Rear rack/panniers for a carbon frame bike?

[Andy M-S]

On Oct 1, 7:07 am, robbielink <robbielink.2xr...@no-
mx.forums.yourdomain.com.au> wrote:
> Any recommendations for a rear rack/panniers for a carbon frame bike
> (also has CF seat tube) - Trek Pilot. Everything I've seen looks like
> it has clamping issues. Do I need to change out the seat tube?

Looks like the Pilot has rack/fender eyelets on the dropouts (at
least, they show in the photos) but nothing on the seatstays, so...you
don't really want to p-clamp anything on there.

Some racks--notably the older Jim Blackburn models--have a single
front strut, made of flat stainless steel, that can be adjusted in
length and which clamps under the rear brake bolt.

These work very well on bikes that don't have seatstay rack mounts.

[robbielink]

The Blackburn website is not very helpful and the only mention I can
find about the strut that attaches under the rear brake bolt is:
"The XR-1 can be 3 point mounted using a bracket behind a caliper brake
or 4 point mounted using braze-on fittings. The hardware for both
mounting types, and installation tools are included" on bikepro.com.
All the other sites selling the Blackburn racks say: "Mounting hardware
is included, except bikes with a monostay require an adaptor which is
sold separately."
There is the "Mono-stay adapter - The Vinyl-coated adapter is for use
with the MTN series, XR-1, SX-1, and Expedition racks with frames that
do not have twin seat stays joined at the seat tube. This vinyl coated
clamp wraps around the monostay (wishbone style seatstays) and provides
two lugs for the rack to bolt to."
And there is the "Seat-stay adapter - Vinyl-coated clamps for use with
the MT-F (on the fork blade), MTN series, XR-1, SX-1, and Expedition
racks with frames that do not have stay braze-ons. These clamps wrap
around the seat stay and give firm support for rack mounting. The vinyl
coating prevents paint scratches to the frame. They come as a set of two
in 5/16", 1/2", 9/16", 13/16" or 1" inner diameters."

From what I can see the XR-1 is the crossrack the previous poster was
talking about.

I'm assuming I shouldn't use any kind of clamping mechanism on the seat
stay or seat tube of this CF bike, right?


--
robbielink

Really, I don't want it to hurt at all!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
robbielink's Profile: http://www.trianglecycling.com/member.php?userid=374
View this thread: http://www.trianglecycling.com/showthread.php?t=23471

[Steve Watkin]

Tubus "FLY" is a 3 point rack I think. It's also rather a nice quality
piece of kit that will compliment the bike, if it fits !

[SMS]

robbielink wrote:
> Any recommendations for a rear rack/panniers for a carbon frame bike
> (also has CF seat tube) - Trek Pilot. Everything I've seen looks like
> it has clamping issues. Do I need to change out the seat tube?

Look for a rack that can be mounted to the brake bolt hole (if one exists).

Some racks still allow you to do a single mount to the brake bolt hole
(even though the brakes are rarely mounted there any more a lot of
frames still have that hole).

See "http://bicycleluggageracks.com/", specifically
"http://nordicgroup.us/rearracks/rackimages/outlookrack.jpg" and
"http://nordicgroup.us/rearracks/rackimages/expeditionrackmount.JPG" for
one way to do it.

Of course the real question here is who is putting a rack and panniers
and a CF bicycle. I've never seen that before.

[datakoll]

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=40000000226&storeId=226&categoryId=76421&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=242

[Paul Myron Hobson]

> On Oct 1, 7:07 am, robbielink <robbielink.2xr...@no-
>> Any recommendations for a rear rack/panniers for a carbon frame bike
>> (also has CF seat tube) - Trek Pilot. Everything I've seen looks like
>> it has clamping issues. Do I need to change out the seat tube?

