Author Topic: Novara Safari rear rack - sturdy enough for long tour?  (Read 7987 times)

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Offline hella_helen

Novara Safari rear rack - sturdy enough for long tour?
« on: January 12, 2014, 11:34:27 pm »
Hi all,

I have bought a new Novara Safari (picture here: http://www.rei.com/product/807245/novara-safari-bike-2014), and I was wondering if anyone have thoughts about the rear rack? I'm heading for a long bike tour around the US. Even though the description says it's a "sturdy" rack, is it enough for a fully loaded tour?

I'm torn since I'd like to save the money, but I also don't want it to break in the middle of the tour and leave me stranded on the road somewhere. Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Offline DanE

Re: Novara Safari rear rack - sturdy enough for long tour?
« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2014, 06:07:11 am »
It looks sturdy enough to me, I would save your money. I think it is unlikely for a rack to break. If it does it's not the end of the world. They can be held together with hose clamps and bailing wire until you find a welding shop where they can tack it back together. Welding shops that can do that are located just about everywhere you go.

Offline DaveB

Re: Novara Safari rear rack - sturdy enough for long tour?
« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2014, 08:10:34 am »
I'm sure it's sturdy enough for any "reasonable" touring load.  If you plan to carry 100+ pounds of gear, perhaps a stronger rack like the Tubus would be worthwhile but only then.

Offline Cyclesafe

Re: Novara Safari rear rack - sturdy enough for long tour?
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2014, 09:35:17 am »
Make sure you use high quality stainless steel bolts.  Usually bolts will shear before the welds break.

indyfabz

  • Guest
Re: Novara Safari rear rack - sturdy enough for long tour?
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2014, 10:29:52 am »
Make sure you use high quality stainless steel bolts.  Usually bolts will shear before the welds break.

And check their tightness periodically. They can shake loose.

Offline DaveB

Re: Novara Safari rear rack - sturdy enough for long tour?
« Reply #5 on: January 13, 2014, 11:41:26 am »
And check their tightness periodically. They can shake loose.
A mild version of Locktite (Blue, Grade 242) and/or Nylock nuts can assure the bolts stay tight.

Offline hella_helen

Re: Novara Safari rear rack - sturdy enough for long tour?
« Reply #6 on: January 13, 2014, 12:52:25 pm »
Awesome - thank you, everyone! I will look into the bolts situation.