Carbon bikes and racks

On_What

A question that has been asked a few times before possibly.

I am planning on joining a group of pals for a tour of France, travelling approx 300 miles through France this year. I plan on travelling light with minimal stuff, possibly comprising of upto 3-4kg maximum.

Is there a sensible rack system to mount this extra weight to my trusty Mortirolo, or should I look at picking up a cheap Alu/Steel bike for this trip? I am concerned on the extra loads I will place on the bike.

Cheers

nun

For that load you probably don't need a rack. What about using a Carradice saddlebag and a handlebar bag.

On_What

that has been mentioned, but again wasn't sure on the loadings into the frame - possibly me worrying about nothing but wanted to check

nun

With only 4kg I think you'll be fine. FYI I tour on a Cervelo RS and put more than 4kg on it with no trouble.......but I do have an Al seat post. Here is what you can do, I imagine you could use a far smaller saddlebag.

http://wheelsofchance.org/2012/12/25/gear-list/

andrew_s

nun wrote:

For that load you probably don't need a rack. What about using a Carradice saddlebag and a handlebar bag.

+1
A saddlebag imposes no extra load on the bike above what a slightly fatter rider would. The only possible problem is clamping something to a carbon seatpost, and you can always swap for aluminium if it worries you.
If you pick a big saddlebag, you can even go camping with one. This is with a Camper Longflap on a Bagman QR that clamps to the saddle rails, and a drybag lashed to an over the wheel front rack rather than a handlebar bag.

mercia_man

Andrew's right. A Carradice Camper Longflap and Bagman support will carry all you need if you're staying in hotels. It won't put undue strain on your bike and you'll feel little effect on handling.