Andy M-S wrote:
> Looks like the Pilot has rack/fender eyelets on the dropouts (at
> least, they show in the photos) but nothing on the seatstays, so...you
> don't really want to p-clamp anything on there.
>
> Some racks--notably the older Jim Blackburn models--have a single
> front strut, made of flat stainless steel, that can be adjusted in
> length and which clamps under the rear brake bolt.
>
> These work very well on bikes that don't have seatstay rack mounts.

I got a Blackburn Cross Rack last winter that I come with the hardware
for mounting a single strut or the normal pair. So I suppose there's
still hope for the OP in finding a current rack.

\\paul

[Andy M-S]

> I'm assuming I shouldn't use any kind of clamping mechanism on the seat
> stay or seat tube of this CF bike, right?

That would be my take on it. Your best bet with regard to racks is to
go down to your LBS and check out what they have. There are fewer 3-
point racks than there used to be, but there are still some out
there. Absolute, worst case, you could modify a rack and fabricate
the 3rd-point mount. But Blackburn racks come up on eBay all the time
(note--not all of these are 3-point mount units) so with a little
work, you should be able to come up with something that will mount on
your Pilot.

[A Muzi]

robbielink wrote:
> The Blackburn website is not very helpful and the only mention I can
> find about the strut that attaches under the rear brake bolt is:
> "The XR-1 can be 3 point mounted using a bracket behind a caliper brake
> or 4 point mounted using braze-on fittings. The hardware for both
> mounting types, and installation tools are included" on bikepro.com.
> All the other sites selling the Blackburn racks say: "Mounting hardware
> is included, except bikes with a monostay require an adaptor which is
> sold separately."
> There is the "Mono-stay adapter - The Vinyl-coated adapter is for use
> with the MTN series, XR-1, SX-1, and Expedition racks with frames that
> do not have twin seat stays joined at the seat tube. This vinyl coated
> clamp wraps around the monostay (wishbone style seatstays) and provides
> two lugs for the rack to bolt to."
> And there is the "Seat-stay adapter - Vinyl-coated clamps for use with
> the MT-F (on the fork blade), MTN series, XR-1, SX-1, and Expedition
> racks with frames that do not have stay braze-ons. These clamps wrap
> around the seat stay and give firm support for rack mounting. The vinyl
> coating prevents paint scratches to the frame. They come as a set of two
> in 5/16", 1/2", 9/16", 13/16" or 1" inner diameters."
>
> From what I can see the XR-1 is the crossrack the previous poster was
> talking about.
>
> I'm assuming I shouldn't use any kind of clamping mechanism on the seat
> stay or seat tube of this CF bike, right?

Before seat stay top braze mounts became trendy, racks mounted on the
brake centerbolt (Before that, racks had pinch-plates across both
stays). Any LBS should be able to assist or indeed it's easy to modify
or fabricate a center mount strut. Some racks will require a center hole
or removal of a center rivet.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

[SMS]

Andy M-S wrote:
>> I'm assuming I shouldn't use any kind of clamping mechanism on the seat
>> stay or seat tube of this CF bike, right?
>
> That would be my take on it. Your best bet with regard to racks is to
> go down to your LBS and check out what they have.

Most shops have a very poor selection or racks.

The Performance Transit rack can mount with a single middle bracket.
"http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19331"

It's going to take some creative metal bending to mount to the brake
bolt on a Pilot.

Also, remember that many rear racks are too short for panniers, and
you'll have heal clearance issues, especially with a frame like that.

There are fewer 3-
> point racks than there used to be, but there are still some out
> there. Absolute, worst case, you could modify a rack and fabricate
> the 3rd-point mount. But Blackburn racks come up on eBay all the time
> (note--not all of these are 3-point mount units) so with a little
> work, you should be able to come up with something that will mount on
> your Pilot.

Also check "http://www.thorusa.com/pletscher.htm"

[Andy M-S]

On Oct 1, 10:30 am, "Steve Watkin" <steve.watk...@btinternet.com>
wrote:
> Tubus "FLY" is a 3 point rack I think. It's also rather a nice quality
> piece of kit that will compliment the bike, if it fits !

