Best Front Bike Rack Reviews 2023 & Buying Guide

Bikes’ front racks are significant tools that can be used for various purposes. Starting from carrying bags to groceries to many other things, front bike racks are of great help.

There are many types of these racks and each has its importance and characteristics. Moreover, various factors should be considered while choosing the type of front rack. Thus, to know more about the best kinds of bikes’ front racks, keep reading this entire article.

Best Front Bike Rack Reviews

There are several types of front racks and these have different features.

The article will shed light on each of these kinds of bikes’ front racks. The properties and the features are discussed which will enhance your knowledge about each kind. This will in return assist you in choosing the most suitable option.

Soma Fabrications Porteur Deluxe Front Rack

Soma Fabrications Porteur Deluxe Front RackCHECK CURRENT PRICE

Soma Fabrications Porteur Deluxe Front Rack is a useful tool to attach to the front part of the bike. This rack has a wide platform so you can carry objects that have a wide dimension.

Additionally, this type of front rack is usually designed for 700c bikes. One of the interesting features of this rack is that for universal fitment, this rack mounts to the hub axle.

Also, this rack provides the convenience of adjusting its height. There is a horizontal strut at the lower part, so you can adjust it according to your need.

Porteur Front Racks

Porteur front rack has a spacious area to carry materials. Due to its big surface area, this rack can carry heavy objects. The structure of the rack makes it balance the heavy loads above the front wheel.

The installation process of this rack is very simple.  This rack is hooked on the bike’s wheel hub, the fork, or the bike’s pipe. Just to keep you informed, the porteur front rack is less preferred for bike touring.

Tubus Tara Lowrider Front Rack

Tubus Lowrider TaraCHECK CURRENT PRICE

Tubus Tara Lowrider’s front rack is useful for touring bikes. This is because the rack keeps the weight of the pannier very low to the ground. This rack should be attached to forks with the midsection eyelets.

Moreover, this kind of front rack is strong and durable. The balancing loop that intersects over the tire of the bike adds strength to the bike’s system. Overall, the structure and the system of this rack enable you to balance your bike.

Lowrider Front Racks

Lowrider front rack is helpful for long biking trips. The vital concept of this type of rack is that the less the weight, the more beneficial it is. This is due to gravitational stability. If the weight is less, then the center of gravity will be closer to the ground. Thus, the stability will be higher.

To reduce the weight, this rack usually opts for a hooking system that is lower than the optimal point of the wheel from the base. So, a joint is required to the hub or the fork for successfully combining this system.

Upon successful installation of this tool, the bike is ready for touring. This enables heavy bikes to feel balanced at low as well as at high speeds.

Origin8 Rush Messenger Front Basket Rack

Origin8 Rush Messenger Front Basket RackCHECK CURRENT PRICE

Origin8 Rush Messenger Front Basket Rack is a rack that is shaped like a cage. One of the essential features of this rack is that it minimizes the hassle of strapping. Besides, it has a front basket rack along with a joined U-lock holder.

Moving ahead, this rack is suitable for carrying odd-shaped items on your bike. This is due to the rack having a wide platform to carry large objects.

You can also add cargo nets to this tool. This will enable you to place your items securely in the rack. Lastly, this type of rack usually mounts to capiler hole as well as front axle.

Basket Front Racks

A basket front rack is another example of a front bike rack. Interestingly, you can make your basket rack by yourself. You can do so by simply connecting a porteur rack and a wire basket.

Also, you can use this rack for various purposes such as carrying your groceries. You no longer need to worry whether your items are dropping down while you are pedaling your bike.

The installation method of the basket front rack is very easy. Moreover, the mounts between the front axle are beneficial. This is because it adds further support for the basket.

You should check whether the basket will clear the front wheel for pedaling after it has been installed. This will avoid any sort of trouble to take place.

Axiom Journey Suspension and Disc Low-rider

Axiom Journey Suspension and Disc Low-rider, BlackCHECK CURRENT PRICE

Axiom Journey Suspension and Disc Low-rider have helpful features. The rack is light in weight and is also very tough.

This type of bike’s front rack makes sure that while cornering the bike, the panniers will not hit the ground. Moreover, this rack has safety tabs that prevent pannier bags from shifting front and back.

Besides, this rack mainly mounts beneath the suspension forks and between the wheel axle. This is done by applying a quick-release skewer. Also, this rack can carry around 33 lbs on each of its sides.

Suspension Front Racks

The suspension front rack is designed to attach to the suspension fork in the front. There are two kinds of suspension racks. One of the racks is mounted from the above suspension. The other one is mounted below the suspension.

For getting the most out of the suspension racks, you should be familiar with a tactic. It is that mounting your preferred weight above the suspension is better compared to mounting it below the forks. This is because mounting the weight beneath will lower the suspension’s performance.

Sunlite Gold Tec Front Rack (Affordable)

Sunlite Gold Tec Front RackCHECK CURRENT PRICE

Sunlite Gold Tec Front Rack is another type of bike’s front rack. It can carry a load of up to 40 lbs. Yet, this type of rack is usually not made for pannier bags.

In addition, this kind of rack usually mounts straight to the fork bosses. Specifying its material, this rack is made up of tubular aluminum.

Thule Pack ‘N Pedal Tour Rack (Universal)

Thule Pack ‘N Pedal Tour RackCHECK CURRENT PRICE

Thule Pack ‘N Pedal Tour Rack is a good choice for a front bike rack. This rack uses webbing ratchet straps for fitting into any shape.

