Rack For Suspension Bike And Tyres For Racing Bike?

[dav1d]

Is there a decent stable (ie one that can hold more than a pitiful 25lbs and that doesn't move) pannier rack for suspension bikes?

I need to replace the tyres for my racing bike. What are the best tyres, most puncture risitant etc? Does the slime you can get to stop punctures actually work? Does it make it harder/uncomfortable to cycle?

 

[RedBike]

What make of bike is it?

I don't think you've got many choices of rack. Anything heavy on the rear 'swing arm' would risk damaging your shock or the suspension pivots. Anything too heavy mounted to the seatpost would risk snapping the seatpost or frame.

As for tyres, if you're racing then it's important to get the right tyres for the conditions. There's no point buying any old tyre.
Puncture protection belts add weight and rolling resistance which is why race/lightweight models of some tyres dont have them!

Fire xc / Cinders are good all round tyres with good punture protection. Although i've no idea if they're suitable for the racing you're doing.

I've never had any success with Slime, although i've found that Stans sealant works fantastically. It should in theory make the wheels heavier (Not something you want for racing) but in reality you'll probably never notice the additional weight.

 

[dav1d]

Thanks. The suspension bike is just a cheapo Toys R Us bike: Kinetic Sabre that cost just under £90. The racing bike is a Peugeot Carbolite 103. That already has a pannier rack on it and it looks pretty strong.I'm not actually racing (although I wouldn't mind), it's just quicker and easier to get places on the racing bike!

 

[RedBike]

Ooops, I miss-read the question.

Looking at this image you might (doubtfull) be able to get a standard rack on there using p-clips.

The Peugeot Carbolite 103 frames are getting on a bit. I think they used to take 27" tyres not the modern 700c. If you need 27" tyres then sadly you really haven't got much choice. You're stuck with whatever your LBS has in stock (which wont be much). You could convert the bike over to run on 700c wheels but to be perfectly honest it's probably not worth spending money on a old Carbolite frame.

As for tyres for 700c wheels my vote would be for either Marathon plus or Conti' Ultra Gator Skins. The Marathon plus tyres are about as punture proof as a tyre gets but they don't really roll that well. The Ultra Gators arent in the same league as Marathons in terms of puncture protection but they're still tough tyres and they do roll along nicely.

 

[dav1d]

The Peugeot was bought secondhand for £10 about two years years ago, looks like somebody already converted it as it has 700c wheels. It also came with what looks like an old but strong good quality pannier rack.I always thought they were the original tyres from the state they were in, lol but obviously they aren't!

 

[RedBike]

They could be the original tyres.

If there's a big space between the brakes and the tyres then the bike was probably originally designed for 27" wheels.

 

[dav1d]

There's mudguards between the brakes and the tyres, although there would be a space without the mudguards. Did these bikes come with mudguards when new?

 

[RedBike]

I couldn't tell you. I believe they were produced in the 1980's - before I was born!

I doubt they originally had either the guards or the rack.