True in all respects. But it's rather costly as well...

[robbielink]

SMS;248107 Wrote:
>
> I don't know that I'd have ever bought a CF bicycle planning to put on
>
> racks or carry panniers.

SMS;247915 Wrote:
>
> Of course the real question here is who is putting a rack and panniers
>
> and a CF bicycle. I've never seen that before.

First of all, many thanks for all the suggestions - you all have given
me lots of ideas to explore.

Re: the above comments. This was the first "modern" bike I've ever
bought after a lifetime of minimal riding about on heavy clunkers. I
had no idea what I was doing, did no research, just walked into the
bike shop at their end of the year sale and that's what they showed me.
I had NO idea what bike technology had come to! Of course I fell in love
with the bike and now I'm riding it all the time. I've ridden more miles
in the past year than I've totaled in the last 20 years. And I want to
ride more and further. I'm 54 and I'm starting to feel like I'm 16
again. (please, no comments!)
I realize this is not a touring bike but it's the bike I've got and
there's no way I can afford another. I'm just trying to put a rack on
and a small set of panniers to carry enough for extended day trips. A
lunch, thermos of coffee, maybe a change of clothes, etc.

In the meantime I've got a few years to save up for a real touring bike
so I can ride across the country when I'm 60!


--
robbielink

Really, I don't want it to hurt at all!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
robbielink's Profile: http://www.trianglecycling.com/member.php?userid=374
View this thread: http://www.trianglecycling.com/showthread.php?t=23471

[Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ®]

"SMS" <scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote in message
news:47018c8c$0$79899$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net...
> robbielink wrote:
>> Any recommendations for a rear rack/panniers for a carbon frame bike
>> (also has CF seat tube) - Trek Pilot. Everything I've seen looks like
>> it has clamping issues. Do I need to change out the seat tube?
>
> Look for a rack that can be mounted to the brake bolt hole (if one
> exists).
>
> Some racks still allow you to do a single mount to the brake bolt hole
> (even though the brakes are rarely mounted there any more a lot of frames
> still have that hole).
>
> See "http://bicycleluggageracks.com/", specifically
> "http://nordicgroup.us/rearracks/rackimages/outlookrack.jpg" and
> "http://nordicgroup.us/rearracks/rackimages/expeditionrackmount.JPG" for
> one way to do it.
>
> Of course the real question here is who is putting a rack and panniers and
> a CF bicycle. I've never seen that before.


Yep. Get a Blackburn or similar rack, and use this:
http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/ACBMRCKPRT/RK1103

[Michael Press]

In article <470190e9$0$79904$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net>,
SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:

> Also, remember that many rear racks are too short for panniers, and
> you'll have heal clearance issues, especially with a frame like that.

Really? I think it is the chain stays that are too short.

--
Michael Press

[SMS]

Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ® wrote:
> "SMS" <scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote in message
> news:47018c8c$0$79899$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net...
>> robbielink wrote:
>>> Any recommendations for a rear rack/panniers for a carbon frame bike
>>> (also has CF seat tube) - Trek Pilot. Everything I've seen looks like
>>> it has clamping issues. Do I need to change out the seat tube?
>> Look for a rack that can be mounted to the brake bolt hole (if one
>> exists).
>>
>> Some racks still allow you to do a single mount to the brake bolt hole
>> (even though the brakes are rarely mounted there any more a lot of frames
>> still have that hole).
>>
>> See "http://bicycleluggageracks.com/", specifically
>> "http://nordicgroup.us/rearracks/rackimages/outlookrack.jpg" and
>> "http://nordicgroup.us/rearracks/rackimages/expeditionrackmount.JPG" for
>> one way to do it.
>>
>> Of course the real question here is who is putting a rack and panniers and
>> a CF bicycle. I've never seen that before.
>
>
> Yep. Get a Blackburn or similar rack, and use this:
> http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/ACBMRCKPRT/RK1103

That hardware goes with "http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/RK1100".

