****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Just DOO this ! ... I installed this very sturdy cargo platform on my 700C hybrid (700x41C) with about a 3 inch steering riser (forward sloped) on my straight bars.OPTIONS: You have 5 cargo options, for your front end. you can get a PORTIER RACK, or a PANNIER RACK or a LARGE BASKET or a HANDLEBAR BAG or THIS !PROS: EXTREME VERSATILITY, You can see and reach this platform while riding ... You can bungee a full sleep system or any sort of basket above the platform and there is even room UNDER the platform to bungee (or velcro) an e-bike assist battery, a Thermorest Z-Pad, or other compact (flattish) items (like tarps or rain-gear). Even the riser (bar mount) can be used to affix instruments, electronics, accessories. ROBUST: Easily will handle any "fork-safe" load (I would draw the line at ~25 max pounds but a fat, 8 year old kid, or larger, *could* sit on it, no problem). AFFORDABLE: Absolutely THE most affordable SERIOUS front cargo option. ADAPTABLE: I can tell you, right now, this thing hooks to your bars and your front axle and it will fit almost ANY bike that is 26 to 28 inches (700C) and will VERY likely fit even a smaller bike or a 29 incher (perhaps with some very minor mods) ... It fits my 700C (28 inch wheel bike) with a 3-inch steering riser, and I could have gone one hole larger (an inch higher). I WAS ABLE TO INSTALL MINE IN UNDER 20 MINUTES USING ONLY THE SUPPLIED HARDWARE AND SOME VERY COMMON TOOLS. SOLID AS A ROCK ! (A mechanic could install it in 5 or 10 minutes).CONS: ~KINDA HEAVY: Definitely hefty (more than an aluminum pannier rack) but way less heavy than a WALD "FULL BASKET" ... But it is VERY ROBUST. ... HIGH CENTER OF GRAVITY: If you are touring, between cities, you may wish to go for a lower center of gravity and less weight, up front BUT, nothing beats this, for the city, (except, perhaps, a ~$100~$250 Portier Rack) for CITY CARGO OPTIONS. The perfect height for access while riding.*** CONS (BOTTOM LINE?) ... It is pretty heavy ... It has a higher center of gravity than other options.ALSO: WHEN PARKED (EVEN EMPTY) I NEED TO TURN MY WHEEL *AWAY* FROM THE KICKSTAND (FULLY TO THE RIGHT) OR THE BIKE WILL FALL OVER (a dinky stand).DISCUSSION:They call this the Multi-Fit "Pizza Box" ... Really, it is a full-blown (heavy duty) cargo-rack and, like I said, you will lose "operable managability" LONG before you could excede the load limits of this rock-stable platform. ... I assure you that it will easily and securely hold a 20 amp-hour e-bike battery AND a USGI ECWS MODULAR SLEEP SYSTEM (winter bivy) and still have room for a folding sleep-pad and lights and accessories. I have not tried to combine a handlebar bag with this rack but it looks like you should have NO problems using a bar-bag concurrently. EASILY bungee a ~70 Litre Duffle (dry-bag, etc) ... full of laundry or a sleep system, large poly tarp, whatever. Any dog you can see over (and steer with) providing that an appropriate basket (or carrier) is securely attached to this rack.You really cannot go wrong, for the money ... I am picky and I hate getting duped by false marketing ... Guess what ? ... I am thrilled ... yup.EVEN IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND (MUCH LATER, I'M SURE), YOU CAN STILL DITCH THE MOUNTS AND USE THIS RACK AS A HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL BUNGEE-RACK, BY ATTACHING IT TO YOUR REAR TOURING RACK, WITH HEAVY-DUTY ZIP-TIES OR OTHER APPROPRIATE FASTENERS.DOO-IT !! NO WORRIES !! (sincere).= END REVIEW =
