Removable Rack?

[Catrin]

I want to at least attempt commuting this year to see if I like it - only 1-2 days a week. I do not want to rush out and purchase a dedicated commuter bike however...but neither do I want to attach a permanent rack to my beloved Gunnar. If I decide I like it and see that I will continue commuting I will put something appropriate in layaway - I actually already have my eyes on something but I am not about to get ahead of myself on this (a Scott with belt drive + disc brakes). I just sold a lovely bike that didn't get ridden...

I've seen on occasion bikes around town that appear to have removable racks attached to the seat post. I've right at 2.5 inches of seat post showing... With my neck injury last fall I don't need to carry more than hydration on my back...
Does anyone have experience with these or something similar? The store I linked to has their annual sale event this weekend...

[WindingRoad]

Gotta be careful with those Catrin you can't put much weight on them. Racks can simply unbolt you know. Not a big deal to remove one, basically you just unscrew four bolts.

[Catrin]

Gotta be careful with those Catrin you can't put much weight on them. Racks can simply unbolt you know. Not a big deal to remove one, basically you just unscrew four bolts.

Good point, guess I was worried about scratching the paint on my lovely Gunnar However, I COULD get a bottle of touch-up paint from Waterford, I probably should have that anyway.

What I've seen is rated for 25 pounds, so I guess I better figure out how much stuff I actually need to carry with me.

[WindingRoad]

Did you decide on a route? Are you going to use pannier bags?

[Catrin]

Did you decide on a route? Are you going to use pannier bags?

I think I want to try the second route you recommended on Facebook, at least at first, depending on if they have completed the Cultural Trail on Washington and I think they have. The route down the White River trail does seem more direct, and I like that it goes UNDER 38th street...I have seen how drivers treat the bike lanes on New York and that idea just scares me right now. I know Riverside Park isn't the safest, but I doubt that would be a problem at the times I would be passing through.

I think if I plan this properly all I will really need to carry is lunch and hydration. I would only commute twice a week at most, so I can bring all my stuff to work the day before and leave a few extra things in the office. I've an empty drawer in my large file cabinet I don't think I would need more than a little trunk bag - and some come with a quick release attachment to the seat post. This might be a good option while I build my comfort level to urban riding. Pity I sold my little Arkel bag when I sold the LHT - got a great price for it but still.

The next step is to regain a bit more bike and neck strength - I strained a calf muscle this weekend on the bike, probably from fighting the wind down Reed Rd and crossing over to Dandy Trail Sunday. The wind was howling! I think the only thing that will help my neck tolerate riding more is to, well, ride more Intelligently however, I won't raise my mileage until there are no repercussions post-ride. The cool part is my mileage is already longer than the ride to work

[WindingRoad]

Let me make a suggestion then on an excellent combo of items for your trunk bag and rack. The Bontrager rack you linked I'm pretty sure has the Interchange system on it. Most of Bontrager racks do and then if you get their trunk bag with the Interchange hardware it is just sooooo nice and easy to use. I have the trunk bag that has the panniers too but they fold up into side pockets when you don't need them. VERY cool bag and I absolutely love it. I have the Bontrager Back Rack II. The Back Rack I is smaller which would probably be the one for your bike if you opt for a screw in rack instead of clip on. Don't hold me to that, I'm not sure if the I is smaller or the II come to think of it. It says on the packaging though. They run about $45 and the trunk bags are from $89-125 depending on which one you go with.

The wind has been wicked there in Indy recently. Last Wednesday when I met you, I did 45 miles and it was crazy. Just be careful crossing around the White River Damn area not so much for people (you can see in every direction) but the wind there is the worst place in town You are lucky you are of shorter stature than me, you can avoid a lot of the wind. As memory serves me and IndySteel proved this one windy day riding out on the Nebo route I would pull till I wanted to barf then I'm like yay I get some relief she's going to pull, my legs were burning! Yeah, well no! The wind just went right over her and hit me anyways It was a nice gesture though, lol. That ride beat me up.