I think you could use that hardware with the Jandd Expedition or IRD
rack as well, by drilling some holes in the top platform. That rack is
long enough for panniers to be used with no heel clearance problem.

"http://www.jandd.com/Technotes/technotes_rack.asp"
"http://www.interlocracing.com/racks.html"

[datakoll]

On Oct 1, 9:30 pm, datakoll <datak...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?cata...

there's a pack for every neurosis eg check out Item Number: 70643

snot heavy acrrying it in the elan forward position, yawl hang
blinkies from it, dayglo poster paper, political slogans, vulgarisms
signs like "steel is real"

[SMS]

Michael Press wrote:
> In article <470190e9$0$79904$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net>,
> SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
>
>> Also, remember that many rear racks are too short for panniers, and
>> you'll have heal clearance issues, especially with a frame like that.
>
> Really? I think it is the chain stays that are too short.

Even on touring bicycles with proper length chain stays, you can run
into problems with large feet and some large panniers on shorter racks.

A longer rack can be a work-around both for non-touring frames.

I don't know that I'd have ever bought a CF bicycle planning to put on
racks or carry panniers.

[Andy M-S]

> Re: the above comments. This was the first "modern" bike I've ever
> bought after a lifetime of minimal riding about on heavy clunkers. I
> had no idea what I was doing, did no research, just walked into the
> bike shop at their end of the year sale and that's what they showed me.
> I had NO idea what bike technology had come to! Of course I fell in love
> with the bike and now I'm riding it all the time. I've ridden more miles
> in the past year than I've totaled in the last 20 years. And I want to
> ride more and further. I'm 54 and I'm starting to feel like I'm 16
> again. (please, no comments!)
> I realize this is not a touring bike but it's the bike I've got and
> there's no way I can afford another. I'm just trying to put a rack on
> and a small set of panniers to carry enough for extended day trips. A
> lunch, thermos of coffee, maybe a change of clothes, etc.
>
> In the meantime I've got a few years to save up for a real touring bike
> so I can ride across the country when I'm 60!

Sounds like the right way to go. For small panniers, you might want
to check out Nashbar's DayTrekkers. They'll do what you want and you
shouldn't have any problems with them getting in the way of your heels
(I know this for a fact--I used a set on a Bianchi "racing geometry"
frame and I have size 13 feet!).

Glad you enjoy your Pilot; ride and be healthy and have fun. There's
a gentlemen where I live who's 80 and riding distances quite
happily...

PS: I don't know where you're located, but if you get the chance, I'd
highly recommend one of the cross-state tours that are out
there...GRABAAWR in Wisconsin, for example (RAGBRAI is a little
different...might not be the best), and I know there are such rides in
Michigan, NY, etc. Multiday rides like that can be real blast.

[Michael Press]

In article
<robbielink.2xtx5n@no-mx.forums.yourdomain.com.au>,
robbielink
<robbielink.2xtx5n@no-mx.forums.yourdomain.com.au>
wrote:

> SMS;248107 Wrote:
> >
> > I don't know that I'd have ever bought a CF bicycle planning to put on
> >
> > racks or carry panniers.
>
> SMS;247915 Wrote:
> >
> > Of course the real question here is who is putting a rack and panniers
> >
> > and a CF bicycle. I've never seen that before.
>
> First of all, many thanks for all the suggestions - you all have given
> me lots of ideas to explore.
>
> Re: the above comments. This was the first "modern" bike I've ever
> bought after a lifetime of minimal riding about on heavy clunkers. I
> had no idea what I was doing, did no research, just walked into the
> bike shop at their end of the year sale and that's what they showed me.
> I had NO idea what bike technology had come to! Of course I fell in love
> with the bike and now I'm riding it all the time. I've ridden more miles
> in the past year than I've totaled in the last 20 years. And I want to
> ride more and further. I'm 54 and I'm starting to feel like I'm 16
> again. (please, no comments!)

