rear rack install x2

[Sanders]

Recently installed 2 rear racks/bags on a Como 4 and Como 3.
Como 4 is the Iberra PakRak carrier with Commuter Bag.
Como 3 is the Topeak Explorer with MTX Trunkbag EX.
They both fit well and seem very quiet back there so far.
I also don't quite understand the difference between the disc and non-disc styles of racks.
Not seeing that as an issue.
I did replace hardware with longer if needed and "more known" s/s socket head screws.
I will be re-locating the under seat rear lite when I find time.
Right now we're using a usb-charged device, Ascher I think, 4 display options, clips onto rear of rack, not too bad.
All of our riding in daylight thus far.
High-Vis yellow-green vests handle the visuals so far.
Flourescent yellow-green vests take care of visual pretty well.

 

[Sierratim]

Looks like the Ibera can accommodate panniers with the trunk bag in place? I like that.

We ride mostly in the daylight as well. My motto is the more flashing lights the better!

Ride On!

 

[J.R.]

I also don't quite understand the difference between the disc and non-disc styles of racks.

The disc brake racks have more clearance for caliper bolts. The rack you have on the grey bike has only a single arm at the bottom so it probably wouldn't be an issue with the disc brake caliper. The rack on the blue bike, if it didn't have the spacer it would likely hit the caliper bolts on many bikes.

I use a non disc brake rack on a disc brake bike. I just added my own spacers to accommodate for the caliper bolts. Otherwise it wouldn't have fit.

 

[Sanders]

Looks like the PakRak Panniers (IB-BA9) fit pretty nicely to the rack with commuter bag clipped on.
Concept seemed nicer than just unzipping a side pocket to have a bigger bag billow out.
You know I'm tearing it off next time I lose my balance in a tight spot.
Might come into play as we try to consider making grocery runs.

 

[Karol]

Hi All. I've got Como 4.0 2020 step through S frame 700c and bought it for my miss and our child. I have been looking for a long time a proper child seat for it but due to low level of seat tube and it's actual length it's been difficult to accommodate an. There's lack of detail for all canteliver like fitted child seats and dimensions for extra bars ( can assume only from pictures or help from other users). I've already tried with Thule ride along and now waiting for Hamax which has smaller bracket. I'm familiar with the racks that's been posted by Sanders (many thanks) but could you tell me or post pictures how the legs are actually fitted to the frame from the disc side- did you/ they used nuts, is there any thread in rack legs at all- can't see it on website but given its look I assume not. Also how did it fit, did you have to bend it a bit ( the width of both topeak is 6.7"- I was thinking about buying one with expandable legs, which one do you have- the one for 700c tyres or 29". How secure it is in reality? Would you recommend it for child seat fitted to rack ( I know that topeak is tested and approved) as original rack is securely fitted from the inside by accomodating special shape? Thank you all in advance for any help. See attached pictures where obviously the original rack has thread.

 

[Sanders]

-Karol:
Each of the racks I installed had thru-bolts that fastened "thru" the rack mount, then the frame, the conical piece inside frame, washer, then a nylock nut on the other end.
The original bolts that came on bike were too short to add the rack. I'm not a fan of "bolts that came with it" when dealing with almost anything.
That is normally the weak link of the assembly. I replaced with a known bolt of proper length, longer than original.
The same fastening point is where the support arm for fenders attach so it takes a bit of patience. I appreciated a small pair of needle nose vise-grips.
I think the expected load was about 50# by each manufacturer.
Both of the racks I installed said clearly "not intended for child transport" or something of that nature.
I'm 64, been a mechanic for 42 years and I wouldn't put my grandchild in anything that wasn't rated for the purpose of that in particular.

