Forks for Low Rider Rack

[mick skinner]

I want to put a low rider front pannier rack on my bike but it's got carbon fibre forks so I'm not sure they'd take the stress put on them by a rack, I imagine steel forks would be more suitable. Can anyone suggest the best product for this purpose? (the bike I've got is a Cannondale CAADX btw).

[whoof]

There are bikes with carbon forks that take front racks.
https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/giant_toug ... _campaign=[campaign_name]&sv_term=[keyword]&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7tSq_IPO3AIVChbTCh1j3Al6EAQYAiABEgJ8yvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

However, these are designed for this purpose with necessary attachment points. I have fitted low riders on forks with 'u' clamps but personally wouldn't want to do so with a carbon fork.

If you want to change the fork speak to Spa Cycles or SJS Cycles regarding what bike you have and it's geometry and they should be able to advise on a replacement steel fork.
https://spacycles.co.uk/m2b0s29p0/Parts ... Forks-Road
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/search/?ter ... %20touring

However some other solution may be easier; rear panniers + top bag + bar-bag?

[pwa]

Integrated headset?

[Brucey]

if it is a recent bike then I think it may have a tapered steerer. Finding a suitable replacement fork that fits won't be easy.

IIRC this bike (like a lot these days) almost appears to be scientifically designed to be as difficult as possible to fit luggage racks to. No wonder the bikepacking approach is popular....

One suggestion is that you look at fitting a rack that goes right over the top of the wheel; here

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/front-rack/

the surly and blackburn ones look like they might do the job; such racks can be designed to mount to the front axle directly, and then just require a steady bracket to the fork crown. A little cunning is required if you have through-axles, I think.

cheers

[pwa]

Will it be worth the faff though? Even on a purpose-made tourer the handling works best if the front panniers are loaded only with the lighter stuff. Will a CAADX handle well with the extra weight on the steering?

[mick skinner]

Thanks for all the good advice.

I think after all it wouldn't be worth the faff, I'll go without a front carrier and when I've saved some pennies I'll get a different bike that's got all the mounts I want.

Btw, I feel rude leaving so long to reply but my internet access is really limited.

[andrew_s]

if it is a recent bike then I think it may have a tapered steerer. Finding a suitable replacement fork that fits won't be easy.

Rodeo Spork
Tapered steerer carbon fork with low rider bosses. Expensive though ($440, plus post, duty, and VAT)