Headrest strength?

[charlesw]

Hi!

As I monkey around with my new Vendetta, I love the simplicity of the bike and that everything is so solid. It's solid and simple.

The only thing that bothers me is the plastic clamps for the headrest.

It seems like I'll generate a lot of weight on the headrest. And especially if I mount an Aerobag to it. I don't plan to put much weight in the bag, but on my yearly 700-miles-in-a-week credit card touring trip, I might fill it up with 5-10 lbs of misc stuff.

Anyways, what is the thinking on the strength of those plastic clamps in their particular usage. Should I worry about packing a couple extra of those guys when I go on a trip in-case one snaps?

Thanks!

 

[psychling]

HR strength ...

I just did a 400 km brevet on the Vendetta and I carried a lot of gear in the seatbag that hung off the headrest. Before that I've done about 5 back and forth 50 milers on what I call the `hardrock highway.' I put a 70 oz bladder, a 16 oz water bottle and lots of tools and clothes in the seatbag. Not a hint of a problem.

If you question the plastic clamps I'm sure you could rig something that doesn't include plastic.

I'll be doing a 24 hour race on flat terrain. I intend to put a bladder (or two) that will include 100 oz of water, plus some tools, 3 inner tubes and a foldable Schwalbe Durano Plus tire in the bag. I'm not worried because of the experiences I've listed above.

 

[charlesw]

Excellent. Thanks Dan!
My Dad

Excellent. Thanks Dan!

My Dad is a machinist and has a lathe and drill mill machine, etc. But he's in the middle of moving right now. Maybe when he gets settled, I'll see if he can mill me a set of aluminum clamps modeled on the plastic ones.