Parking with a Porteur Rack

I love love love my porteur rack. Aside from fenders it is my favorite commuting accessory of all time.

The only issue I have is locking my bike to things. I can't figure out how to prevent the floppy front wheel, which I'm sure is annoying to other bicyclists (and their bikes).

Any advice? I have a mixte/step-through type frame and have tried multiple combos with a u-lock and cable. Is there a gadget out there?

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Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on February 18, 2013 at 12:02pm

FYI, that's not a mixte frame.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on February 18, 2013 at 12:05pm

The top one is one old and tried one. One note: It only fits bikes with less than a certain size down tube. Check before you buy. I did not and it did not work.

Another trick is to make sure you unload the rack before you start to lock up your bike.

Cameron 7.5 mi said:

You try a wheel stabilizer to keep the wheel centered:

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/chainguards-stay...

Or a Spokebug to lock the wheel and keep the bike steady:

http://www.toynbee.co/spokebug.html

Permalink Reply by maryrachel on February 18, 2013 at 12:12pm

These are great suggestions. Thanks!

It sure isn't Adam. Hence the "mixte/step-through type" reference. I've been searching for a mixte road bike for 2 years. Very challenging at 5'10. Let me know if you ever run across one.

Permalink Reply by maryrachel on February 18, 2013 at 12:17pm

Does the VO Wheel Stabilizer effect steering?

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on February 18, 2013 at 12:18pm

I have a fairly long cable I wrap around each wheel and the frame (and post for the rear) before connecting to the U lock, which also secures the rear wheel and frame to the post.  In addition to looking like a mess of coils it also holds the front wheel in place.

(please don't steal my bike)

Permalink Reply by Duppie on February 18, 2013 at 1:12pm

I had a similar system on one of my bikes growing up. Never noticed any impact on steering.

On this particular stabilizer the tension is adjustable with a screw. It might take a few tries to find the balance between stabilizing the wheel enough and not impacting steering too much

maryrachel said:

Does the VO Wheel Stabilizer effect steering?

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on February 18, 2013 at 1:25pm

I have a front rack, and have found that  locking up with my mini-ulock around the headtube is the most stable.

Permalink Reply by Anika on February 18, 2013 at 1:44pm
The VO wheel stabilizer doesn't have any noticeable effect on my Yuba's steering. It is helpful when loading both the front and rear of the bike.
Permalink Reply by David P. on February 18, 2013 at 3:28pm

Mary Rachel,

Soma's mixte, the Buena Vista, comes in a large size (58cm, I think) that ought to fit you. Lovely Bicycle wrote about it a while back:

http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2011/04/somas-fab-in-650b-test-ride-...

it's a 700c frame so you could reuse your existing wheelset

I am putting a V-O stabilizer on my SS later tonight; I don't expect to notice it, though I will report if I find otherwise.


maryrachel said:

These are great suggestions. Thanks!

It sure isn't Adam. Hence the "mixte/step-through type" reference. I've been searching for a mixte road bike for 2 years. Very challenging at 5'10. Let me know if you ever run across one.

Permalink Reply by Will on February 19, 2013 at 6:33am

I rode a Gary Fisher city bike once with a wheel stabilizer similar to the VO. Yes, it affects the steering, but not in a negative way, it just makes the bike easier to keep pointed in a straight line. Turns are more deliberate, but not difficult. I think it's a great accessory for a city bike.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on February 19, 2013 at 6:48am

Here's a mixte road bike that could fit you.

maryrachel said:

These are great suggestions. Thanks!

It sure isn't Adam. Hence the "mixte/step-through type" reference. I've been searching for a mixte road bike for 2 years. Very challenging at 5'10. Let me know if you ever run across one.

Permalink Reply by maryrachel on February 19, 2013 at 7:37am

It's beautiful! Time to start a new savings account. 

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm going to try the different lock methods but will probably end up with the wheel stabilizer due to my clumsy hands. Something from V.O. for $10?? Glad to hear it also helps stabilize the steering too. Especially with a crate of wine and beer.  

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