more rack love: PAUL's Flatbed

image via PAUL

I recently spotted one of these flatbed racks by PAUL locked up in front of my gym - and the owner was raving about it to me. What a functional beauty!  

California-based bike component company PAUL makes these tubular anodized aluminum racks -- which I can't help compare it to the GAMOH front rack by Minoura of Japan. While similar in, here is how the two racks compare:

Disclaimer: I have never tested a Paul rack though have owned a GAMOH for a couple years and wrote this review in 2010

 PAUL Flatbed rack  

• 18" x 14.5" x 2.75" platform
• 6061 Aluminum Frame w/ anodized black or silver
• Poplar hardwood slats
• Max load 25 lbs.
• rack weighs 3 lbs.
• mounts on fork eyelets and stem
• Fits 700c wheels
• $199 (here)

)

GAMOH front rack

• 18" x 12.5" x 4.25" platform
• steel tubing with black powdercoat finish
• wood slats
• Max load 40 lbs. (Ben's Cycles recommends no more then 25 lbs.)
• rack weighs 5 lbs. 10 oz (2550 grams)
• mounts on fork eyelets and front breaks 
• Fits 700c wheels
• $114 (here)    

In this case I feel you get what you pay for. Yes, Paul's rack is nearly twice the cost but weighs 2 lbs. less due to the aluminum frame. Another important difference with the two is the way they mount onto your bike, though each with a three point connection. PAUL's Flatbed mounts to the stem and fork eyelets. The stem clamp is adjustable for different frame sizes and works with threaded or threadless tubes. With the GAMOH the rack mounts to the front brakes with a steel mounting bracket -- which makes for a cleaner look BUT I had an issue with the bracket snapping in half.

Either rack you go with -- they offer a nice large surface to lug around stuff. Just don't forget to protect those nice wood slats. I opt for regular applications of tung oil!  

my GAMOH rack with bungee around stem to help keep some weight off the bracket

yet another reason why I love my Ortlieb (in the rain)

In last night's downpour I had no place to add a second rear light (due to my detachable fender and rain jacket) but ended up keeping the light on *inside* the bag and it surprisingly shined right through! Granted my Knog Boomer Wearable was not as bright as it is on its own (though it had a great diffused effect) and it would be preferable that the backpack had a little tag on the outside so you can just clip on a light...

But while on the topic of my Ortlieb Velocity Backpack... it really is a utilitarian dream. Reliably waterproof, durable, comfortable, comes in that screaming yellow (though I so want one in white, mine was a hand-me-down), has a super high capacity, and comes with a great little snap in pouch inside to help keep you organized. Can you tell how much I love my "Banana Bag" -- a name it inherited from my co-workers?!

SO BRIGHT - Cambridge Satchel Co.'s S/S 2011 Collection

bag images via Cambridge Satchel Company

Loving this florescent trend in fashion... and what do you know the Cambridge Satchel Company now makes their traditional British school satchels in BRIGHT 'Fluro' colours! How nice would one of these be in your bike basket - or on your back! And if you worried about converting pounds to dollars, JCrew is carrying a selection in their CREWCUT section.

Hasn't been this easy to shop to be this highly visible since the '80s!

via Refinery29

via SHEfinds

BAGGU goes NEON

via Baggu.com

Who couldn't use an extra splash of neon / day glo?! Just love how your visibility increases exponentially! American Apparel has been making this great Nylon Cordura Backpack in Hunter Orange for years and I always love spotting one from a block away (really!) So, I was also really excited to see BAGGU (the makers of those reusable grocery bags in loads of colour/pattern options) just came out with their lightweight ripstop nylon daypack that folds into its own pocket... in NEON! Either on your back or in your bike basket - these little guys will POP!

via America Apparel

the GAMOH King Carrier

This past summer (after eyeing Globe's Live bicycle) I felt the need for a front rack upgrade... and went for the GAMOH by Minoura.  Actually, we ended up with two of them (for two different bikes). Having used the GAMOH for a few months now here is a review and warning*:

FABULOUSNESS...
The rack is large (measuring at 18"x12.5"x4.25") and somewhat intimidating bumper - perfect for maneuvering NYC streets. The framing is super strong chromoly steel tubing with a powder coating that has yet to chip, dent, or show any wear. A good urban carry-all with a weight limit of 40lbs - while Ben's Cycles recommends no more then 25lbs. It is shallow enough so you can strap on all sorts of oddly shaped items. I had initially been looking for a large cargo rack which did not connect to the handlebars. The GAMOH's three point attachment (to the fork eyelets and fork crown/front breaks) makes for a nice and clean look. And how I adore the wood ♥ paneling (though since I most often lock up my commuter outdoors it didn't take long before I cleaned off the boards and applied a few new coats of Tung Oil). Though this really to be expected maintenance. And, indeed, that little cut out in the front is a bottle opener.

