By far the most typical setup, rack on the front and rear with panniers. This allowed me to carry massive amounts of "stuff" from Abby's delicious strawberry pie on the front rack to my shoes and booze in the rear panniers. This day I was loaded up for a ride to a backyard BBQ.
Of all the setups I've used on the Fargo this was by far my most used and possibly my favorite setup for all around use. I used this setup for commuting, overnighters, picnic's, errand running, carrying the CSA box, and much more. This particular day I was commuting to work with my laptop, lunch, and gear for the day. Right after this shot, my bike went for a short swim in the lake.
My favorite photo that I've taken of the Fargo. With the rack naked the bike turns into a midwest singletrack slayer. In fact the rack actually acts as a "brushguard" of sorts keeping the neddles and prairie grass at bay. Light=Fast
Here's another view of the front Porteur rack. I purchased this from Velo Orange the Rack itself was built at Banjo cycles by the "Rack Lady". While the rack isn't built for panniers and actually carries them a bit high for optimal handling it worked quite well. Anytime I used this setup I kept the pannier load light.
Here I'm loaded for a breakfast picnic down on the river and a commute to work. The front rack is versatile and with loads on it the bike handled well. The Graffiti under the 494 bridge is some of the best in the Metro.
The final setup and how the bike rides today: Epic Designs bags built by proprietor Eric Parsons. With this setup I'll be able to do all the "light touring" that I want and still have room for some luxury along with the necessities. I've got my own adventure planned and this will likely be the setup I ride for that adventure. I'm loving these bags! They warrant another post to explain the details.
About time I see that thing in final form.
ReplyDeleteHello! I shoulda been over here a long time ago. Anyway, interesting post on the ways to use a Fargo to carry stuff. I'm going to have my own version of a front rack made from scratch. Should be cool and was inspired by yourself, by the way.
ReplyDeleteWell you know I keep a bit hidden sometimes. I look forward to seeing that Rack you are going to have built. Do you have a lead on who is going to weld it up? I love the VO rack that I bought. It is now doing time on the front of my Casseroll winter commuter. Sometime I'll get photos of that taken.
ReplyDeleteJoe: I'm having Ben Witt and Mike Pofahl work on the project with me. The Velo Orange rack is definitely a touchstone for where I want to go with my rack. A nice classic look.
ReplyDeleteIn that last photo = Is there a tent somewhere in there AND how long were you going for that type of gear?
ReplyDeleteArleigh,
ReplyDeleteThis is a minimalist setup, no cooking gear, minimal clothing, etc...There is no tent in the front stuff sack, but there is a bivy and a sleeping mat. The bivy would handle a light rain overnight if needed. I could also add a lightweight tarp for more protection and comfort if needed. There's any number of options that I could keep in the same envelope to add additional comfort.
I like your bike and and all the efficiences of package carrying it presents.
ReplyDeletettp://picasaweb.google.com/EDixon250/NewBoldGoldTrunk?feat=directlink
I was needing something real light in weightbut string to carry at ;east 70lbs, so, I made this trunk.
ReplyDelete