Besides, this rack also works with numerous kinds of frame material. Moreover, this rack is suitable since it makes cycling easy. This is because the strut mounting points are raised above. This, makes it convenient for pedaling.

One of the key features of this rack is that it does not slide away from its place when it carries weight. This is due to the rubber grips that help the racks to remain in their position.

Moreover, this rack comes with a long deck that is adjustable. This is an added plus point of this rack. This is one of the greatest front bike racks as this comes with a safety key. This safety key restricts thieves from stealing or take away your rack when your bike is at a stop.

Bike Front Rack Buying Guide

There are various types of front racks for your bikes. Thus, some potential factors will guide you to choose the best one that suits your interest.

One of the significant factors is the load capacity of the racks. You should consider this aspect before purchasing the front rack. The double anchor racks are more durable in contrast with the single anchor ones.

The quality of the front racks is another key element. The majority of the front racks are usually made up of aluminum, steel, or cromoly (strong steel alloy). Each of the materials holds its relevant properties which will be discussed below.

Price is an essential factor to keep in mind when buying a front rack. The amount you plan to spend on the bike’s front rack will depend on the preference and usage of the tool. For instance, if you wish to use the bike for long tours, then you should choose the double anchor front racks. So, if you plan to use the bike for carrying materials that are light in weight, then you can opt for a single anchor. Overall, the double anchor racks cost higher than the single anchor racks.

Accessories act as important additional materials to use your preferred front racks. You should keep into account how you will be transporting objects on your rack. Hunt for the answers to questions such as ‘Will I need panniers?”, “ Will I secure my items using a bungee cord?” and so on. Overall, you should make sure that your chosen front rack is well-matched with the accessories.

Related reading: Best Rear Bike Rack Reviews & Buying Guide

Compatibility with Bike Wheel Sizes

You should keep in mind the sizes of wheels of your bike. The bike front rack which you decide to choose should be compatible with the wheel size of your bike.

Generally, the front racks are designed to function with 700c biking wheels. Yet, for a better decision, you should consult with a manufacturer to match the compatibility with your wheels.

Mounting System

There are several factors in the mounting system that you need to consider. Let’s discuss them in short.

Hub Axle

During the past times, it was very easy to detect which axle would be appropriate for the front hub of a bike. However, currently, the addition of disc brakes in conjunction with suspension forks and gear systems bought changes.  It made a transparent view that the old version of the axle can no longer be used.  Thus, several new axle options are established.

Eyelets

Eyelets can be used for some purposes. You can utilize the mounting eyelets at the front for mounting a front rack. Also, you can use these to mount a front fender. Yet, some racks do not require eyelets. For instance, Thule Pack ‘N Pedal Tour Rack does not require eyelets. It mounts onto the bike by applying ratchet straps.

Related reading: How to Use a Rear Bike Rack?

Fork

A bike fork is a tool that holds the front wheel of a bike. The fork is usually comprised of two blades. Moreover, these blades are connected at the top through a fork crown.

Weight

The weight of the bike front racks should be kept in mind when deciding about the purchase of the rack. The weight of the racks usually depends on the material of the respective rack.

Different materials attain different weights. For instance, the bike’s front racks which are made of aluminum are usually light in weight. In addition to this, the front racks made using cromoly are also light in weight. However, the racks made of steel are heavy.

Overall, the weights of the racks should be taken into consideration.

Maximum Load Capacity

Considering the greatest load capacity of your front rack is an essential factor. This will enable you to decide on which rack to choose. Different types of bike front racks hold different types of load capacity.

Depending on your purpose of usage, you can choose the one that suits your interest. For instance,  Sunlite Gold Tec Front Rack is considered to carry a light load. However, Thule Pack ‘N Pedal Tour Rack carries a medium load. On the other hand, Origin8 Rush Messenger carries a heavy load.

Overall, the maximum load capacity should be one of your priorities when choosing the front rack.

Material

Front racks made with steel are heavy and long-lasting. Furthermore, these bike front racks can be repaired if they are damaged.

Moving on to aluminum racks, these are generally light in weight and less durable. However, once these aluminum racks are broken, they cannot be repaired.

Nowadays, cromoly racks are gaining popularity. This is because they have the properties of being light in weight and strong. Additionally, these front racks are very strong.

Overall, the characteristics possessed by each material should be well examined.

Ease of Installation

Ease of installation is many people’s priority when deciding on which one to buy. Hassle-free options of front racks are beneficial.

For example, Porteur front rack has an easy installation process. Also, the Basket front rack has the characteristics of easy installation.

Thus, the ease of installation should be highly prioritized.

Related reading: Front vs Rear Bike Basket – A Comparison

Construction

Some examples of materials for making front racks are steel, aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel. All these materials are used for the construction of the racks which ends up giving a strong product. However, the strongest construction material is steel or stainless steel.

On the other hand, the bike front racks which are built using aluminum usually fail. Thus, before using aluminum, make sure you test its durability.

So, the construction materials should be looked into while choosing the kind of rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use pannier bags on the front rack?

Yes, you can use pannier bags with the front bike rack. It’s completely safe and quite helpful to use pannier bags on the front rack.

Conclusion

The article highlighted various aspects of the best front bike racks. Several examples of bike front racks are provided along with detailed explanations.

In addition, many factors are discussed which need to be taken into consideration while choosing the type of bike’s front racks. On the whole, this article provided an overview of the front bike racks.