Thorn v's Blackburn weight...

Does anyone know what a Blackburn Alloy MTN 1 rear carrier weighs. I am only going to be carrying a base weight of about 6kgs on the rear carrier so I don't think I'll need a hefty Tubus carrier, despite the fact I'll be on some very bad roads.

I know everyone say's go for steel, but most long distance tourers seem to carry tonnes of junk around with them.

Thanks

Tubular steel carriers tend to be lighter than alu rod carriers - especially if you go for one of the lighter tubus offerings.

The Blackburn is a good quality carrier, and while it's more likely to break than a tubus, they tend to last a long time.

The answer lies in how much you want to spend to get a better and possibly lighter carrier.

PQ's right-the tubular steel carriers tend to be lighter anyway, and they are also more solid-feeling, which is nice.

I have seen two Blackburn aluminium "mountain" racks fail in a way that a steel rack wouldn't: tearing of the hole that provides the point to fix a leg of the rack to a dropout. Both times it was caused by pressure from other luggage on the (boxed) bike while it was being transported by plane. Steel isn't as soft as aluminium, and this odd failure, completely independent of whether you are an ultralight of kitchen sink kind of guy, is much less likely.

s.

Thanks PQ and Sentiententity I just assumed the Blackburn aluminium carrier would be lighter. I don't mind spending the extra cash on a good Tubus carrier, I've just forked out a small fortune on a Thorn XTC frame and forks, so what's another fifty quid.

I am tempted by the Tubus Fly which at only 330g is pretty much featherweight, the only thing I don't like about the fly is the single mount to the seat stay bridge, I just imagine there's going to be a fair bit of induced sway. If anyone has any thoughts on this I'd be happy to hear, I don't have a Tubus supplier for miles so I'm buying a bit blind on the internet.

The carrier on my commuter is mounted like that and it's fine. It's not as solid as a 4 point mounting but I don't find it to be a problem.

Where are you based? I have a Tubus Cargo rack I was thinking of selling (I live in the UK). Email me if you're interested.

If you are on bad roads - get a good rack - end of story. You say you are only giong to be carrying 6 kgs. Great! What about food and beverages. Any plans to carry those? How much do they weigh? I'd go for steel after numerous problems with aluminum. Remember to check your bolts on a regular basis on bad roads.

Rainboy, my base weight is only about 6kg. Yes of course food and water will bring that up considerably. I will be on some terrible roads, however, I've read a number of reports from cyclists on these same routes who have managed without cooking. That's not to say I won't cook, I'll just weigh up everything before I leave and make my decision then. Incidentally I'm from a hiking background, in countries where alcohol is available (not England) I use a Pepsi can stove with a small titanium pot. The whole 'shabbang' is light as anything and I can happily cook evening meals for a week, check out Pepsi stove on google. I can't recommend them enough, especially if, like me you like to save weight.

Getting back to the point, I'm going to e mail tracksterman about his Tubus Cargo.

Thanks to all, happy cycling

Sanfairyanne-

You can get "methylated spirits" everywhere in the UK-try B&Q and other DIY shops, or hardware or camping shops-which is basically methanol and will be perfect in a coke can stove.

s.

IIRC you'll be crossing central asia and tibet where I doubt you'll find fuel for your coke can stove. If you decide to take one I think you'd need to go for a decent multi-fuel one - but that'll increase the weight a fair bit. AFAIK the only fuel you'll find in Western Tibet is stuff for powering vehicles.

When I went back to my hometown of Hayfork, Ca in '88 to get deep into the woods, me and my best friend had our Blackburns loaded to the gills.

Well, about three weeks later, my buddy broke his collar bone one day on a ride. Since I didn't want to leave him up at my old place alone and w/o company, he used to sit his 150 lbs of fat on my Blackburn. This happened many times until he finally got good enough to ride one handed.

That thing never, ever broke. I was amazed. Still steel tubulars are better, but the Blackburn will do in a pinch.

Blackburn Alloy MTN 1 is 580 grams according to their website. I have a similar one ('Bor Yueh' or something) which is 520 g. They should be strong enough for 6 kg - that's about the weight that I have on the rear. I don't know what 'base weight' includes, but 6 kg is pretty light - i'd be interested to see your packing list (mine is here).