I like big racks and I don't know why

[Floppy disk]

So I did put a brand new spanking awesome solid rack on my bike last week, but I can’t afford a proper bag for it as yet. So I am thinking about using it to hold my standard backpack while riding until I get a proper bag, and I wonder if anyone has any hints or advices on how to properly secure my backpack to the rack while on Auckland roads and motorways?

I was thinking I might use some bicycle elastic ropes likes these ones:
http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/Globaliss/Elastic_bungee_bicycle_cord_assembly_strap_2.jpg

My bike rack is this one: http://www.dold.co.nz/Image.ashx?id=490

Cheers for the help.

[Maha]

Yes bungees, nails are for poofs.

[Gremlin]

Careful with the bungees, if they snap back you're liable to get injured... a few have had it... but yes, the cheapest easiest option. There is a heap of strap options, one of my favourites are rok straps.

Also be very careful to secure the straps from the backpack, as you don't want them disappearing into the wheel (or any other strap). With that rack, because it's rounded, the hardest part is putting the hook of the bungee (or equivalent) in a place where it won't move or slide.

[_Shrek_]

if your pack has a frame slide the rack between frame & pack

or bungees/straps will do the trick

[turtleman]

Careful with the bungees, if they snap back you're liable to get injured... a few have had it... but yes, the cheapest easiest option. There is a heap of strap options, one of my favourites are rok straps.

Also be very careful to secure the straps from the backpack, as you don't want them disappearing into the wheel (or any other strap). With that rack, because it's rounded, the hardest part is putting the hook of the bungee (or equivalent) in a place where it won't move or slide.

+1 for Rok Straps - work brilliantly ! :headbang:
If ya can't find any, or just want a cheap stop-gap, warehouse bungee cords will do the job.

[EJK]

I like big racks too, but some how I think we are not on the same page if you know what I mean.

[neels]

Not a big fan of bungy cords, because they still stretch things still move.

I use roof rack straps to attach stuff to the pack rack, done up tight nothing moves, like this....

http://www.mitre10mega.co.nz/shop/automotive_garage/trailers_accessories/aerofast_camlock_roof_rack_tie_down_25mm_x_3m_4643 35/

[awa355]

289049

This guys got it sorted.

[Floppy disk]

I like big racks too, but some how I think we are not on the same page if you know what I mean.

I actually think we are on the same page, unless this comment is put in page 2 of the thread.

[Rhubarb]

I had exactly that sort of rack on my GSX750.

I undid the backpacks shoulder straps, wrapped then around the top of the rack once.
Then did the same thing at the bottom but re-attached the shoulder straps to the opposite side at the bottom forming a cross with the straps.

Something like this .......
289051

The backpack never moved and the pockets were always easily accessible (not hampered by bungees)

[Supermac Jr]

I've been using a cargo net with my pack rack - $20 from Cycletreads

http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/1255-oxford_luggage_accessories/1164-oxford_cargo_net.aspx

[Floppy disk]

The backpack never moved and the pockets were always easily accessible (not hampered by bungees)

This is ingenious. Gonna go this way, and I might use a few plastic straps for further tightening if necessary. :niceone:

[neels]

This is ingenious. Gonna go this way, and I might use a few plastic straps for further tightening if necessary. :niceone:
Cable ties are your friend, even if you are going to take it off just take some spare ones and a pair of side cutters

I always take some in my bag anyway, just in case

[Berries]

Same rack I had on a couple of bikes. I used to install it the wrong way round, ie the tray part of it facing forward over the pillion grab rail and seat, and then sit my backpack containing some heavy parachute equipment on the tray, trying to keep the weight as far forward as possible. Then I just used two or three short bungees to wrap around it. Never moved during many trips over the Rimutaka hill.

[caspernz]

I like big racks too, but some how I think we are not on the same page if you know what I mean.

It's ok, I'm on your page haha:eek5::sweatdrop

289147

[mossy1200]

Hmm. Pack rack. Its an interesting concept but it wont catch on.