It's all right. Thanks for passing along a bicycle success story.

> I realize this is not a touring bike but it's the bike I've got and
> there's no way I can afford another. I'm just trying to put a rack on
> and a small set of panniers to carry enough for extended day trips. A
> lunch, thermos of coffee, maybe a change of clothes, etc.
>
> In the meantime I've got a few years to save up for a real touring bike
> so I can ride across the country when I'm 60!

You could start dumpster diving and frequenting yard
sales and the lists. Ask people here what to look for.
The Trek 520 frames are said to be numerous and worthy.
You could have an excellent tourer built up well before 60.

--
Michael Press

[Mike Jacoubowsky]

> Re: the above comments. This was the first "modern" bike I've ever
> bought after a lifetime of minimal riding about on heavy clunkers. I
> had no idea what I was doing, did no research, just walked into the
> bike shop at their end of the year sale and that's what they showed me.
> I had NO idea what bike technology had come to! Of course I fell in love
> with the bike and now I'm riding it all the time. I've ridden more miles
> in the past year than I've totaled in the last 20 years. And I want to
> ride more and further. I'm 54 and I'm starting to feel like I'm 16
> again. (please, no comments!)
> I realize this is not a touring bike but it's the bike I've got and
> there's no way I can afford another. I'm just trying to put a rack on
> and a small set of panniers to carry enough for extended day trips. A
> lunch, thermos of coffee, maybe a change of clothes, etc.

An alternative would be to use a seatpost-mounted rear rack and a large
racktop bag. You can carry quite a bit in one of those, and if you combine
it with a handlebar bag, I think you'll be covered. You can view a photo of
this sort of rig here-

http://picasaweb.google.com/ChainReactionBicycles/PortDeBalesRide/photo#5096868278167521074

The bike I set that up on was a Trek 5900, and your bike is much-better
suited for this sort of use (since you can run wider tires and have a bit
longer chainstay). The only modification you'd need to make to your bike
would be to swap out the carbon seatpost for an aluminum one, since you
shouldn't be clamping a seatpost rack around carbon.

Another option would be to replace your stock seatpost clamp with one that
would allow you to use either a nut & bolt or quick release... anything that
would have flat sides that you could attach a pair of rack struts to. That
would provide an extremely sturdy mounting point. However, depending upon
your frame size, that mounting point might be too far for the struts to
reach.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com


"robbielink" <robbielink.2xtx5n@no-mx.forums.yourdomain.com.au> wrote in
message news:robbielink.2xtx5n@no-mx.forums.yourdomain.com.au...
>
> SMS;248107 Wrote:
>>
>> I don't know that I'd have ever bought a CF bicycle planning to put on
>>
>> racks or carry panniers.
>
> SMS;247915 Wrote:
>>
>> Of course the real question here is who is putting a rack and panniers
>>
>> and a CF bicycle. I've never seen that before.
>
> First of all, many thanks for all the suggestions - you all have given
> me lots of ideas to explore.
>
> Re: the above comments. This was the first "modern" bike I've ever
> bought after a lifetime of minimal riding about on heavy clunkers. I
> had no idea what I was doing, did no research, just walked into the
> bike shop at their end of the year sale and that's what they showed me.
> I had NO idea what bike technology had come to! Of course I fell in love
> with the bike and now I'm riding it all the time. I've ridden more miles
> in the past year than I've totaled in the last 20 years. And I want to
> ride more and further. I'm 54 and I'm starting to feel like I'm 16
> again. (please, no comments!)
> I realize this is not a touring bike but it's the bike I've got and
> there's no way I can afford another. I'm just trying to put a rack on
> and a small set of panniers to carry enough for extended day trips. A
> lunch, thermos of coffee, maybe a change of clothes, etc.
>
> In the meantime I've got a few years to save up for a real touring bike
> so I can ride across the country when I'm 60!
>
>
> --
> robbielink
>
> Really, I don't want it to hurt at all!
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> robbielink's Profile: http://www.trianglecycling.com/member.php?userid=374
> View this thread: http://www.trianglecycling.com/showthread.php?t=23471
>
>

