How to Install a Front Bicycle Rack

The bicycle rack is an efficient and safe way for a cyclist to transport small items. While rear racks are common on many bikes, front racks are almost exclusive to long-distance touring bikes--which are sometimes required to carry luggage, food and extra tools. The front rack provides increased storage space on the bicycle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Allen wrench
Grease

Step 1

Grease the threads of each of your bolts and set the bolts on a clean rag. The grease will keep the bolts from corroding and make it possible to remove them in the future.

Step 2

Align the eyelets on each leg of the rack with the eyelets on the tips of the front fork.

Step 3

Thread one of the greased bolts into one of the eyelets. Tighten the bolt using a proper-size Allen wrench, usually between 3 and 5 mm. Follow the same procedure for affixing the other arm of the rack.

Step 4

Match the eyelets on the arms midway up the rack with the braze-ons midway up your fork. Braze-ons are predrilled holes in the bicycle frame. If these do not exist on your fork, use the set of vinyl-coated clamps that came with your rack. Fasten these over the rack and fork and you are done.

Step 5

Insert a greased bolt into each eyelet of the fork and tighten the bolts with your your fingers. Adjust the rack so that its storage surface rests evenly over the tire. The rack should not tilt in either direction.

Step 6

Tighten each of the bolts fully with your Allen wrench.

Resources

"BikePro: "Blackburn Racks Buyer's Guide"

Article Written By Matthew Ferguson

Matthew Ferguson is a writer living in Savannah, Ga. He has been writing for over 10 years and his work has appeared on various online publications. A collection of his short stories was published in spring 2010. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University.

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