Bicycle rack
A bicycle rack is a device for transporting loads on bicycles . It is either mounted above the rear wheel of the bike, then called the rear luggage rack, or on the front fork, then called the lowrider . There are also front racks above the front wheel.
properties
Bicycle racks are mostly made of wire or pipe. The materials used are aluminum and steel , and in some cases titanium alloys . Heavy-duty luggage racks usually consist of thin-walled steel tubes, which ensure high rigidity with low weight.
Luggage racks are designed for a maximum permissible load, which is sometimes stamped on the carrier. Typical maximum weights on the rear wheel are 25 kg, on the front wheel 15 kg and on the lowrider 12 kg on each side. So-called expedition carriers on the rear wheel can sometimes even be loaded with up to 40 kg. However, the dropouts of the frame and, last but not least, the wheels must be approved for the higher loads.
Luggage carriers usually consist of a strut that transfers the weight of the load being carried into the frame and the actual device for securing the load. In the case of standard models, a spring flap or elastic band is provided on the support surface of the carrier to secure the transported goods. Some luggage racks have integrated mounts for child seats or special bag or case systems.
There are models with one, two or three struts to the dropout on each side. Unfolded downwardly extending struts carry loads from good, one by bending backwards projecting strut or a cross-tab keeps panniers at a distance from the rotating wheel for stability against lateral vibrations -. Inspired by saddle dimensionally stable provides a rigid wide or - high drive speed and cadence Articulation in the area of the saddle struts and, in particular, a pair of struts at the rear that come together as narrowly as possible at the top.
Rear rack
In many, often simpler, rear luggage racks, the mounting of the upper attachment is provided on the so-called pletscher plate , which is located on many bicycles between the seat stays at the upper end and is also used to mount the mudguard and classic rim brake bodies . To travel and trekking wheels newer design and Hardtail - mountain bikes one finds the Pletscher rare, there assembly of the rear wheel luggage carrier is realized by two on both sides attached to the seat stays eyelets, which are screwed on perforated support rails or similar connection parts with the luggage carrier.
On bicycles with a spring-loaded rear frame, the retrofitting of a luggage rack is usually only possible using a clamp on the seat post. Such luggage racks can only carry a small load (usually between 8 and 12 kg). If a rear suspension is required together with a luggage rack that can withstand higher loads, this must be taken into account when purchasing the bike; the manufacturers have special designs for this.
The mounting of the luggage rack on threaded eyelets was found earlier, for example on diamond sports bikes from the 1950s. The pletscher plate was generally not used on GDR bicycles , the luggage rack was usually mounted on a connecting tube between the chain stays, or it was screwed to the saddle mount (luggage rack in "Sweden shape").
Originally, the luggage rack was an accessory for bicycles, so the frames did not have any special eyelets for them. If necessary, it was attached to the seat stays with a simple clamp connection, and the lower end was plugged directly onto the screw axles of the wheel hub. This construction was still common on touring bikes until the 1950s.
Front rack
Older front luggage racks, which carry the load above the front wheel, are mounted at the mounting points of the mudguard, similar to the Pletscher variants. So-called lowrider luggage racks, which are mounted lower on both sides of the fork legs, are more common today . Larger luggage racks, on the other hand, are often fixed to the frame and therefore do not follow the steering movement, such as. B. in postal bicycles .
Correct loading
If panniers are used, they should be loaded so that large weights are placed as low as possible. This is particularly important when the load on the luggage rack on the front wheel is concerned. Light loads such as sleeping mats can be safely attached to the front carrier at the top.
Systems
In addition to the conventional spring flap or elastic straps for fastening the luggage, luggage racks can also be equipped with various systems in order to attach baskets, bags, hard-shell containers similar to a top case or child seats without tools.
I-Rack & I-Rack II
The I-Rack system is usually found as standard on bikes that are sold through the Zweirad -kauf-Genossenschaft (ZEG). These are brands like BULLS or Pegasus. The system can be recognized by the engraved word I-Rack and the mostly red button that protrudes from the side to release the basket from the carrier. The baskets are provided with an adapter plate, which is also available separately. The system also offers the option of replacing the button with a lock.
In 2019 I-Rack was replaced by I-Rack II. I-Rack is officially compatible with I-Rack II. The plate and rack mount has changed on I-Rack II. Instead of 4 protruding detections, the plate now consists of 2 wide plastic slots. I-Rack II is not downwardly compatible with I-Rack; a conversion kit must be purchased for this. There may be compatibility problems with some I-Rack plates, so that a little bit of the plates must be filed or increased force must be used. Optional conversion kits have been available from specialist retailers since 2020. XLC I-Rack plates are not compatible.
Racktime
The Racktime system is installed on bikes from KTM , Kalkhoff and Rixe , among others . Luggage racks with the Racktime system can be recognized by their mostly shiny black appearance and the lack of a spring clamp. This is available separately. The luggage racks are available in different widths. However, every Racktime basket fits every luggage carrier, as the mount on the plate can be adjusted with a spanner. The Racktime system can be provided with a lockable cap so that the basket sits firmly on the luggage rack and cannot be removed.
Pletscher Easy Fix
Every luggage rack from Pletscher AG has a holder for the Easy-Fix system. This mount consists of a three-point system with two retaining pins at the front and one at the rear. The left front receptacle has a spring lock that engages in a groove in the retaining pin and holds the counter plate firmly in position. The load can also be secured with split pins. The mount is also suitable for using Römer child seats with the appropriate adapter. Among other things, e-bikes of the first generations of Kalkhoff were equipped with it.
Other systems
- Topeak Beam Rack
- Klickfix GTA
- MIK (can be retrofitted)
- AVS (can be retrofitted)
See also
Individual evidence
- ↑ I - Rack system for bicycle baskets and bicycle bags , Fahrradmagazin.net, accessed on November 1, 2019
literature
- Michael Gressmann, Franz Beck, Rüdiger Bellersheim: specialist knowledge of bicycle technology. 1st edition, Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel, Haan-Gruiten, 2006, ISBN 3-8085-2291-7
- Fritz Winkler, Siegfried Rauch: Bicycle technology repair, construction, production. 10th edition, BVA Bielefelder Verlagsanstalt GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, 1999, ISBN 3-87073-131-1
