We found these racks after getting a number of requests from people with bikes that were not designed with racks in mind.  Old Man Mountain (OMM) are one of the only high quality racks which have an axle-mount option.  This is what makes them so versatile. If your bike has suspension forks, it won’t have eyelets for a front rack.  The majority of modern mountain bikes and road bikes don’t have any eyelets on the front or the rear.  If you want to use one of these bikes for touring or commuting, you will probably want the option of using panniers.  That’s where the axle-mount option becomes important, because without eyelets you’ll need to mount the rack off the axle.

Here is what OMM say about the models that we have in stock:

Cold Springs Rear Rack

The Cold Springs Rear is our toughest no-eyelet compatible rack. It’s laser-cut top plate is a single piece of 6061-T6 Aluminum that is folded at the rear for a unique look and added strength. This is OMM’s original model, first designed in 1996.
Load Capacity: 23kg.
Weight: 610g
Length x Width x Height
11.75″ x 6.25″ x 14.25″
Avail. DISC, ROAD, MTB, or 29″

Ultimate Lowrider
(Hub Mount Option)

This model of our Ultimate Lowrider gives you the benefits of our hub/axle and brake-bolt or upper clamp mounting system. You can choose from a variety of height mount options, as well as an upper and lower mounting point for your panniers. We always suggest our Ultimate Lowriders for the serious road cycling tourist.
Load Capacity: 18kg.
Weight: 550g

Sherpa Front Rack

The Sherpa Front takes a minimalist approach to carrying your gear. Suspension fork compatible and proven on expeditions far sand wide.

Load Capacity: 18kg.

Weight: 450g
Length x Width x Height
9.25″ x 5.0″ x 14.25″
Avail. DISC, ROAD, MTB, or 29″

We can order in any models you need, and as always if you have any questions about what works best for your bike, drop in and we can look at your bike, show you what we have and talk you through the options.

They are made out of stainless steel.  They’re very durable and strong, and the surface doesn’t get chipped or rubbed bare like a powder coated rack would.  The have a large platform (about 36cm x 29cm) on top and a removable rail.  They weigh about 1kg.  You can tie down a bag or a box (a pizza box for instance) or any other large items.  It also has hooks and a rail for panniers.  It has four bosses for attaching your light and one boss underneath the platform for a mud guard. It mounts to the brake bridge on the fork crown and an eyelet at the dropout.

Carrying the load up front is nice because you can keep an eye on it, and because it doesn’t have the tail-wagging-dog effect of a heavy rear load.  It also stresses the front wheel rather than the back, which is good because in the course of riding the front wheel is less stressed than the back and is stronger anyway.

Price as of August 2010 is $250.  As always, we’re happy to ship interstate.  And as always, if you get us to fit it we’ll make sure it’s done as neatly, a strongly as possible.

A customer we sent one to said in an email: “The rack is very nicely made and I’m please to see that there is a bit of subtle triangulation on the support struts – something that had concerned me as this wasn’t obvious in the on-line pictures. Time will tell of course but I’m looking forward to getting a lot more use out of my old mtb.”

The entire basil range can be found online at the Gazelle website, or read on to see the selection we currently have in stock.

Baskets

Baskets are useful for leaving on your bike, and means you can be an impulsive shopper. All baskets all have a quick release mechanism so you can easily take the baskets off your bike and into the fruit shop. Grab one of these, and you have another reason to say no to plastic bags!

The wicker baskets are reinforced with steel frames and will survive years of use.  Of course, the steel frames are discreetly tucked into the wicker, so don’t detract from the basket’s rustic appearance.

Pictured here (from left to right)

Basimply II -Rattan look $139 more info

Basil Cento BasSolid $149 more info

Basimply II – Wicker $149 more info

Panniers for Style and Practicality

Made from gel coated polyester,  these beauties will turn heads. Complete with rubber feet, rear reflectors and a discreet pocket for the pannier clips, the Dutch have thought of everything in designing this range.  With their loud prints echoing 1970’s wallpaper, you can have a choice of several colours.  The Blossom Twig double bag is perfect for those trips to the Queen Vic Market on Saturdays. It boasts a 70 litre carrying capacity!

Pictured here (from left to right)

Blossom twig $100 more info

Mirte Shopper black and white, blue and white $115 more info

The Daily Commuter

We’re getting into serious territory here.  The Preston range is built for the everyday commuter. These  panniers are perfect for laptops, shopping, and occasional touring. Made from high grade polyester, the fabric has a foam core sewn in to protect the bag’s contents.  This makes the panniers a little soft and squishy, and so, will stop your books and vegies going the same way.

Pictured here (left to right)

Preston shopper $109 more info

Preston Double bag $159 more info

Heavy Duty/Touring.

If you need a pannier that is going to withstand all weather conditions, daily use and long distance touring, The Forrest Rear Rider is  for you. Its simple construction – one compartment, minimal  seams – means there are less weak points for the bag to fall apart.  The top opening rolls over itself, to ensure that your sleeping bag, scroggin and clothes  will stay bone-dry whatever the weather.  This bag also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, so can be easily used when you’re doing your nightly shop.

This bag also comes in super cool, Darth Vader-esque black.

Forrest Rear Rider $139 more info

Many of the pannier bag clips that attach to the bike’s pack rack can be tucked away in a pocket. Super nifty,  see how it works here. All bags include reflective paint applied to their rear side – ideal for commuting on those dark winter evenings.

If any of these tickle your fancy, pop down to the Commuter Cycles Workshop and have a look at the features that we’ve left off the website. We also have pack racks for sale here at the workshop, for just about all types of bike setups (suspension, disc brake, etc.).

All Ron D Swan gear is handstitched in Melbourne and made from a combination of reclaimed and new materials. Learn more here.

We’re also stocking their great legbands and reflective vests. The legbands come in a range of colours and all feature two reflective strips, so they save your life as well as your trousers. The vests have an extra large waist strap so you can wear it over you back pack. Clever really.