all your help and posts on this thread! It is fun to reconfigure a bike in ways that might better serve.

Leah 

On Oct 14, 2022, at 5:22 PM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Joe, isn’t it the truth? I got it all put right now, I think! More on that later. I’m headed out to dinner…

[Joe Mullins]

Looks good Leah! You’ve inspired me to try a switcheroo on my Rosco (of which I still need to post photos of on the group).

On Oct 14, 2022, at 5:30 PM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Jason Fuller]

Yeah looks great!  The rear basket would look silly on the racing platypus, but it just fits in with what this bike is for.  

Hear me out on the triangle:  one orange triangle on the back of each pannier, and the green one up on the basket for three (!) rear triangles and nice symmetry. The Rons bag is already a giant safety triangle for the front, effectively

[JAS]

Leah, what a nice change!  Your bike is perfect.  I'm with Jason...3 triangles on the back, just like he described.

Joyce

[Leah Peterson]

Totally gonna do it, Jason! Wooooo!!!!!

On Oct 14, 2022, at 9:23 PM, Jason Fuller <jtf.f...@gmail.com> wrote:

Yeah looks great!  The rear basket would look silly on the racing platypus, but it just fits in with what this bike is for.  

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[Leah Peterson]

Because more is MORE! 🤣 Totally doing it.

On Oct 14, 2022, at 9:31 PM, JAS <swanso...@gmail.com> wrote:

Leah, what a nice change!  Your bike is perfect.  I'm with Jason...3 triangles on the back, just like he described.

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[upyou...@yahoo.com]

3 Triangles on back for sure!

Kate

[Joe Bernard]

Which reminds me I only have one triangle on my bag and clearly need at least three because more is MORE!!!

[Doug H.]

Does this mean one would need 4 squares and unlimited circles??? ;-)

Doug

[Roberta]

It looks GREAT. I’m not surprised that you’re going with the more is more triangle idea—it will be fab!

Similar to my commuter setup and I love it so I think you will too. It’s freeing to get excess weight off the front.

 How do you like it?

[Chris Halasz]

I'll chime in here that in the past few months the front rack was removed from my Sam and front basket relocated to the rear rack. 

The change in the handling of the bike with the 10+lb 'dynamic' load was welcome, while the passenger is willingly accepting the somewhat obstructed view. I keep telling her there's less chance of a bug zinging her in the face now! 

A Riv Shiny Rack is on its way to provide a little more margin to the load. Done with heavy front loads for now. 

Cheers, 

Chris 

[Leah Peterson]

Jason: like this? Y/N.

🙃Leah

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 21, 2022, at 6:40 PM, Chris Halasz <cha...@gmail.com> wrote:

I'll chime in here that in the past few months the front rack was removed from my Sam and front basket relocated to the rear rack. 

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[Jason Fuller]

YYYYYYYYYYYYYY

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[Jim M.]

Looks good. Easier to wheelie too. 

jim m

walnut creek