NOT SO FABULOUS...
This baby weighs in at 5+ lbs/2550 grams - which adds up when you commute on a steel beater though not a deal breaker for me in this instance. The biggest issues I have had is with the top mounting bracket* which connects to your front brake. Firstly, the rack comes with two steel brackets (which you are intended to just use the one which works for you) - well NEITHER were angled to accommodate the two bikes which meant the bracket had to be jury rigged and bent to fit:

via Rivendell

So all as good and dandy until riding down a decent hill - after using it for a month - I suddenly glanced down and watched my bags which were strapped to the rack move in front/away from me  ending up with them scrapping along the concrete ***THE BRACKET HAD BROKEN IN HALF*** yeah, pretty dangerous (could have actually been a catapulting situation). Naturally you could tell yourself "you totally just created that weak spot by bending it!"and while true the real issue is the quality of steel used for the bracket is just not adequate. Perhaps I was overloading - thought I do tend to use a bungee cord attached the frame and loop it around the stem - similar the Rivendell's advice:

via Rivendell

I recently spotted a fellow commuter with the same GAMOH and it turns out he had the same issue with neither bracket fitting and after trying a some self bending options went to a hardware store and bought and customized a totally new (stronger) steel connector. I knew I wasn't alone.

As mentioned above there ARE some great features with the rack but hope you find this post is helpful. And here's my carrier with bungee cords in FULL effect...

mini treasure chest

While biking around Governors Island on a nice sunny day this past summer I spotted this bicycle with a rear rack with a built on storage/tool box. Brilliant and practical! Turns out that the owner swapped it off his girlfriend's Peugeut. If I were her - I would have not let go of it!

And speaking of the perfect staycation destination... the Governors Island ferry stops running for the season on October 10! Take a que from this The Trust for Governors Island promo shot...

solitary and nocturnal

Having always been fond of the brilliant marketing tactic of incorporating animals on wine labels - just love this repurposed wine crate with an owl as it's mascot I spotted in Brooklyn . One sweet wooden crate.

well sealed

We've had an exceptionally dry summer in NYC but last night's downpours was a reminder that some things truly need to remain dry in commute. Jack Spade makes this sweet looking Tarpaulin Dry Dopp Kit for essentials which snaps down making it nice and compact. Ultimately if one is seeking waterproof performance in a bag, water sport (kayaking/boating) companies offer a plethora of options - such as SealLine...






And I can not leave out Ortlieb's panniers, which also roll seal, and are available in (highly visible) white ♥

o canada

So pleased to see the comeback of the classic rucksack! Herschel Supply Co. based in Vancouver, Canada, have some nice & simple options for carrying your goods... read about about the company's roots and check out what's in stock. I'm eying their Zippo bag which includes their signature ‘Tear Away’ removable waist straps (detail below) - smart stuff!

for commuting, randonneuring, and touring

Philly-based Laplander makes these classic style panniers. While similar to Brooks' Brick Lane Roll-Up Panniers, Laplander's (more affordable version) are handmade in Philly from sturdy 14 oz. cotton duck canvas fabric with nice attention to details (check out the fabric on the black version for the inside posket!)... for sale at their Etsy store!
Stumbled upon them in Whole Living magazine (formally 'body+soul') who were included in the featured article... 'How to Ride a (Grown-Up) Bike: to Work, with Kids, and More'

the essentials... tote

Handmade by Emma, a costume designer in Melbourne, Australia via Makool Loves You.

wire basket goodness

The Hoxton Wire Basket by Brooks - an elegant addition which includes a wood base and a leather grip (made of leather washers cut from their saddle production).