 

[Karol]

-Karol:
Each of the racks I installed had thru-bolts that fastened "thru" the rack mount, then the frame, the conical piece inside frame, washer, then a nylock nut on the other end.
The original bolts that came on bike were too short to add the rack. I'm not a fan of "bolts that came with it" when dealing with almost anything.
That is normally the weak link of the assembly. I replaced with a known bolt of proper length, longer than original.
The same fastening point is where the support arm for fenders attach so it takes a bit of patience. I appreciated a small pair of needle nose vise-grips.
I think the expected load was about 50# by each manufacturer.
Both of the racks I installed said clearly "not intended for child transport" or something of that nature.
I'm 64, been a mechanic for 42 years and I wouldn't put my grandchild in anything that wasn't rated for the purpose of that in particular.

Sanders, thank you so much as for the first time someone gave me proper answer. I'm also involved in engineering and don't like Mickey mouse jobs. Did you use hardened rubber shock absorbers (like in car suspension cut to the right size), milled from metal or just found appropriate one?. I also wouldn't put my child without being sure so technical steel bolts are best solution. Topeak has same rack as yours with child seat in their offer and I assume that it's only about relevant norm/tested ( they don't allow using racks with adjustable fittings). The only thing I would be worried are holding metal plates on rack that are fitted to seatstays look dodgy when bent and prefer straight on sides. Anyway, as you mentioned a bit of patience in the workshop would do the job. Thank you for your help, much appreciated.

 

[Karol]

Sanders, thank you so much as for the first time someone gave me proper answer. I'm also involved in engineering and don't like Mickey mouse jobs. Did you use hardened rubber shock absorbers (like in car suspension cut to the right size), milled from metal or just found appropriate one?. I also wouldn't put my child without being sure so technical steel bolts are best solution. Topeak has same rack as yours with child seat in their offer and I assume that it's only about relevant norm/tested ( they don't allow using racks with adjustable fittings). The only thing I would be worried are holding metal plates on rack that are fitted to seatstays look dodgy when bent and prefer straight on sides. Anyway, as you mentioned a bit of patience in the workshop would do the job. Thank you for your help, much appreciated.

Shock absorbers or milled metal meaning conical shape. Thanks

 

[Sanders]

Think I know where you're going with this: think you already know,
The conical piece I speak of is on the wheel side of the frame.
The frame has an indent, the conical piece goes in there, penetrates the frame surface but creates a flat spot for nut of fastener.
It's the "concave" part on the white frame of your first picture mating up to the "convex" part of third picture.
I think the shape design is probably due to engineered movement expected.
I would also expect a hard plastic or such that reacted to the aluminum frame properly, created a sound attachment, and didn't remove paint or surface treatment.
The pieces I used were already in frame holding support of fenders.
Get a pair of these. You'll be happy you did.

 

[jenfeu]

Recently installed 2 rear racks/bags on a Como 4 and Como 3.
Como 4 is the Iberra PakRak carrier with Commuter Bag.
Como 3 is the Topeak Explorer with MTX Trunkbag EX.
They both fit well and seem very quiet back there so far.
I also don't quite understand the difference between the disc and non-disc styles of racks.
Not seeing that as an issue.
I did replace hardware with longer if needed and "more known" s/s socket head screws.

Based on your post - and your Como 4 photo - I bought the Ibera carrier. It looks to be high quality! I'm excited to install it, but I need to get the longer screws/bolts. Anyway, thanks for posting this!

 

[Sanders]

Most welcome.
Good luck. Have fun.

 

[jenfeu]

Woohoo! Installing the Ibera PakRak Touring Carrier Plus on my bike was pretty straightforward. I bought the non-disc brake mount version and longer screws based on Sanders post and it fits really well. I'm so excited because I bought this to be my car replacement for in-town errands like grocery shopping. And I'm excited because my 15-year-old panniers match my Como! I've been using the pizza rack in front for everything up until now and am impressed with how well the bike handles when the rack has some load (groceries, pizza!!, bike shop purchases, etc.).

I guess I might as well remove the reflector under the seat

 

[Sanders]

beauty setup
well done