Ortlieb quick rack review and usage

Ortlieb Quick Rack Review and Usage

Specifications
We're going to look at three facets of the Ortlieb Quick Rack. We're going to quickly look at the specs of it, how you attach it, and how I use it. Here we go. This rack works for a frame with a width between 145 and 190 mm. It's rated for 20 kg or 44.1 lbs of weight. The top is 32 1.5 cm long, which is 12.8 in. The height is 38 cm, which is 15 in. And it'll fit wheels that are between 26 and 29 in.

Attaching
It's easiest if you have M5 or M6 eyelets for mounting, and they should be tightened to 2 1/2 Newton-meters nm. All other screws should be tightened to 3Nm.
If you have a carbon frame, you can either get the optional carbon frame adapter or a through axle mount. I have an aluminum frame, so I can use the eyelets. The top should be attached at less than a 30° angle up or down to your frame or seat post, and you'll be okay. When doing this, place the top of the rack parallel to the ground. You can also optionally get mud guards that attach right to the frame. Something that is included is a placeholder for a rear light. You just attach it to the back.

Usage
So, when I'm carrying something on the top of the rack, I like to put a protective layer in between what I'm carrying and the rack, I just use an old backpack that really folds up, but it's waterproof. And so that way I can protect what I'm carrying on top of the rack. And I get a backpack if I need to carry something else. And when I'm attaching everything to the rack, I like to use these really strong motorcycle straps with these protective hooks to hold things onto the top of my rack. You can see a video about these here. Now, the manufacturer says the rack can be removed in 5 seconds. Again, you don't need any tools. You just take off the clamps at the back, release them, and away you go. So, you might wonder, well, should I be concerned with theft? What I do is I put my lock through the frame of the bike and the rack. That does well for me. There's a video here about the lock I use also. Now, last thing about usage, the rack is not designed to have a child seat put on top of it or a child. And so, that's frowned upon.
So, if you're looking for a good, strong rack and the versatility to have it on your bike to carry things when you're commuting or take it off when you're going to go single-track, this is the rack for you.