Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Trips, adventures, bikes, equipment, etc.
Post Reply
Mortsty
Posts: 3
Joined: 18 Nov 2015, 12:12pm

Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by Mortsty »

Afternoon everyone,

I am new to cycling (not to say cycling per say but actually getting 'serious' with my bicycle in terms of my mode of transport) and I wish to be able to carry stuff to and from my place of work.

I've read about bike racks but unsure if they will fit and was looking for some advice.

What are my options for increasing storage capacity of my bicycle? I've attached some pictures below which might help as I am a little confused.

I appreciate all your advice smile emoticon

Samuel
Vorpal
Moderator
Posts: 20700
Joined: 19 Jan 2009, 3:34pm
Location: Not there ;)

Re: Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by Vorpal »

Wlecome to the forum. Can you tell what bicycle you have? Tehre are different solutions for different types of bike.

If you have a full suspension bike, you have fewr options, and we will have different recommendations than for a hard tail
“In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.”
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
Mortsty
Posts: 3
Joined: 18 Nov 2015, 12:12pm

Re: Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by Mortsty »

Its a GT Aggressor mtb with front suspension.

Cheers for your help :)

Samuel
Vorpal
Moderator
Posts: 20700
Joined: 19 Jan 2009, 3:34pm
Location: Not there ;)

Re: Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by Vorpal »

There are several options....

I looked at some on-line, and they appear to have places to fit a rear rack.
If you have disk brakes, you need to buy one made for a bike with disk brakes.
If you don't have disk brakes, you should be able to fit most rear racks on your bike.

If you don't need to carry much, you can use a slightly simpler solution, and put a rack on your seat post. Like this http://road.cc/content/review/6415-etc- ... nnier-rack

There are also other sorts of solutions, such as frame bags, which tend to be a bit more expensive.

You might also consider handlebar bags or saddle bags which are cheaper than fitting a rack and buying panniers for it, but won't increase your carrying capacity by as much.
“In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.”
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
Mortsty
Posts: 3
Joined: 18 Nov 2015, 12:12pm

Re: Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by Mortsty »

Morning everyone,

I bought the Topeak Super Tourist DX Disc Rack for my mountain bike (GT Aggressor) and whilst trying to fit it on I have realized the bolt which goes through the wheel/quick release and which connects this product to the back wheel is too short and thus I can not fix it on.

What can I do to overcome this problem, is it as simple as buying a longer bolt and if so where best to get it from?

Thank you for your help,

Samuel
User avatar
RickH
Posts: 5834
Joined: 5 Mar 2012, 6:39pm
Location: Horwich, Lancs.

Re: Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by RickH »

Mortsty wrote:Morning everyone,

I bought the Topeak Super Tourist DX Disc Rack for my mountain bike (GT Aggressor) and whilst trying to fit it on I have realized the bolt which goes through the wheel/quick release and which connects this product to the back wheel is too short and thus I can not fix it on.

What can I do to overcome this problem, is it as simple as buying a longer bolt and if so where best to get it from?

Thank you for your help,

Samuel

Unless I'm misunderstanding you, the Topeak rack doesn't use the quick release for mounting (there are racks that do however). Looking at images of the GT Aggressor online, assuming I'm looking at the right model, it looks like there are threaded mounting holes on the seat stays that can be used to fix the rack (you may need some M5 bolts if they didn't come with the rack).

Rick.
Former member of the Cult of the Polystyrene Head Carbuncle.
User avatar
3spd
Posts: 411
Joined: 21 Jan 2007, 5:37pm
Location: Leicestershire

Re: Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by 3spd »

Here's an option as long as your not too fashion conscious......

https://theeverydaycyclist.wordpress.co ... saddlebag/
My worse day on my bike is better than my best day at work!
Bigdummysteve
Posts: 353
Joined: 24 May 2015, 9:29am
Location: Oxfordshire

Re: Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by Bigdummysteve »

3spd wrote:Here's an option as long as your not too fashion conscious......

https://theeverydaycyclist.wordpress.co ... saddlebag/


well you wouldn't want to be TOO stylish :D
lostonthetrails
Posts: 7
Joined: 7 Feb 2016, 11:36am
Location: Somerset
Contact:

Re: Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by lostonthetrails »

Another options is to use frame bags, check out offerings from Blackburn, Alpkit, and Revelate to name but a few.
Home is where the bivvy is.

Genesis Croix De Fer 20 / Genesis Caribou
User avatar
NATURAL ANKLING
Posts: 13780
Joined: 24 Oct 2012, 10:43pm
Location: English Riviera

Re: Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by NATURAL ANKLING »

Hi,
Its not rocket science :)
Carry camping gear in the panniers.
Assuming its not rear suspension.
Attachments
Bend the rack leg very slightly add a spacer and a long bolt. For the purest you might go for a slightly larger spacer diameter.
Bend the rack leg very slightly add a spacer and a long bolt. For the purest you might go for a slightly larger spacer diameter.
DSC01038_a.jpg
NA Thinks Just End 2 End Return + Bivvy - Some day Soon I hope
You'll Still Find Me At The Top Of A Hill
Please forgive the poor Grammar I blame it on my mobile and phat thinkers.
Bicycler
Posts: 3400
Joined: 4 Dec 2013, 3:33pm

Re: Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by Bicycler »

Are you really comfortable touring in that position? :o :shock:
User avatar
NATURAL ANKLING
Posts: 13780
Joined: 24 Oct 2012, 10:43pm
Location: English Riviera

Re: Increasing storage capacity of my mountain bike?

Post by NATURAL ANKLING »

Hi,
Bicycler wrote:Are you really comfortable touring in that position? :o :shock:

Do I wear a helmet :lol:
NA Thinks Just End 2 End Return + Bivvy - Some day Soon I hope
You'll Still Find Me At The Top Of A Hill
Please forgive the poor Grammar I blame it on my mobile and phat thinkers.
Post Reply