Then a couple weeks ago I came across the new Blackburn Local Basket Front or Rear Rack. I couldn't quite figure out online how big it was, but it has a carrying capacity of 45lbs. "It's both height and width adjustable and disc-brake compatible to fit almost any road or mountain bike." So armed with the remainder of an Amazon gift card I received last Christmas (not a big Amazon shopper), I took a chance and ordered one. Ended up paying about $30 for it, figured I couldn't go too wrong.
It arrived a few days ago, and it's bigger than I thought but a good size for hauling stuff. The bottom is 11 1/2" X 14 1/2", while the top spreads out to 13 X 16. It's about 5 " tall.
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| still has the stickers on it! and look - a u-lock holder |
It comes with 2 different sizes of P-clamps for attaching to rear seat stays, and 2 struts for attaching to the fork or seat stay:
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| hardware kit includes two eyelets that screw into the ends of the struts, and swivel attachments for mounting on the rack |
I was surprised it didn't come with a bracket for attaching to the fender/rack hole in the top of the fork. You could probably work some bracket attachment up there. That left the only attachment points down at the fender mount/QR, and the braze-on on the fork which is pretty low on the Marin. The P-Clamps were too small for the fork, so I biked up to Home Depot to get a couple 1" P-Clamps. Attached them higher up on the fork, and they fit perfectly. I still have some fiddling with the mounts to do before I cut down the struts. Due to the angle of the struts mounted to the fork, they point out a bit. It seems a little dangerous, kinda like a knight's lance. Maybe I could put foam rubber balls on the ends, and use it to ward off dogs.
I haven't tried the rack with any weight on it yet. The steering is so quick on the Marin, it'll be interesting to see how the bike handles with a load on the front.
I am 98% certain that the rack is secure on the bike, and it won't fall apart while bombing down Alberta Street.
