Plausible alternatives to Old Man Mountain rear racks? SKS Infinity? Others?

[threeinthemorning]

I'm trying to find a rear rack (i.e. to carry panniers) for my emtb (Yamaha Moro), ideally one that is QL3.1 compatible. Old Man Mountain is the obvious choice, but it's expensive since I need both the rack and a through axle. It's also not easy to add / remove.

I'm looking for positive experiences using other racks. A few folks have talked about trying Ortleib's offering, but nobody seems to actually like it.

Has anybody tried SKS's Infinity or Thule's offering?

 

[irie]

Using the forum 'Search' tool will help you.

 

[threeinthemorning]

Using the forum 'Search' tool will help you.

I did - there arn't any reviews of the SKS Infinity or the Thule. I linked to the latest discussions on related topics.

Did you perhaps confuse my ask for help with rear rack reviews with rack style bicycle carriers? I'll try and clarify a little more.

 

[Mia200]

Hey! Yeah, I’ve been using the SKS Infinity for a while.It's pretty solid, easy to install, fits most thru-axle bikes. Seems a bit lighter than Thule but Thule's got better compatibility with different panniers. Both are decent, depends what you prefer more.
P.S.Some folks said Infinity struggles with heavier loads – maybe Thule handles it better.

 

[threeinthemorning]

This is super helpful. Thank you! Any chance you've tried it with a QL3.1 pannier setup?

 

[Tim1023]

Once I'd tightened up the bushing to the seat post connecting rod, the Ortlieb unit was actually OK. It just didn't fit my purpose as it sat too far forward, even with the QL2.1 fixture. It has QL3.1-specific mounting points, so you can be sure that they will be compatible and not twist around (a real pain on any other rack). If your heels don't hit your panniers, it may be the way to go. You in the EU? I'm planning on selling mine, but hadn't got around to it yet.

I also directly contacted other suppliers and manufacturers and received the following information:

• SKS - less weight capacity than OMM. SKS themselves said that the Infinity Universal should be compatible with QL 3.1, if "a bit tight"
• Topeak Tetrarack - less weight, questionably compatibility with QL3.1
• From Thule: "... in our experience the QL3 or QL3.1 is not a good fit to the Thule Tour Rack"

If you have specific questions re any products, try also directly asking the manufacturer (and reporting back here!) I've generally found them to be pretty good. And honest about the capabilities and limitations of their products.

I've ended up with the OMM despite it being expensive and much more fiddly to remove the rear wheel or the rack itself due to solid build, weight capacity and an axle fitting which gives my feet more clearance.

What are your criteria? How much weight do you want to carry?

 

[threeinthemorning]

Wow thank you for this!

I'm based in the US (west coast) so I'm guessing buying the Ortlieb from you doesn't quite make sense. I'd really like to use the Ortleib if I can, because I love the QL3.1 system (and have multiple 3.1 bags) and because I'd really like to be able to take the rack off easily (dual city and trail use).

If I understand correctly, your big problem with the Ortlieb was specific to the Levo's brake position? I've looked at my bike ... I think the Moro isn't so bad ... but i guess there is no real way to tell until I buy the Ortleib.

The SKS, Thule etc. don't have a lot of weight capacity (I'd love to be able to lug around groceries once in a while), so I guess that pushes me towards the Ortlieb even more.

Alright - I think I'm just going to have to take a chance with the Ortlieb. I've pinged them directly and they think it should work (but who knows). Thank you so much for jumping in to clarify.

 

[Tim1023]

Looks like it's still going to be pushed forward a bit:

Don't forget to also order the frame mounting lugs!

 

[irie]

Using the forum 'Search' tool will help you.

For example:

Thread 'Thule Tour rear(or front) rack- Opinions' Thule Tour rear(or front) rack- Opinions

Post in thread 'What did you buy your ebike this week?' What did you buy your ebike this week?

 

[threeinthemorning]

Looks like it's still going to be pushed forward a bit:
View attachment 147570
Don't forget to also order the frame mounting lugs!

Thanks! Ordered both kits - hoping it works out

 

[threeinthemorning]

For example:

Thread 'Thule Tour rear(or front) rack- Opinions' Thule Tour rear(or front) rack- Opinions

Post in thread 'What did you buy your ebike this week?' What did you buy your ebike this week?

Thanks! I def didn’t find this so appreciate it

 

[Tim1023]

Thanks! Ordered both kits - hoping it works out

Report back and include a pic with bag!