[Michael Press]

In article
<1191339268.014142.184960@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups. com>
,
Andy M-S <marchantshapiro@gmail.com> wrote:

> > Re: the above comments. This was the first "modern" bike I've ever
> > bought after a lifetime of minimal riding about on heavy clunkers. I
> > had no idea what I was doing, did no research, just walked into the
> > bike shop at their end of the year sale and that's what they showed me.
> > I had NO idea what bike technology had come to! Of course I fell in love
> > with the bike and now I'm riding it all the time. I've ridden more miles
> > in the past year than I've totaled in the last 20 years. And I want to
> > ride more and further. I'm 54 and I'm starting to feel like I'm 16
> > again. (please, no comments!)
> > I realize this is not a touring bike but it's the bike I've got and
> > there's no way I can afford another. I'm just trying to put a rack on
> > and a small set of panniers to carry enough for extended day trips. A
> > lunch, thermos of coffee, maybe a change of clothes, etc.
> >
> > In the meantime I've got a few years to save up for a real touring bike
> > so I can ride across the country when I'm 60!
>
> Sounds like the right way to go. For small panniers, you might want
> to check out Nashbar's DayTrekkers. They'll do what you want and you
> shouldn't have any problems with them getting in the way of your heels
> (I know this for a fact--I used a set on a Bianchi "racing geometry"
> frame and I have size 13 feet!).
>
> Glad you enjoy your Pilot; ride and be healthy and have fun. There's
> a gentlemen where I live who's 80 and riding distances quite
> happily...
>
> PS: I don't know where you're located, but if you get the chance, I'd
> highly recommend one of the cross-state tours that are out
> there...GRABAAWR in Wisconsin, for example (RAGBRAI is a little
> different...might not be the best), and I know there are such rides in
> Michigan, NY, etc. Multiday rides like that can be real blast.

And some biiiggg states in Australia.

--
Michael Press

[robbielink]

On Oct 2, 11:34 am, Andy M-S <marchantshap...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> PS: I don't know where you're located, but if you get the chance, I'd
> highly recommend one of the cross-state tours that are out
> there...GRABAAWR in Wisconsin, for example (RAGBRAI is a little
> different...might not be the best), and I know there are such rides in
> Michigan, NY, etc. Multiday rides like that can be real blast.

Thanks. I'm in North Carolina and I just put Bike Virginia 2008 in my
calendar. If I'm feeling more adventurous by then I'll try Cycle North
Carolina.
I know a few folks who have done RAGBRAI and it seems like everybody
gains a lot of weight on that ride. Too much pork chops and beer I
suppose....

[Andy M-S]

