Velo OrangeConstructeur Rear Rack Polish Stainless

Bought this rack because it matched my front Constructeur rack. The build quality is very good but there is one unsightly weld on the top where the tubing meets (thus the 4 instead of 5 star review). If you need a rack to support a large saddle bag, this is a great option but panniers may cause heel strikes depending on your frame geometry. I'm using it with Ortlieb front/small panniers but had to modify the pannier mounting rail to mitigate heel strike.

I installed this rack on my do-everything Civia Bryant bike last year and it has been great for my intended use. This is a minimalist rack, so make sure it fits your needs before buying it.This rack is excellent for use as a platform for larger saddle bags. I use mine to support a Carradice Pendle and it has been perfect at doing this. I also use it to strap my very heavy U-lock to it whenever I don't have anywhere else to put it. My other intended use for it when I bought it was to carry a pair of Carradice Kendal panniers. These panniers, being rather small, are very well suited to the Constructeur rack's short rails; larger panniers will not fit however. Regardless of whether a cargo bag can be attached to it, one needs to be mindful of the fact that this is a small rack, which makes it unsuitable for heavy loads.Aesthetically, I find the VO Constructeur rack to be very beautiful. I mounted it to my bike's metal fender so it allows a very low center of gravity for whatever is carried on it; this greatly improves handling when riding with a load. In combination with the metal fenders, it also gives a classic and elegant touch to my bike's modern profile. If your bike doesn't have fenders or if they are plastic ones, you'll need to buy an optional strut from VO to connect the rack to the brake bridge. The strut is not as nicely finished as the rack, so this mounting method is not as seamless or elegant as the fender mount.The only drawback I can think of about this rack is that it is not easy to find a way to permanently attach a rear light to it. The rack doesn't come with a light mount and none of the mounts that are usually included with rear lights are compatible with it. It does have a threaded hole in the back, but it is drilled facing the floor. In the end, I decided that the best solution was to use a fender light instead.

If you want to set-up a commuter or touring bike with as little weight as possible this is pretty much your best bet outside of going titanium. I have a Lynskey Titanium Cooper CX that I ride to work and needed something to support a saddlebag--this rack seemed like the best value in terms of providing strength with low weight. For less than 400grams you get a rack that can support 50lbs. I've used one before on a tour down the West coast and easily was able to lash 30lbs to it without any issues. If you're using it without fenders you'll need to buy the add-on strut though.

Fits well on my Sport/Touring bike. Note you may need to but the Velo Orange Rack Strut Chrome to attach it. I did.The rack is on the small size, just what I wanted. Looks great with a Lone Peak Micro Rack Pack. I don't use for touring, just for my windbreaker, cellphone, keys, powerbar etc. on my day rides

Strong, light and pretty but too small for many panniers without adjustable hooks. There's no stop at the front like most racks which is good if you are carrying a large box but used by some double panniers for attachment. I frequently carry full bags of groceries on it no problem. Cheaper than other stainless steel racks, and worth the money over alluminum. Still looks like the day I got it.

It helps hold the fenders in place from rattling around in addition to looking classy.

Velo-ORANGE, out of Annapolis, Md., makes great, quality stuff, and this is one of they're products. It's high quality, shiny, and just plain beautiful quality. Thanks, Velo-ORANGE!

Small but sexy!