Ragley front rack

[SurlyNomad]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=52346

Does anyone have any experience with this rack? Is it just re-branded Surly front rack? My LHT is looking vey naked without a front end.

 

[willem]

It does indeed look very much like a Surly rack. To be honest, even though I very much like Surly bikes, I think the racks are too complex and overweight. Tubus racks are excellent, and much neater and lighter.
Are you really sure you need a front rack? I have come to the conclusion that I no longer need one. You could spend the cost of a front rack and front panniers on lighter and more compact sleeping kit. That is what I did (plus leaving home unnecessary junk), and even on more demanding European trips rear panniers are now all I need. Doing this saved some 5 kg. The bike rides much better, and climbing is easier.
Willem

 

[upsidedown]

It looks exactly the same as my Surly Nice rack. The description is pretty much word for word from the Surly site too.

 

[SurlyNomad]

Cheers guys! There is just one slight difference between the two! 10 Points if you spot it! I go minimalist anyways as i sleep in a bivvi bag with a tarp over about a foot of the floor. I find that the front is a little light and sometimes wanting to lift when i put my foot down in anger! Also with the surly being a touring bike asthetically looks better. I have an old front rack (the make escapes me) i know it is built as one (no nuts and bolts holding it together) with a hoop over the front wheel and it will not fit for love nor money, Ive had the front wheel off and the skewer out fitted and re fitted so i gave up.

Will check out the tubus though!

 

[SurlyNomad]

Well i bought the Ragley rack from chain reaction cycles, a snip at £70. Took me about an hour to fit and very sturdy once fitted. Highly recomended.