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Author Topic: SAFARI racks  (Read 10519 times)

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Offline 1ce_w0lf

SAFARI racks
« on: December 12, 2007, 07:02:09 am »
My question- Novara Safari. Knowing that the rear rack which comes with the bike is dodgy and I don't like it at all, is it possible to change it to tubus or something more expedition-like rack? I'm asking because I don't live in the states so I can't just walk to the store and check myself + the bike has disc brakes which means the threads are kinda like in difference place I think and the rack itself there seems kinda stupidly upright. even talking bout the front- there are only some that fits the bike on the fork so I'm not sure at all. does anyone know? safari is a pretty nice bike to buy from all the cheapos so I'm considering to order it but well there are some questions so please help, anyone. THANKS.  ;)

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Offline TwoWheeledExplorer

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SAFARI racks
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2008, 10:28:10 am »
I have a 2007 Safari, and I really like the rear rack...it's bombproof as long as it was put on right. (I had some early issues with that, but I have a friend who works at REI and he made sure they were resolved.) The front is a bigger problem. I just got an e-mail from REI customer service on Tuesday, saying that REI does not carry any racks that are compatable with the disc brakes and fork of the Safari. That leaves the $130.00 (from the ACA store) Old Man Mountain Cold Springs front rack, or the Nashbar Delta Shock Treatment Front Rack. The Cold Springs is supposed to be easy on/easy off for when you don't need it, so I may opt for that, as I could use it on both my Safari and my Volpe.

Ride safe,
Hans

St. Brendan's Spoke Bicycle Travel Club
www.stbrendans-spoke.org
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Offline 1ce_w0lf

SAFARI racks
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2008, 12:57:22 am »
hey, yes, thanks.!
as this forum is completely dead, I had this convo later on crazyguyonabike.com where I got loads of responses which resolved my question in a day.

Yes, the rack probably is bombproof enough for some weekend riding but not expeditions. Knowing that you can't carry much more than 20kg on the rack, it's just plain miserable. The more I look at the bike, the more I understand that it's not an adventure bicycle at all as they claim it.
The only solution as far as I know would be a custom made steel rack but I doubt if the bike is really worth it.
The guy from the above mentioned site checked his Safari and his Tubus Logo- it would fit BUT the rack was a lot higher than the stock rack, and so the lower mount rail for the panniers was actually about the same height as the top of the stock rack. That's not cool. Also the rack was too high for the connectors that are on the seat stay. So...
No one could say though if Tubus CARGO would fit on the bike. Does anyone know on here maybe?

Yes, I've heard about the front also and the best solution would be Tubus Tara which is widely used on Safaris and as far as I know- fits perfectly.

Overall, this bike would be really good for some decent loaded touring in europe but definitely not expeditions in third countries through remote areas which I need a new bike for. Unless, of course, I mount a custom steel rack on it.



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Offline TwoWheeledExplorer

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SAFARI racks
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2008, 01:35:20 am »
I dunno...not too long ago there was a guy rode a Safari all the way from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Terra del Fuego, and the only problem he had, (a frame crack in the bottom bracket, I think)the REI in Phoenix, AZ fixed (actully replaced the frame)for free. I am no lightweight (250 lbs) and I often ride fully loaded, and pulling a BoB trailer. The rack has worked fine for me so far. So has the bike, for that matter. Paved roads, dirt roads, sand roads even some singletrack. Hard to say which is my favorite, the Safari or the Bianchi Volpe...love 'em both!

St. Brendan's Travelers Bicycle Missions Team
www.stbrendans-spoke.org

This message was edited by Trailpatrol on 1-11-08 @ 9:37 PM
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Offline 1ce_w0lf

SAFARI racks
« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2008, 04:03:20 am »
yes, if you pull the trailer- this bike is sure OK. But you can't put loads of gear on the rear.
That's what I'm talking about- I've seen lots of long distance bikers pulling trailers with this bike but as far as I have found, no one has seriously gone far with loaded rear rack. At least, I haven't seen one.

Also, how's the disc brakes working? Ain't you got any problems with them? I ride hydraulics on my racing bike and it's awesome but on tour I don't think it's so easy to cope with even though they're mechanic ones.

THanks.

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Offline TwoWheeledExplorer

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SAFARI racks
« Reply #5 on: January 12, 2008, 09:22:47 am »
Different situations require different gear. I have a BoB, but I prefer panniers. I carry 40-45 lbs. in two Jandd Expedition panniers on the Safari rear rack, have done so for the past year, mostly on dirt back roads, with no problems at all. The BoB is used with the Safari, when I have a longer trip, since I had not found a workable front rack. I intend to try the Cold Springs rack later this year.

I like the Safari, it works well for me. But what works for me may not work for you in your situation.

Ride safe,
Hans

St. Brendan's Travelers Bicycle Missions Team
www.stbrendans-spoke.org
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"St. Louis to the Western Sea if nothing prevents."--John Ordway, Corps of Discovery
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