Re: [CR] Pletscher rack

(Example: Racing:Roger de Vlaeminck)

In-Reply-To: <mailman.211.1252599256.524.classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References:
From: "Jon Spangler" <jonswriter@att.net>
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:44:27 -0700
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] Pletscher rack


Matthew,

The stock clamp "back in the day" in the 1970s (when I was in college and these slide-prone racks were almost all that was available) was, indeed, that straight bar. If you want to use this rack for any real- world purpose at all (other than on a show-only bike), you will need to upgrade the mounting system, which many of us did back then.

The straight-bar clamp will definitely--as you correctly surmised-- crimp the stays if you tighten the screws down enough to *perhaps* keep that clamp from slipping under a sometimes very light load. I recommend using more modern coated clamps (available from your local hardware store or LBS) that wrap securely around each seat stay, and skip "authenticity" of using OEM hardware. Many of us improvised with hose clamps, plumbing straps, and other hardware store options "BITD," so you are well within the period norm to do what we did 35-40 years ago.

The original straight rack-clamping bar has no redeeming social value whatever, IMHO, except to sell to a collector who *has* to have one-- and perhaps needs his/her head examined for that reason as well... ;-)

Glad to be using solid-rod racks with solid padded individual-stay clamps all around,

Jon Spangler Alameda, CA USA

.

On Sep 10, 2009, at 9:14 AM, <classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org> wrote:
>
> Message: 12
> Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:56:17 -0400
> From: Matthew 'Devotion' Bowne <devotion_finesse@hotmail.com>
> Subject: [CR] Pletscher Rear Rack Question
> To: CR discussion list <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Message-ID: <COL113-W222B12C0800B47310AA9D5F5E80@phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
>
> On my commute this morning, I found a Pletscher "Model RS" rear
> rack on the side of the road. I think with a little cleaning, it's
> gonna make a lovely addition to my DiBartolomei 'townie' (A 1X7
> Nuovo Record-equipped on-topic roadie with Cinelli 'priest' bars
> and a front basket).
> The mounting hardware was present, however the bracket looks
> different from those found on other Pletshers I have seen. The
> rear plate that wraps around the seat stay is typically bent/curved
> in such a way that it will 'cradle' the seat stays while clamping
> on to them. The bracket that I found attached to this rack is
> straight. If I were to use it, do I run the risk of crimping the
> seat stays during install? Or is it more likely to slip when under
> a (light) load? Anybody ever put a strip of rubber or tape around
> the stays to protect 'em? Also, I plan to use p-claps on the lower
> mount, as there are no eyelets on my frame. Am I destined to have
> a rack that'll go slip-slidin' away? Should I be looking for
> replacement hardware? Or should I return it to the curb where it
> was found? Please share your creative rack mounting experiences...
>
> Many thanks,
> Matthew Bowne
> Brooklyn, New York
>

Jon Spangler Writer/editor Linda Hudson Writing

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