Luggage rack guide: choosing and fitting a bike rack
A good luggage rack takes the weight off your back and turns your bike into a daily carrier for panniers, a basket or a crate. Which one fits depends on your bike: where it can be mounted, the size of your wheels and what sits around them.
Rear or front?
The most common choice. It carries panniers on both sides and a bag or basket on top, keeping the load low and away from the steering.
A platform for a bag, a crate or a basket you want to keep in sight. Depending on its mounting, it is carried by the fork or by the frame. See also our basket guide.
How a rack attaches
The standard: the rack bolts to eyelets near the wheel axle and on the seat stays or fork. The most solid option when your frame has them.
Some classic racks use the brake bolt or the wheel axle as a mounting point, for bikes with fewer eyelets. The product page says which points are needed.
Fixed to the frame rather than the fork, so the load does not turn with the handlebar. Usually designed for specific frames, such as some Schindelhauer models.
Systems such as the Ortlieb Quick-Rack mount on threaded eyelets, with a seat stay adapter or with a thru-axle connector, and come off in seconds when not needed.
Check before you buy
- Mounting points: which eyelets your frame and fork have, and their thread.
- Wheel and tyre: the rack must match your wheel size and leave room for your tyre width.
- Mudguards: check that the rack and mudguard can share the same eyelets or fit together.
- Brakes: on disc-brake bikes the rack must clear the caliper; some racks mount on rim brakes instead.
- Frame: clamp-on adapters are not suitable for every frame material; Ortlieb, for example, excludes carbon frames for its seat stay adapter.
- E-bike: mind the battery position and any rack-integrated battery or light.
- Load: each rack has its own limit. Check the maximum load stated by the manufacturer on the product page.
Bags and baskets on your rack
Panniers hook onto the side rails, while top bags and baskets clip onto the platform. Many of these systems are brand-specific: a MIK basket needs a MIK-compatible rack, and Ortlieb panniers use their own QL or Top-Lock mounts. Check that your bag or basket matches the rack before you order.
Three racks from our range
Rear, removable
Ortlieb Quick-Rack XL
A quick-release rear rack that mounts on eyelets, with a seat stay adapter or on a thru-axle connector, and comes off when you do not need it.
View the rack
Rear, model-specific
Schindelhauer by Tubus
A steel rear rack made for specific Schindelhauer models, with room for a rear light. Check the list of compatible models on the product page.
View the rack
Front
BLB T-Rack
A compact stainless steel front platform for city bikes with 26 to 28 inch wheels, supplied with several mounting legs.
View the rackBrowse all rear racks, front racks and rack accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit a rack to any bike?
Not to every bike. It depends on your mounting points, wheel size, tyre width, mudguards and brakes. Each product page lists the compatibility stated by the manufacturer.
My bike has no eyelets. Is a rack still possible?
Sometimes, with a rack designed for brake or axle mounting, or with an adapter such as a seat stay adapter or thru-axle connector. Check that the adapter suits your frame material.
Can I mount a child seat on my rack?
Only if both the seat and the rack are approved for it. Follow the seat manufacturer's instructions on rack type and load.
Do I need a cargo bike instead?
For regular heavy loads, a cargo bike may suit you better. See our Omnium cargo bike guide.
Not sure which rack fits your bike? Bring it by and we will check the mounting points with you.
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