Re: Briefcase pannier? (front rack)

[http://www.hq.nasa.gov/~bingalls (Bill Ingalls)]

Robert,

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you.

I have the Blackburn front low-rider rack.  The model is F-1.  You can see
at Blackburn's web site (TOP PAGE:
http://www.blackburndesign.com/black.htm)
(F1 RACK: http://www.blackburndesign.com/blk1f.htm).  I had to use this
model since my bike does not have holes for directly connecting the custom
low-riders.  I have not done a lot of research on racks.  Blackburn was
just the easiest for me to get.

Only thing I really don't like about them is that since they attach to the
fork with a U-Bolt design the tops of the U-bolt can get in the way when I
attach my panniers.  They still work, it just takes some maneuvering with
the bags.  If I had the custom low-rider this would not be a problem.  On
the other hand...the custom low-riders do not have the stabilization bar at
the front which seems to me would be important for heavy loads.

I have seen mentioned on the touring list the Bruce Gordon racks as being
some of the best racks you can buy. (TOP PAGE: http://www.bgcycles.com/)  I
would certainly think of buying these if I were doing some serious touring.

Whatever your decision I would make sure you get the low-rider style unless
you plan on doing touring through really deep mud/water and need to keep
the panniers high.

Please let me know what you deside and if your happy with your decision.

Happy trails!
Bill Ingalls
Washington, DC

>Hi.  I was wondering: what brand of front rack do you use for your paniers?
>I'm trying to decide which front rack would work best for me.

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