On Oct 2, 10:49 pm, Michael Press <rub...@pacbell.net> wrote:
> In article
> <1191339268.014142.184...@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups. com>
> ,
> Andy M-S <marchantshap...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > > Re: the above comments. This was the first "modern" bike I've ever
> > > bought after a lifetime of minimal riding about on heavy clunkers. I
> > > had no idea what I was doing, did no research, just walked into the
> > > bike shop at their end of the year sale and that's what they showed me.
> > > I had NO idea what bike technology had come to! Of course I fell in love
> > > with the bike and now I'm riding it all the time. I've ridden more miles
> > > in the past year than I've totaled in the last 20 years. And I want to
> > > ride more and further. I'm 54 and I'm starting to feel like I'm 16
> > > again. (please, no comments!)
> > > I realize this is not a touring bike but it's the bike I've got and
> > > there's no way I can afford another. I'm just trying to put a rack on
> > > and a small set of panniers to carry enough for extended day trips. A
> > > lunch, thermos of coffee, maybe a change of clothes, etc.
>
> > > In the meantime I've got a few years to save up for a real touring bike
> > > so I can ride across the country when I'm 60!
>
> > Sounds like the right way to go. For small panniers, you might want
> > to check out Nashbar's DayTrekkers. They'll do what you want and you
> > shouldn't have any problems with them getting in the way of your heels
> > (I know this for a fact--I used a set on a Bianchi "racing geometry"
> > frame and I have size 13 feet!).
>
> > Glad you enjoy your Pilot; ride and be healthy and have fun. There's
> > a gentlemen where I live who's 80 and riding distances quite
> > happily...
>
> > PS: I don't know where you're located, but if you get the chance, I'd
> > highly recommend one of the cross-state tours that are out
> > there...GRABAAWR in Wisconsin, for example (RAGBRAI is a little
> > different...might not be the best), and I know there are such rides in
> > Michigan, NY, etc. Multiday rides like that can be real blast.
>
> And some biiiggg states in Australia.
>
> --
> Michael Press

OK, yeah, that was dumb. Sigh. I should have noted the OP's
address...

[robbielink]

Any recommendations for a rear rack/panniers for a carbon frame bike (also has CF seat tube) - Trek Pilot. Everything I've seen looks like it has clamping issues. Do I need to change out the seat tube?

[robbielink]

The Blackburn website is not very helpful and the only mention I can find about the strut that attaches under the rear brake bolt is:
"The XR-1 can be 3 point mounted using a bracket behind a caliper brake or 4 point mounted using braze-on fittings. The hardware for both mounting types, and installation tools are included" on bikepro.com.
All the other sites selling the Blackburn racks say: "Mounting hardware is included, except bikes with a monostay require an adaptor which is sold separately."
There is the "Mono-stay adapter - The Vinyl-coated adapter is for use with the MTN series, XR-1, SX-1, and Expedition racks with frames that do not have twin seat stays joined at the seat tube. This vinyl coated clamp wraps around the monostay (wishbone style seatstays) and provides two lugs for the rack to bolt to."
And there is the "Seat-stay adapter - Vinyl-coated clamps for use with the MT-F (on the fork blade), MTN series, XR-1, SX-1, and Expedition racks with frames that do not have stay braze-ons. These clamps wrap around the seat stay and give firm support for rack mounting. The vinyl coating prevents paint scratches to the frame. They come as a set of two in 5/16", 1/2", 9/16", 13/16" or 1" inner diameters."

From what I can see the XR-1 is the crossrack the previous poster was talking about.

I'm assuming I shouldn't use any kind of clamping mechanism on the seat stay or seat tube of this CF bike, right?

[robbielink]

I don't know that I'd have ever bought a CF bicycle planning to put on
racks or carry panniers.


Of course the real question here is who is putting a rack and panniers
and a CF bicycle. I've never seen that before.

First of all, many thanks for all the suggestions - you all have given me lots of ideas to explore.

Re: the above comments. This was the first "modern" bike I've ever bought after a lifetime of minimal riding about on heavy clunkers. I had no idea what I was doing, did no research, just walked into the bike shop at their end of the year sale and that's what they showed me. I had NO idea what bike technology had come to! Of course I fell in love with the bike and now I'm riding it all the time. I've ridden more miles in the past year than I've totaled in the last 20 years. And I want to ride more and further. I'm 54 and I'm starting to feel like I'm 16 again. (please, no comments!)
I realize this is not a touring bike but it's the bike I've got and there's no way I can afford another. I'm just trying to put a rack on and a small set of panniers to carry enough for extended day trips. A lunch, thermos of coffee, maybe a change of clothes, etc.

In the meantime I've got a few years to save up for a real touring bike so I can ride across the country when I'm 60!