Rear Bike Rack - curved up or flat

[Rsw241]

I appologize if this was discussed already... I couldn't find an answer.

I have noticed  some racks curve up at the front and or back, and others are flat.  My current bike rack curves up at the back which has been useful for weekly shopping.  What about for touring though?  Preferences?  Reasoning?

Thanks

[John Nettles]

To me it is sort of a personal preference.  On the rack that is closest to the seat post/headset, I prefer a curve to help keep any objects from sliding toward me.  For the opposite side, I usually prefer flat as that way items longer than the rack "deck" can still fit.  However, if I am carrying something like a large duffle bag type rack pack that can fit between the curved ends (either inline and/or perpendicular), I am fine with that.

Honestly, if you can decently secure the required items to the rack, any style should work fine.

Tailwinds, John

[John Nelson]

I keep my tent on top of my rear rack, and the tent fits between the rails, so the curve up of the rails neither helps nor hurts.

[Pat Lamb]

Like John Nettles, the curve up at the front of my rack keeps things from sliding forward.  In my case, that also keeps stuff from bumping the cantilever brake cables, so it's doubly welcome.

[ray b]

If you're talking about the stop on a flat rack - that loop of tubing that extends above the flat rack to keep items from fouling the brake cables and such, then for front rack it is to the rear, and rear racks to the front.

Rare racks like Aventon that have an elevated section at the rear of the rack make little sense to those of us who have older tent poles that extend past the rear of the rack.