Beam rack for newbie

[tumblehome1]

I'm getting back into cycling after a too-long absence and so far have just done one supported ride (Dal-Mac, Sep. 05).

I would like to ride longer distances on my own but until I can afford a real touring bike I'm on a Cervelo Prodigy road bike which I suppose will limit me to "credit-card" tours.  

This bike doesn't have attachment points for a rack.  I'm considering a Topeak beam racks which is cantilevered out from the seat post, and limited to 20 pounds, which I think will be fine for some 4-5 day rides, since I would prefer to travel as light as possible.

But I'm wondering if this mass hanging out there will affect handling?  And it seems like I wouldn't want to clamp this rack to a carbon seat post?

I think I heard there are some fake braze-ons to which a rack can be attached?

Any comments from the Voice of Experience will be appreciated!   Thanks.

[cyclesafe]

Solve all of your troubles and get a BOB trailer and the widest tires your road bike can handle - probably 25mm (recommend Armadillos).

I used a Trek 5200 carbon frame bike and BOB on the Southern Tier last year with great results except for:
- Descents:  IMHO caliper brakes are a little weak for loaded touring - others disagree.
- Sand: Encounter any and your front wheel slips, you tumble.
- Gearing: Unless you have a triple, you might find yourself walking up steep hills.
- Stability:  With a light frame, you'll find that cross winds and traffic turbulence affect you more than otherwise.

However, also bear in mind that, other than the stability issue, these disadvantages have nothing to do with whether you pick panniers or a BOB.  If I didn't have money for a touring specific bike, I would for sure use my carbon bike with BOB - unless I was going off pavement.

[JohnLee]

I have one of these. I used to use it for commuting to work.
This rack moves from side to side too easily.
Mine is the quick release type. Impossible to tighten it enough without tools.
There is not enough room between the saddle and any trunk type bag you attach to the rack.
If you want to mount panniers, you'll have to purchase the additional stays.
Also, the weight is higher up than with regular racks, raising your center of gravity. You'd get used to it but it's something to consider.

I would suggest you mount a regular rack using "p-clips".

[RussellSeaton]

P-clips.  http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=112&subcategory=1079&brand=&sku=7587&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

No picture but they are basically 1.5" long metal strips about 1/2" wide with a hole in either end.  You wrap them around your chainstays and seatstays and put the tips of the rack legs or struts in between the holes and put a bolt through it all.  I have them on my brevet bike and it holds a cheap normal rack just fine for many miles.  Its solid.  You could also make your own from hardware stuff.

[tofubicycle]

And it seems like I wouldn't want to clamp this rack to a carbon seat post?

IMHO, you should never attempt to use a clamp on rack with a carbon seat post.

tumblehome, this may seem like a goofy sugestion for a Cervelo, even a steel model, but check these out:

Carradice Saddle Bags and Bagman Racks

The stated weight limit on the Expidition rack is 22lb. I have one of these and the Pendle Carradice bag on a commuting bike which I have taken on some short camping jaunts.

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i'd rather be biking.