Front Racks

[paddleboy17]

Well, I got this one from a local shop, the local shops don't even have front racks around here, except for this one that luckily had two and they didn't work for our bikes. They are Performace TransIt Front Racks.

I was thinking about getting the Nashbar Front Rack and hoping it'll fit just fine?

It is a variation of an old Blackburn design.  MEC makes a variation of it too.  I have used the MEC version.

It is not as strong as the JandD front rack, but it is probably strong enough.  JandD uses larger diameter tubing, that is why it would be stronger.

There are lots of holes drilled in those plates, so it should be no problem mounting the front rack.  I would use a washer under the bolt distribute the clamping force.  I think you will do OK with it. 

Just bring some tie raps in case you have to improvise.  Their just like duct tape, don't leave home without them.

[paddleboy17]

One last detail on the Nashbar rack.  It looks like your fork has a lug behind the wheel.  The rack is going to be looking for a lug in front of the wheel.  You can make this work, you just need a bushing to deal with the thickness of the fork.  You won't know until you try to install the rack.  Your local hardware store should have bins of mechanical fasteners, washers, and bushings.  Aluminum bushings are cheap, you will just have to figure out how thick a bushing you will need.  Don't be thrown by this, my Tubus Tara came with a bushing just for this very reason.  The bolt goes through the rack, through the bushing, and into the lug.  You might need a longer bolt than what comes with your rack's hardware.  Again, a good hardware store will have what you need. 

If this is more than you are up for, the JandD rack is set up for a lug where yours is.

Either way, invest in quality fasteners.  I managed to get stainless steel for my bike.   

[TwoWheeledExplorer]

The Jandd rack is very good and has a good guarantee. I have a Delta Mega front rack on my Bianchi Volpe, which is very similar to the Trek 520 in front construction. It works well, but was not my first, best choice. I would have preferred something with a front shelf. I tried the Jandd Expedition, but it cut my turning radius by about 12 inches.

Ride safe,
Hans

[flounder]

Well, I ended up ordering the Nashbar Front Rack, thank you all for your input. Let's just hope this fits and lasts!

[PeacePedaler]

I know you already bought your rack, but I still want to throw in my two-cents-worth for future readers.  Consider the Nitto Campee rack.  $158 at Rivendell www.rivbike.com.  Functional, beautiful, strong.  I have Nitto front and rear.  Love 'em.