Standard rack on Sofrider

[Nanda H.]

Reading about all the different rear rack setups I figured I had to see what the issues were mounting a regular rack. The front struts are a springy steel and shouldn't have any problem bending with the mild suspension action eh. I used some longer M5 bolts to mount the rack to the upper rack mount holes in the rear dropout, and put nylock nuts on the inside of the dropouts to keep the bolts from backing out in case the suspension action wants unscrew the bolts. So the rack is not completely snugged down at the moment so it pivots a few degrees with the shock action, but I don't see why it can't be firmly secured either. Will report back after a couple of miles.

Also installed a strap-on H20 cage on the TFT

Summit tail bag, on a Planet Bike rear rack

I did use a slightly longer post clamp skewer as the stock one looked a little short.

You can get slightly larger images by clicking "All Sizes" on this page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spincyclz/4725583059/

 

[Gromit]

http://www.cruzbike.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=132
http://www.cruzbike.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1059

 

[Peder Torgersen]

I also have a standard rack on my Sofrider.
I have also been inspired by Jon but some difference you can see it on the pictures.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sykkel-bent/sets/72157622710241741/

If I need to carry more I use a trailer.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sykkel-bent/sets/72157603410266452/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sykkel-bent/sets/72157624115190275/


Peder

 

[Nanda H.]

Yup, seen those solutions, but was hoping to avoid them. So far the rack is A-ok mounted as is. We just did a dawn patrol morning ride up a fairly bumpy grade with a fast descent, and everything seems to be fine with the rack.

I was also surprised that I was able to mash up this particular grade with only a 16spd, and no front granny. It was exactly easy, and I am planning on trying a triple or low range double crank.

 

[Nanda H.]

After this mornings ride, I wanted to get a little more low end so I installed a Truvativ Stylo 2.2 175mm crankset with a 36/24T and nice chainguard (bringing the granny gear inches from 27.6" to 19.3" http://sheldonbrown.com/gears/). I also wanted to get the handlebars a little further away as the stock Sofrider cockpit always felt a little cramped when compared with the Quest or Silvio, so I installed an angle adjustable stem that gets the bars 2-3" further out, and can rotat +/- 30deg.

 

[John Tolhurst]

Nice mods, Nanda.
Turning the bars backwards will stretch the cock pit about the same as your adjustable stem does.
Again, nice pics.

 

[Nanda H.]

That was my next move John, which I will do after another ride. All the pix are front a 1st gen iPhone which I think has a 2mp camera. Just waiting till the hype dies down before getting the iPhone 4 with a 5mp camera and HD video, which should be fun as it lets you upload straight to YouTube.

 

[joda76]

Here's my latest rig for a little trip around Lake Ontario. I mounted an Axiom on rear and old Blackburn low rider under the seat, a longer stem and some Titec bars. http://www.flickr.com/photos/joda76/sets/72157624251565499 Seems to work fine with either set of panniers.

 

[Sylvain]

Joda,
Can't see your picture.

Joda,
Can't see your picture. The page is private.

 

[leakyduck]

My Rack Bracket

I've always said that a bike with out a rack is just an exercycle. Well My Sofrider is a real bike at last. I wanted to use my Trek rack because I have the bag that clips onto the rack. I used a 6 foot measuring stick that I cut down to make the brace. Why you are asking did I use a 6' measuring stick? Because it was cheaper than 3' length of AL stock. Turns out it was a good thing I bought the bigger piece. Messed up on the first one.

Posted this picture so you can get the measurements.

Solid as a rock. Cost less than $10.00 to make (using my Treck rack). And yes I can get the back wheel off.

 

[Charles.Plager]

Brilliant!  That's exactly

Brilliant! That's exactly what I've been saying I'd do. Saying is one thing. Doing is another.

Cheers,
Charles

 

[Robert Matson]

Rack on Sofrider

I have an entry on my blog about putting an Old Man Mountain rack on the Sofrider. Recommended.

http://blog.nycrecumbentsupply.com/2012/10/what-im-riding-around-town-these-days.html

All best,
Robert

----------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply / www.coolbike.us
The Innovation Works, Inc.
Tel: (646) 233-1219
Blog "Recumbent bikology in the urban jungle" at http://blog.nycrecumbentsupply.com/

 

[leakyduck]

Rack on Sofrider

I looked at the Old Man Mountain rack and stuck with the one I had. My "custom" made brace is working fine. Solid as a rock. It lets me continue to use the rack I had and all my bags are set up for it.

 

[ocd]

Another version

When I tried to follow leakyduck's approach I had poor luck bending aluminum at sharp angles, so I did it a bit differently. The rack is a Blackburn MTN-1. It plays nicely with the fender.

ocd