Soma Mini Alloy Front Rack
Soma Mini Alloy Front Rack
Ok, the lesson learned for 2010 is taking photos when you’re riding a bike is a hassle. Previously I would strap my camera case to the rear rack on my bike and head off to ride and take photos. It is a hassle to have to get off the bike, park it, remove the camera case and camera from the rack, take the
Soma Mini Alloy Front Rack
photos, and then put it all back together again. I decided that if I could find a suitable front rack, half of my problem would be solved. I could then just stop the bike, hold it up with my legs, open the camera case, and start shooting photos. Now all I needed was a front rack that would do the trick. One obstacle is most of the front racks available are spendy, and I’m wasn’t ready to drop a lot of cash on an experiment. Then I read about the Soma Mini Alloy Front Rack. The platform appeared to be the right size, the construction looked reasonably sturdy, and best of all it weighed in at only $29.99. I did a little researched and then pulled the pin. I have several bikes and guessed it would work on one of them. Within 24 hours Soma had it in the mail.
So it was exactly what I expected when I opened the box. I incorporated the enclosed spacers to give the struts enough clearance avoid touching the forks. Fits nicely. The distance between the fender eyelet mount and the platform is not terribly long, so I only have a slight clearance between the tire and platform, so there’s no room for fenders. That fitting is dependent on where the eyelet mounts are on the fork.
Here’s what the manufacturer has to say:
…Stainless hardware, includes mounting tang and spacers so that you can clear the fork leg when you mount to the eyelets on the backside of your fork. Works well with a set of P-clamps as well. Platform measures 240mm x 130mm, eyelet to bottom of rack is 340mm.
I’m delighted so far with my Soma Mini Allow Front Rack. It’s sturdy, makes a solid attachment with the fork, and it compliments the overall look of the bike. Combine that with the attractive price point and I give it high marks.
The next review will be of the Bontrager Backrack II that’s shown mounted on the back…
Nice! I’m looking for a front rack to match the original rack on my bike. Unfortunately my bike has 27″ wheels with 32mm tires so the Soma rack won’t fit. Too bad, the price is right.
Yeah I think it would be iffy for 27″ wheels. I should have mentioned the wheels on the bike shown are 700c and the tires (I think) are 35mm. Let’s hope the rack is a winner for Soma and they’ll offer one with taller fork struts one day. -Chris
For 27″ inch wheels, there is a generic rack built for 27″ forks drilled for cantilevers. Since it connects to the cantis, you don’t have near the fender or fork clearance you do attaching to the fork. It holds 40 lbs but won’t handle full front panniers. It was built for your camera bag. Or a six pack. Its 10 bucks less than the Soma too.
You can find it about anywhere…can I mention store names…I got mine at a pleasant shop on Tyler in Oak Cliff. I know that you can find it in the catalog that is “Always A Good Deal” too.
Sleepy Head, of course you can mention store names! :-) By all means share the knowledge.
Chris
I got mine at Oak Cliff Bicycle. And I meant to say “no problems” with fender clearance.
Thanks
Christopher, great review. I’m interested in this rack given that I have a Surly Instigator fork that only has eyelets on the rear side of the fork (which it appears Soma says you can attach to with their spacers, as evidenced by your photo). My question is, how long and strong are these spacers exactly? The Instigator fork gets pretty fat around the legs prior to reaching the drop-out where the eyelet is, and I’m wondering if the spacers are long enough to make it work…
Thanks!
Derrick
derrick.r.chao@gmail.com
Derrick, I measured the spacers which are 11mm. The fork on my Trek is somewhat fat but there’s a good deal of clearance. The rack came with a variety of spacers and a p-clamp so you’ll have a few options. It’s a sturdy set up.
Hope this helps as they say!
Chris
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Thanks for the great review! Would this fit on an old Schwinn 10-speed? I don’t know the wheel size, they’re just standard road wheels. Thank you!
I would think it would work on an old Schwinn 10 speed, do you have fender/rack eyelets near the axle? There are other ways to mount it but having eyelets makes it very easy. Soma also has a blog so you could get the model bike you have and ask them if it will fit if you’re uncertain.