Porteur Rack Versatility

by Igor

We often get questions about set up, use, and versatility of our Porteur Rack.

The rack is made from full tubular stainless steel. Dropout tangs have three holes, should you want to mount the platform directly to the fender or need to bring it down a bit.

Next, the underside of the rack has three eyelets. The two eyelets that are closest together are for mounting the rack tang. Two screws secure the tang to the rack (this prevents the tang from pivoting under load). The third eyelet is for mounting to the fender (optional).

Ideally for dropout installation, your fork should have a top mounted eyelet (below). Should you have only rear facing eyelets, use some valve stem washers to clear the fork blades.

The rack tang (included with the rack) has several holes on the long side and a short side with one hole. The long side matches up to the two eyelets on the rack's underside to ensure a horizontal rack; adjust configuration as necessary. Once you mount the tang to the rack, you can cut the excess, or leave it, it's up to you.

The short side of the tang requires a bolt for mounting. If you have a caliper brake, you're in luck. Just mount the tang behind the caliper. Note that on some calipers, bending the tang may be required to clear the brake. If you don't have caliper brakes, you will need to get a bolt that is longer than the width of your fork crown. Because there are so many applications, fork crown widths, and hole diameters, we don't include a through-bolt for mounting the tang to the crown. It's easy to find the right bolt and nut at your local hardware store or bike shop.

The rail (included) is super useful for bungeeing stuff down and generally ensuring things don't slide off the side of the rack.

If you need to carry even more, simply add panniers.

Speaking of carrying stuff, touring!

Levi put together an great video of his ride from DC to Pittsburgh, then on to Toronto, with a Porteur Rack mounted up to his LHT. See it here: http://vimeo.com/75444916

Levi's LHT with a Porteur. Photo courtesy of Levi.

Our friends at Pelago Bikes in Helsinki put together an awesome video of their ride to Berlin for Berliner Fahrrad Schau. Check out the video here: http://vimeo.com/61398261

Janic's bike featuring the Porteur Rack. Photo courtesy of Pelago Bikes.

If you wanted to make your front end even nicer, there are few companies that make accessories for the rack.

Photo Courtesy of Swift Industries: http://builtbyswift.com/products/19 

Swift Industries in Seattle makes a great waterproof bag designed around our rack. You can even customize the colors.

Photo Courtesy of: http://www.detailweb.co.uk/wooden-slat-kits/

Wooden slats are a tasteful and useful touch.

Lastly, with a bit of finesse, the Porteur rack also fits on a Surly Moonlander. http://forums.mtbr.com/fat-bikes/orange-velo-porteur-rack-moonlander-851739.html